Do you ride without stirrups on a regular basis? It has been 7 years since I began riding without stirrups, with one exception – when I go down the trail and spend a significant amount of time posting and two-point. This began as a pact with a good friend of mine to encourage one another …
I have been ponying horses for a number of years now, on a regular basis, and am absolutely convinced of its value and efficacy with young horses as well as older trained riding horses. There are many great benefits which give reason to implement ponying into your riding regimen that go beyond training the young …
It is officially the internet age, a time when it is all too common for someone to hurl insults, falsify personal information and simply be a person that is neither honest or responsible because the fear of being openly identified as such across so many miles of internet is almost nil. I used to belong …
We’ve heard all the hype about 2012 and what it means according to the Mayans, but what exactly does 2012 as a year of change mean for us as equestrians? I know that this year is one I want to make unforgettable. It is a year in which I would most like to see my …
Every single one of us needs to be nurtured by an inspirational equestrian from time to time. Riding horses, whether you are conscious of it or not, is an art form – and like all artists there is something to be said for inspiration in order for us to be at our best. In our …
Or if you prefer to call it low, deep and round then go right ahead. I don’t differentiate the two very much, it is mostly political semantics so the FEI can avoid making top riders responsible in training their horses without abuse. I digress. What you came here wondering about is Edward Gal’s involvement. He …
Once upon a time ago, the difference between Classical and Competitive Dressage seemed synonymous with the distance between the walls of the Grand Canyon (which happens to be up to 18 miles wide!). Whether it is merely my perception, or the reality, which has changed I have yet to determine. Nonetheless there is still a …
Typically when one thinks of a barefoot horse they think of the typical barefoot or pasture type trim that your standard farrier does. That, however, is not what I’m referring to. Instead, I am talking about the barefoot horse whose trim is more than just lacking a piece of steel, it is a trim that …
It is done all the time at Cavalia, the wildly popular equine entertainment extravaganza. To be one with your horse does not require that you climb inside it’s recently gutted abdominal cavity, or that you tread the line of morality. Still, it happens that this is forgotten. An Oregon woman, claiming she wanted to be …
So many thanks go out to everyone who played a part in helping bring Jobi home! Words cannot express the joy in stepping outside my door in the morning to see him grazing in the pasture. If ever there was a dream come true, it is this horse in my life. Jobi spent fifteen months …
Yesterday marked the beginning of a new chapter in Aligarh’s education. I had the opportunity to sit on his back for the first time, and I am happy to report that all went off without a hitch and left me grinning from ear to ear. Pictures at the bottom! Let’s start with the approach – …
[dc]T[/dc]he novice rider receives an unfair amount of flack from their more experienced counterparts. There is, however, a great deal of insight to be gained from working with beginners. As an instructor I have learned the most from students which are complete novices vs. riders who have many years in the saddle. There is often …
