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 …
Studies in animals, and humans, have shown that the mere association with reward for particular behavior can quickly replace the need for direct reward. The brain assumes that a reward is coming and begins to signal that we ought to behave in a particular manner to receive that reward. In turn, this neural firing on …
The following text inspired me in thought, it is an excerpt from On The Family, written by the Florentine humanist Leon Battista Alberti in 1443. Dated? Yes, but that hardly means it is outdated. It addresses the subject of idleness and the consequence it has on personal achievement. When I read this text I relate …
That is right, human history predicts that we as a species will use force in obtaining control. We posturalize and use our ego to intimidate, when that fails to work we can then resort to physical means even so far as to kill; and killing can mean mental, emotional or physical death for our victim. …
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 …
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 …
Keep moving, even movement backwards is movement in the right direction. When we stop we begin to wither and die, we lose what we have learned. Move in any way you can. Mentally, physically, emotionally.
- Erica K. Frei (2008); Centered Self, Centered Horse
