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 …

[dc]I stumbled[/dc] upon an article, completely unrelated to horses, the other day and as is usual I’ve found a way to relate it to horses! The theme of the piece is about leadership, but that is not where my mind focused. Instead it was the remarks made about the creative spirit that is not only …

The word Dressage can be translated from French to mean “training” and although it has lost some of its credibility thanks to competition, the original intentions are invaluable. Even if you strictly ride western and loath the sight of any english discipline you can benefit from incorporating the fundamentals of Dressage into your riding and …

Is this a new wave of me being positively impressed upon by equestrians? It must be my lucky month because I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a fantastic horsewoman just before September rolled in and now I can count my lucky stars and say that Manolo Mendez may also have won a place in my …

A two-part special has recently been published online highlighting the skills of Master horseman Luis Valenca Rodrigues that I’d like to share with my readers. If you are unfamiliar don’t feel terrible, he is in Portugal and as is unfortunately the common case has not reached the recognizability of other Masters yet who reached their …

As a once-upon-a-time-ago student of Competitive Dressage, this term is very familiar. As a student of Classical Dressage this term is foreign. But why? Do you know what “on the bit” means? Can you put it into words? What does being “on the bit” do for you and your horse? What does it lead to? …

In a perfect world the horse is connected to us through the reins, meaning that the contact we’ve established on the reins serves as the ultimate communication tool. There is no tension, simply touch and with it the power to execute energy through the horse at a moments notice. What this means for us as …

What is the importance of the seat, hands, legs in the aiding of the horse? I am often sent information (in the form of articles), read online discussions, have pilfered through countless books, listened to other clinicians, speakers, trainers, etc as they describe and indicate the use of the aids. If you are like me, …