Awareness – so needed! Thank you.

I understand that you have an opposing opinion to the previous comment, and that you have felt it justifiable to attempt belittling me with remarks on par with that of a school yard bully – but I do take issue with you doing the same to other people commenting on my blog.

If you feel you have a valid opinion there should be no need to make threats and comments such as “I’d like to see you train a horse at that level that’s worth more than your life will ever be.” It is total nonsense for you to behave this way. We are all adults, and I have left many of you free rein to comment as you please, which has resulted in your proving you lack any manners or common consideration for other people.

People behave similarly with their horses as they do with one another, and if you are quick to be this abusive with your words towards people you do not know, I can only imagine the way you behave with your horses who you feel comfortable to treat any way you like.

For that reason I’m putting you on moderated commenting status. Consider this blacklisting of your inability to behave like an adult.

Cheers,
Erica K. Frei
Blog Owner

First of all, that girl’s horse seemed like a very willing partner. In our area I have seen many, many horses that refuse to go into the arena unless they’re hit with the bat, have another rider on his/her horse lead the other one in, be pushed in, etc. That tells me the horse is frightened and doesn’t enjoy its job.

I hate watching the timed events, including barrel racing, as the riders’ only talent sees to be to hang on for dear life, and beat the living daylights out of their mounts. They think they’re all that, but they’re not. Their legs and arms are flapping like crazy and there is daylight between their butts and the saddle—they look like a big-assed bird about to take flight. Yeah, not a pretty picture.

And don’t even talk about the contraptions they put on their horses’ faces. I have seen tie-downs used in conjunction with a nose-breaking hackamore and a long-shanked bit. WTH is up with all that? Maybe they should tone down the artillery and learn to ride like the girl with the winning barrel racing run. Her horse looked vastly different than what I see at gaming shows around my neck of the woods.

Good post! Keep up the good work!!!!

I do give lessons, to clarify any confusion right off I am not connected with “Centered Riding” as in Sally Swift’s certification. I do give lessons on the lunge and off to develop the rider’s seat according to their own body type and center of balance (we are all different, which is why trying to ride in a mechanical position is so difficult if you don’t fit the ideal body type).

I will have lessons opening up once again the end of March, give me a ring on my cell phone and we can talk about setting up a time that works for you come spring – 608-359-3731.

Cheers,
Erica

Certainly – the issue that will come into play is that removing stirrups from a western saddle is not so simple as removing them from an English one. You may need to get in touch with a local saddler to have it done and keep in mind that once they are off you will have to have help putting them back on as well. If there is anyone in your area that you can take seat lessons with to develop your position and balance in the saddle that will help out a lot. There is more to riding without stirrups than just removing your stirrups from the saddle and it begins with your basic position in the saddle. If you want you can email me and I’ll send you some details about exercises you can practice and stretches that help as well. And never be afraid to make use of the horn on your saddle if you feel your balance compromised. The idea is to improve, not to learn by falling off! :)

Cheers,
Erica