If Dressage Could Save Itself
Just a few days ago I wrote about how unacceptable it was that Shelley Browning, an amateur Dressage rider, was allowed to complete not one but two rides at a show the weekend before. Her…
Just a few days ago I wrote about how unacceptable it was that Shelley Browning, an amateur Dressage rider, was allowed to complete not one but two rides at a show the weekend before. Her…
UPDATE [01-26-2018]: A recording of the Friday ride has been shared with me, and posted. You’ll find it at the bottom of the article, after the commentary from her Thursday ride. The commentary is still…
Wait, what?! Because they’re so popular, many people assume that the abusive training method of Rollkur began with Anky van Grunsven and her coach-turned-husband Sjef Janssen. Nope, not true. Before Sjef & Anky, there was…
It’s been quiet around here lately, but today I break the silence to say “WTF internet?” This might be a complete joke of a video, but it is terrifying to know that someone, somewhere is…
Please reconsider tuning in this year to the 2016 Olympic Games at Rio, at least the Equestrian portion. I’ve written about why it would be great if you tuned out during the Equestrian portion in…
*Warning: post contains sarcasm, name calling and I’m pretty sure I cursed once or twice. Now that you’ve been adequately warned, proceed. It’s happened again. Andreas Helgestrand, being outed for horse abuse. This time our…
Dressage is dead. There, I said it. Somebody had to. Okay, not dead in the literal sense. Dressage is still alive and kicking. But, the idea of Dressage as some kind of harmonious, artistic venture…
Inspired by the video of Wonderful I shared yesterday, here are some additional videos of stallions from various State Studs for your inspiration. All of these videos are excellent visuals, demonstrating forward moving horses, and using…
It can be easy to lose balance in Dressage and end up pursuing one extreme trait of the discipline or another. Perhaps you’ve been working hard to perfect your lateral work and forgot to notice…
As if the overwhelming persistence of bad dressage wasn’t enough, now there’s Dressage Knockout. Picture this: instead of the traditional “bore-you-to-tears” Dressage we’re used to seeing you get the pleasure of watching two Dressage riders compete…
We’re all in need of some visual inspiration, here are a few rides to get you ready for the weekend by visualizing what is dressage. Mestre Nuno Oliveira sheds some light on the piaffé To…
“My father was a harness racing jockey and he went into horse breeding and training. I know for a fact that he wasn’t always above board, and he’s the reason why it means nothing to me when I’m told some person’s been in the business for fifty years and therefore they can’t be doing it wrong. I grew up around very successful people who made a lot of money and I know that’s no guarantee of admirable ethics.”
Dressage is supposed to be a dance, why not combine it with a real ballerina? The girl riding demonstrates the ability to perform high-school dressage moves in a bitless bridle, which is a shame that competitions don’t yet allow.
I am owned by an exquisite mare. We call her ‘The Diva’. She is opinionated, fiery, smart, and thinks people are pretty darn fun to hang out with. One sunny August day, seven years ago,…
I’ll keep the background story brief about me and my horse Jobi for now. I’m sure it will develop itself with more posts. I owned him for many years and brought him up through advanced…
What is the goal of putting in your two cents? When you post a comment are you hoping to lift the person up, tear them down, or perhaps something deeper – offer an insight which…