Exploring the Double Bridle : Unconventional Practice
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…
The Art Of…
Posts and Articles of topics related to the artistic aspect of horsemanship including Classical Dressage.
Equestrian Ability vs. Desire
From a superficial level it is easy to mistake ability with desire, or to group them together as synonymous terms. To believe that if a rider has the ability they will also have the desire…
The Importance of Critique For Equestrians
I’m not perfect, and I avoid expecting perfection, although I do aim for “personal best”. As equestrians and horseback riders we give critique constantly, while often being oblivious to the critique we’re receiving. From the moment we…
A Case Study Humanized.
I have a lovely 13-year-old student who is much more mature than those years. She is gifted, committed and built to sit on a horse. She has been in a saddle since she was six. To each…
The Rough Seas of Being Human.
For as long as I can remember I have worshipped horses. One of my earliest memories is of cantering my imaginary horse around a field while my mother had her riding lesson. I was four…
Procrastinating
I don’t know about you, but I am a really great procrastinator, coupled with an uncanny ability to rationalize EVERYTHING. That just spells disaster. With that in mind I’d like to share a few points from a list of “99 Excuses”. I have found that planning to accomplish one MAJOR task (i.e. greater than washing the laundry, etc.) each day really helps to kick procrastination in the pants and grease the wheels of motivation.
3 Inspirational Equestrians You Don’t Want to Miss
Are all riders perfect? No! Are all horses of top breeding and flawless athletic ability? Ha, you jest! But nothing in life is perfect and if we sit around waiting for perfection we will likely miss out on the beautiful, inspirational equestrians who are plugging away in their own quest for perfection.
The Difference Between Classical and Competitive Dressage
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 measure of awe inspired in people when they hear that “so and so” does Classical Dressage. It has a note of magic attached to it, even if it is a tradition based on a bunch of dead guys; or maybe it is because of those dead guys.
Creative Horsemanship Lessons from Burning Man
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 encouraged but nurtured and brought to astounding levels.
Selling Yourself to the Horse
Have you ever been pitched by a sales person who lacked all elements of confidence and charm? Who seemed nervous and uncertain about just what it was they were selling and the reasons you ought to be buying it? I know I have plenty of times. And then there are the salesmen who are so confident and smooth that you almost want to beg them to sell you whatever it is they are peddling.
Manolo Mendez You Have My Attention
Despite my initial “wow, I like this guy” reaction to seeing photos of him riding, reading about clinic experiences and even tracking down videos of him riding and working horses at clinics, I haven’t been able to dig up enough dirt to discredit my positive thoughts about this man. Unusual, I know.
Master Luis Valenca Rodrigues
What I found fascinating in particular was the history lesson on the Lusitano breed, how it came to be developed in the manner it has (with bulls, etc) as well as how he contrasts their speed/flexibility to other breeds and what that means in their training and handling.
Acknowledging A Love
I have learned that no matter what, horses will always be the greatest love in my life, the greatest passion and the driving force behind my happiness.
Honoring The Horse
In looking around, there seems a great wealth of images and video, articles and books, media and marketing; all of which demonstrating the use of the horse for human gain and purposes. The focus, the mindset, the intent is control and consumption of the horse – we ride, we travel, we tour, we compete, we battle, we seek to impress.
The Orphanage of “On The Bit”
The term “on the bit” doesn’t have an origin in the long-time history of Dressage, but according to Bettina Drummond it is an orphan that is only causing chaos, confusion and much of the demise of Dressage.
Creating Energy Through the Reins
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.