She enters the barn, looking left to right. What does she think her horse might be afraid of? First, let’s adjust everything that is out of place, just tidy the barn aisle up. No pesky plastic is visible. Start with his saddle pad. She’d better let him smell it. Sure, she’d been riding him in … Read more
When people hear I live in Colorado they often get a romantic look on their faces. I shake my head, “It’s not that Colorado.” It’s February on the High Plains of Colorado. Due to low precipitation and an elevation of almost 7000 feet, the High Plains experience gusty winds and extremes in temperature. But at … Read more
Pull, twist, cluck, resist.
If you think domination is good horsemanship, you’re wrong. Seeing your horse cower underneath you is ugly.
In a normal week I probably suggest, chirp, cajole, beg, and sometimes yell- the word forward at least 3 million times. This week it’s twice that, and I’m not even to my busiest lesson days yet. Sometimes I mix in some clucking noises for variety. Not that I am complaining. Not a bit. I owe … Read more
THROUGH. In the dressage world, the term Through is much debated, sometimes misunderstood, and deeply desired reality. Through is a free flowing movement, from back to front, and should include a positive mental/emotional state. It is naturally occurring, but can be illusive to create under saddle. Fluid. Dynamic. Relaxed. Powerful. Effortless. The perfect marriage of … Read more