My Soapbox for Equestrian Writings
Every time there is a rotational fall where a rider dies, the headlines across the equine media proclaim it’s time to make eventing safer. I think the first time I saw the headline, “Eventing in Crisis” was back in 2008. Unfortunately, over the weekend there was another rotational fall. Another death. This time it cost […]
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The days of the traditional top hat are numbered. Dressage riders must wear protective headgear at all times, in the show ring and out, at FEI events as of January 1, 2021. In addition, helmets are required during the marathon phase of combined driving events. The delay in implementation is to allow time for education […]
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Many horses are adept at inflating their bellies like balloons, making it near impossible to get your girth tight enough before you mount. Especially when you are riding cross country, or foxhunting, getting that girth up another hole or two can make the difference between a saddle slipping or staying put. The problem is that […]
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Whenever I see a large jump in views on my blog, my heart sinks. Usually it means that there has been a rotational fall somewhere in the world (my post, What is a Rotational Fall and How can They be Prevented) has high Google rankings. Sadly, yesterday that prediction came true. Thirteen-year old Ashley Stout […]
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This image and the story below is from Elaine Ward, who posted it to Riders4 Helmets. Back in 2010 when Courtney King-Dye was injured, many of us in Ontario Canada felt compelled to wear a helmet even though we were showing FEI Level. It was to show our support for Courtney, and it also really […]
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Six months after a serious head injury sustained in a fall from Cooley Rorkes Drift at Tattersalls CIC3*, Olympic rider Jonty Evans made it back into the saddle. Okay, the saddle was on a simulator, but to me this looks like an excellent (and safe way) to regain his strength and coordination. I wouldn’t mind […]
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Zelda was tuckered out after our ride yesterday. So was I. Although I’ve been riding regularly, I haven’t been out for a two hour ride for way too long. A few friends came over to join us on the trails and we had a great time gallivanting. The only downside is that it was too […]
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Since my accident my relationship with fear has changed. It’s become tactile and dimensional, I can taste it and feel the coils of uncertainty sometimes tighter, sometimes looser. At its worst, my breathing gets shallow and my body tenses. Fear has boundaries. It lets me go just so far, and not a step further. I […]
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