My Soapbox for Equestrian Writings
If location is key to real estate success, then the most useful training exercises available to every rider are transitions, transitions, transitions. I know I’ve written about transitions before, but I’ve been working with Zelda this spring, getting her back in shape, working on her balance and asking her to work more sharply off my […]
Read MoreWe just keep getting snow! The nor’easter on Thursday dumped about 8 more inches on what was probably an 8″ base. Now tonight we’re supposed to get another 5-8″. I like riding in the snow, but this is getting ridiculous. Plus, the snow is now dense and heavy, thanks to the rain we got after […]
Read MoreThis week I’ve been very lucky and two friends gave me the gift of letting me hunt their horses. And I’ve still got this big old grin on my face from the treat. I have been feeling hunt deprived. I’m not horse deprived — I have Sheldon to ride, Curly to help get fit and […]
Read MoreI’ve seen this photo make the rounds on Facebook for quite some time. And each time I see it I can’t decide if this kid is having fun . . . or is scared out of his mind! The expression could go either way. As a parent, it worries me to see his left foot […]
Read MoreThe idea of riding with “contact” is pretty straight forward. You should have a light but steady feel of your horse’s mouth that allows you to contain and direct their energy. The tricky part comes with the fact that you cannot force contact; your horse has to seek it. And that comes from engaging your […]
Read MoreOn Monday I was schooling for the hunt. In my warm up rides I generally do a few transitions from canter to gallop and back to make sure I have brakes and then hop over a few fences. If I find I’m having problems I want to make sure that I fix them at home […]
Read MoreFreedom needs to be ridden several times a week. Not to keep him fit (he’s always fit) but to quiet his mind. After a few days off he sees lions, tigers and bears in the woods when we hack out. He is startled by the most common objects (a wet rock, a tree branch that […]
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