It's finally here! The day of the show. What do you do? Will you place? What if your horse freaks out? What if you (gulp) fall off? What if your horse rolled during the night and is filthy? What if, what if, what if... You can "what if" all day long and it won't get you any closer to the show pen or a ribbon. Always focus on what you can do, not what … [Read more...] about It’s Show Time!
horse training
To Groom Or Not To Groom…
The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." – Winston Churchill A few years ago I was conducting a CHA Riding Instructor Certification Clinic. During these clinics, the 2 staff members watch and evaluate four lessons taught by each of the participants. Three lessons are mounted, but one lesson is an un-mounted … [Read more...] about To Groom Or Not To Groom…
Once Upon A Time…
What’s the most important thing to teach your horse? In my humble opinion it is to stop when asked. The all important Whoa. Or Ho. Or Stop. Or you can even say Snicklefritz if you want, as long as your horse knows that means they have to stop moving. As in stop moving their feet/legs/ neck/ body/ all of the above. It’s the first thing I teach all my riding students. I always … [Read more...] about Once Upon A Time…
Dream a Lofty Dream
"Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall at last unveil." - John Ruskin Many years ago I had a client who was looking for a new horse for her daughter, Caren. Caren had been riding the family horse for a few years. She had gone from a complete beginner to an accomplished show rider. It was time for her … [Read more...] about Dream a Lofty Dream
Honesty’s The Best Policy?
“Honesty is the most single most important factor having a direct bearing on the final success of an individual, corporation, or product.” Ed McMahon A few years ago I had a client named Delores who owned a horse named Rebel. Rebel was a nice enough horse but he was a small, very flashy palomino tobiano paint. Delores had purchased him as a yearling and she … [Read more...] about Honesty’s The Best Policy?