In the middle of our I DON’T KNOW, we long for the familiar rhythms of life. But was life really normal? I mean, life as it ought to be? Like a horse “progressing” away from the mounting block while its rider is still adjusting her stirrups, if we’re honest, much of our culture seemed to … Read more “When things get back to normal…” Returning to the mounting block.
In the middle of the horse show class, a reining rider pauses to reset after 4 spins… to think…to plan for the canter departure ahead. So, what ‘ll I do with the free space left from cancelled horse activities, horse shows and daily appointments? Slow work or no work? Though voices from our screens call … Read more Skipping the reset – what might we miss?
In my equitation science workshops, I show a slide with a steps and landings. Frustration’s inevitable when we find ourselves one flight down from our last schooling session. ..especially if it happens in the warm up ring at a show! (Been there). “But he never does this at home!” “C’mon – you KNOW this, perfectly … Read more (re)Training horses, step-by-step
Fielding the daily “postponements” and cancellations of riding clinics and horse show judging. (a photo from my judging booth at last summer’s Teen Ranch hunter/jumper show). Every postponement is mingled with a little hope as we kick the can down the road a little further. Each cancellation feels like a little grief. Thinking of all … Read more Horse show cancellations… and hope