In the horse show world, knocking over a pylon in a pattern class is grounds for disqualification or “Off Pattern.” But not in life. I’m convinced the best way to stand at the in-gate of the New Year is a mix of LOOKING BACK and LOOKING FORWARD.
When I began judging horse shows, I was struck by how little influence fashion trends had on my score card compared to performance and penalties. Despite the Black Friday sales on bling and brands, I’m more inclined to ask: “Is it a need or a want?”
Navigating trail obstacles – Control the feet and you control the horse. ’ve found it to be true – the key to the horse’s mind is, in a sense, through his feet. I include some obstacle work in most riding lessons I teach. Riders reap the benefits of guiding their horses’ steps sideways, backward and forward for use in their other horse activities
Obstacle riding disciplines – Working Equitation, Mountain Trail, Show Trail, Ranch trail, Extreme Cowboy. The appeal of riding over obstacles? A change and challenge from dressage circles or the western pleasure rail. Others are opting out of jumping for a less risky challenge.
The rest of this article I wrote for Canadian Horse Journals is available on their site https://www.horsejournals.com/riding-training/rider-development/psychology/when-things-go-wrong-show-ring
