An excellent article from champion Bob Avila, addresses a horse show trend that’s been troubling me as a horseperson and judge. Another trend I hope our governing associations will consider “reining back” , for the welfare of our industry and the welfare of the horse. (Every discipline has its trends!) It’s the extreme low, even … Read moreHow low is too low? Head position in the show ring.
If you’re not enjoying your hobby, it’s not a hobby. It’s a job. And for those of us for whom it is a job, let’s enjoy the process – not just the result!
As a horse show judge and riding coach, this has become my motto over the years: “Over-prepare… then go with the flow.”
I love working with “speed riders” in clinics or lessons – helping them to: identify specific instances in which the horse is resisting their cues on course clarify their cues speak in a code the horse understands – even while navigating at speed. Jumper, barrels or extreme obstacle races. Speed under control is quicker than … Read moreSpeed event “horse science”…Every little resistance costs precious time.
“Good luck!” With a final buff of my boot and a pat to the horse’s neck, the horse’s owner waves me from warm up ring to show pen before taking their place in the bleachers. Many years of showing horses, many owners, many horses, but the scene is familiar. Do you believe in luck?
At this week’s AQHA show judge’s update, I really liked how one of the clinicians described what judge’s are looking for in “looking ahead”, scoring equitation over fences.
Do you ever feel you’re running on adrenaline? Overwhelmed? Overscheduled?
I know that feeling- whistled off-course as a young rider more times than I can count.
An opportunity to study and teach equine behaviour and research in the classroom provided more insights into the way horses think and learn.