Horse judging across a few disciplines is wearing many hats. And lots of learning!
Winter in Canada brings snow, seminars and judge’s exams. Hunter/Jumper, AQHA, Working Equitation, Extreme Cowboy, Mountain Trail and more…
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.
Black Beauty shed light on issues of horse welfare -the life of working horses. The voices of Black Beauty and Ginger awoke empathy for horses – in a time in which horsepower ran almost everything.
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?”
Counting my blessings – amazing graces – in my horse life. Not only what I’ve been given, but what I’ve be spared from, as a riding coach and horse trainer.
I’ve known and loved lots of horse families in my years of coaching. Riding students and their “pit crews”- those bound up in the bundle of life with them. Horse shows can pull families together…and sadly, others apart.
As coaches, let’s do our part to support our families – they’re the building blocks of our communities in a messy world.