I was 13 when I entered my first horse show. The judge advised me that the yellow macramé browband I’d crafted for my gelding’s bridle was not customary horse show attire. In 25 years as a professional riding coach and horse trainer, I’ve worked with 100s of horses and coached even more riders. What I’ve learned from horses and their people! What I’ve learned about myself in the fishbowl of the show ring! Horse shows have enriched the lives of so many – and been the catalyst for the train wreck of others.

I include some obstacle/ground rail work in most lessons I teach. Why obstacles?3 reasons beyond the variety and fun…

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.

Navigating horse trail obstacles requires patience. Obstacles, step-by-step, may not appeal to thrill seekers, requiring slow training; patience and pausing between steps. Consequently, many riders don’t practice them (until they get to the horse shows)!

Navigating horse trail obstacles – benefits of focusing on your horse’s footwork? Lateral skills to improve other horse activities such as positioning for lead departures or opening a gate from horseback.

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.