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.

Lunging is an extension of your horse training, More than a chance to blow off steam. And lunging has tuned my eye in comparing the movement of hundreds of assorted horses, evaluating strengths and weaknesses in their ways of going.

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?”

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