It’s More Than Horse Shows
An opportunity to study and teach equine behaviour and research in the classroom provided more insights into the way horses think and learn.
Cleaning out the horse trailer tack room- and other life lessons.
Ok, honestly, who cleans out the trailer tack room after the last show? Typically, the 1st spring show is motivation to unload the moldy ribbons, rusty bobby pins and leaking hoof oil before loading the horses and hitting the road. Well, with the first shows postponed, we might be inclined to kick the trailer tack … Read more Cleaning out the horse trailer tack room- and other life lessons.
Fixing spins and turns on the haunches Part 2.
Sharing an article I wrote for Horse Canada magazine, from the archives. English riders, don’t let the western title or tack deter you! Turns on the haunches have the same ingredients – forward “thought”, cadence, alignment (slightly arced). Differences? Dressage judges look for a walking rhythm, with the inner hind leg stepping up and down … Read more Fixing spins and turns on the haunches Part 2.
Fixing spins and turns on haunches
Sharing an article I wrote for Horse Canada magazine, from the archives. English riders, don’t let the western title or tack deter you! Turns on the haunches have the same ingredients – forward “thought”, cadence, alignment (slightly arced). Differences? Dressage judges look for a walking rhythm, with the inner hind leg stepping up and down … Read more Fixing spins and turns on haunches
Beauty in unexpected places
It’s amazing that in the horse world, you can spot beauty and creativity in “functional” places. Jump course design. Trail course design. “Bling” sneaking into the every corner – browbands, belts, braids and boots. I believe the capacity to create is the imprint of God – uniquely human. I see the beauty, intricate design and … Read more Beauty in unexpected places
Pressures, prey animals and people.
When I’m feeling squeezed by the world, does it bring out the best or the worst in me? In clinics for therapeutic riding facilities, I work with staff to teach or re-teach horses to stand quietly at the mounting ramp. Not a naturally pleasant experience for a prey animal – sandwiched between a tall ramp … Read more Pressures, prey animals and people.
Did I say that? Communicating intentionally to horses.
As I entered the office of a friend the other day, I interrupted him as he was dictating into his computer. We’d chit chatted and swapping a few stories, before he realized he’d forgotten to turn off the dictation feature. It was awkwardly funny to hear him read back our conversation from his screen, word … Read more Did I say that? Communicating intentionally to horses.
A fresh perspective: 8 different viewpoints to clarify your riding goals.
As a horse crazy girl, I remember cresting one of the Caledon hills on a trail ride at Teen Ranch. The view, for this 10 year old from the GTA, where the only hills are suburban “berms”, was a completely new perspective. A new year inspires new riding goals. If you feel your riding’s a … Read more A fresh perspective: 8 different viewpoints to clarify your riding goals.
“How important is it to bond with my horse?”
I’m asked this regularly. I may dig a little deeper, “Tell me what you mean by bonding.” If bonding means to you: my horse feels safe and relaxed in my presence my horse understands me – my movements and cues are predictable I’d say that’s very important! However, if you’re hoping for your horse to … Read more “How important is it to bond with my horse?”
Blaming my horse.
When I assume my horse “should know better” the truth is at that moment, I’ve really just run out of creativity, patience and my knowledge of equitation science. Training horses is not so much horse sense as horse science. It’s not whispering. It’s not mystical. By understanding how horses learn and see the world we … Read more Blaming my horse.
When experienced riders become stuck in a rut.
What makes an experienced rider? “Experience is not the best teacher- only evaluated experience is”. Wise words from professor and pastor, Dr. Howard Hendricks Horse club banquet season – the end of the year is a time for reflection. What went well? What would I like to change? Heading into the next year of life, … Read more When experienced riders become stuck in a rut.