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.
Four areas to improve our horses’ welfare
What are the welfare challenges facing pleasure and competition horses? A research study, led by academics at the University of Bristol’s School of Vet Sciences set to find out. I thought it was cool that experts from across the equine industry contributed to the research- vets, farriers, trainers, welfare charities, breed and competition associations. As … Read moreFour areas to improve our horses’ welfare
Confusing horse training jargon.
Mystical, humorous or deliberately elusive – the terms we use in the horse business can leave a rider scratching her head. I was a coach’s worst nightmare – “What do you mean by that?” I’d ask . I rarely got a meaningful answer. “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” Einstein. … Read moreConfusing horse training jargon.
Why does the horse jump?
Ever wonder…Why does the horse jump? For the love of it? Or simply easier to cooperate? Just thinking through what it’s like to be a horse is bound to make us better riders and appreciate our equine partners! “Consider, for example, a horse and rider preparing to jump a four-foot wall. Jumping serves the rider’s … Read moreWhy does the horse jump?
Flying lead changes…simplified
Sharing an article I wrote for Horse Canada a couple of yrs ago. Flying changes were a bit of a mystery to me as a young hunter rider. So this is a simplified explanation I’d give to my younger self as her coach!
A case to be made for saddle time vs. screen time!
“Mr Smith, I think for the sake of your daughter’s well-being, you should invest in a horse…” Reading an article about the effects smartphones and social media have on us, I‘d say the science is confirming that uneasiness many of us have our ever-present screens. Could it be we’re designed to thrive in real community … Read moreA case to be made for saddle time vs. screen time!
How do you keep school horses fresh?
At recent clinics for therapeutic riding facilities, we considered ideas to: teach a horse new “buttons” and erase those that are no longer needed fit a really effective skill tune- up into a minimum schooling time budget prevent sourness and unwanted habits evaluate a donated horse for suitability We solved some “horse puzzles” using … Read moreHow do you keep school horses fresh?
Volunteers. Getting involved in a bigger story!
Volunteers – giving of themselves for the benefit of others. Working together toward a bigger story than their own. I had pleasure (and fun!) of working with staff and volunteers at two therapeutic riding facilities over the last two weekends. It’s SO easy to get lost in our own stories, isn’t it? Scrolling screens, and … Read moreVolunteers. Getting involved in a bigger story!
Horse Show success – more than luck? Part 2
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!
Horse Show success – more than luck? Part 1
As a horse show judge and riding coach, this has become my motto over the years: “Over-prepare… then go with the flow.”