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.
Halt at X Part 1
Featured in Horse Canada I write this article on return from the horse show, after judging multiple disciplines. One common denominator across divisions? The box on each score sheet in which I record a mark for the halt. Equitation, hunter hack, reining, western riding, driven dressage, pleasure driving, and showmanship. Good brakes are a must-have … Read moreHalt at X Part 1
How does rider focus influence injury prevention ?
As riders, keeping our minds active and our eyes moving is a recipe for success AND safety in the warm up or show ring. “How does focus influence injury prevention ? “ asked the Coaching Association of Ontario in a recent newsletter. Some highlights: When we begin learning a new sport, activity or task, our … Read moreHow does rider focus influence injury prevention ?
Reflections of a freelance riding coach
As 2018 ran out of racetrack, I reflected on what I love about being a freelance riding coach. 1. The barn aisle conversations about riding, family and life. 2. I love driving! A transition window to consider my lesson plan, the unique personality of the horse and rider and flip through my mental Rolodex of … Read moreReflections of a freelance riding coach
At the in-gate of a new year…
Here we are again, at the gate of a new year – it’s like entering the show ring, walking up the chute, through the in-gate… and into the unknown – do you feel the butterflies?? I love this quote when I get those butterflies mixed with anticipation as I wonder what the coming year will … Read moreAt the in-gate of a new year…
New Year’s to-do (and NOT to-do) lists for wise riders.
“Experience is not the best teacher; EVALUATED experience is”. – Dr. Howard Hendricks (pastor, professor) Spend some time though reflecting on this past year -what worked and what didn’t work What “bore fruit” in your riding program, your health, relationships and in the lives of others What you enjoyed and what you didn’t enjoy. If … Read moreNew Year’s to-do (and NOT to-do) lists for wise riders.
What I love about being a freelance riding coach.
As the year runs out of racetrack, I reflect on what I love about being a freelance riding coach. The barn aisle conversations about riding, family and life. I love driving! A transition window to consider my lesson plan, the unique personality of the horse and rider and flip through my mental Rolodex of solutions … Read moreWhat I love about being a freelance riding coach.
Trailer loading and the Christmas story.
Many years ago, I remember the frustration of trying to convince a resistant horse onto a trailer at a horse show. “Don’t you understand?? This is the only way home!!”(meltdown moment) “If I could only become a horse, I’d show you there’s nothing to be afraid of!” Come to think of it, that’s the essence … Read moreTrailer loading and the Christmas story.
Why does a 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 a horse jump?
Does a racehorse know if he wins or loses?
Dr. S McDonnell, equine behaviourist, responds to a reader’s interesting question : Q.Talk about running American Pharoah in the Breeders Cup went like this- . “It’s for the horse” and “so he can retire a winner” seem to imply that the horse understands winning and losing races. … What difference would it make to the … Read moreDoes a racehorse know if he wins or loses?
Horse show luck?
“Good luck!” With a final buff of my boot and a pat to the horse’s neck, the horse’s owner waves me from warm up ring to show pen before taking their place in the bleachers. Many years of showing horses, many owners, many horses, but the scene is familiar. Do you believe in luck?