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
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.
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.
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.
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?”
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.
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.
Attending the AQHA judges conference in Dallas felt like being part of a large orchestra! One of 350 judges, tuning up to be “on key” with the standard, and in sync with one another. So many experienced, talented horse-people, yet personal preferences, interpretations and biases were to be laid aside – a reminder to stick … Read more Judging horses – sticking to the “score”.
Put my baby in this feed trough?? This isn’t the way it supposed to be… “She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.” Luke 2:7 Driving home after Christmas dinner, thinking of … Read more Christmas
Just returned from the AQHA judges update in Dallas. Past president, Bill Brewer spoke of ethics in judging and set the tone with a remarkable yet relevant statement from the Bible. Ancient wisdom, yet fitting to guide the 350 judges listening as we make show ring decisions in 2020. As I mulled over these words, … Read more Horse show judging ethics