What is it about the idea of a fresh start that is so appealing? You know, a clean slate, a blank canvas. A ‘do-over’! As riders, we often make the crucial mistake of approaching all of our work with our horse, or improving our riding this way. And this can be a mistake because we are not asking one important…
While many people associate driving a Ferrari with happy things, most riders know that ‘riding’ the Ferrari of the yard is not that enjoyable at all! Riding a horse who rushes and runs everywhere is usually frustrating and challenging! And, assuming that you have ruled out physical issues, if your horse is rushing and racing, it’s time to focus on…
Finding your perfect new horse, for many riders, can also mean having to ride a lot of horses in order to find ‘the one’. It is a decision that will have repercussions for years to come. This is true for you, the horse, and also everyone who has to work closely with the two of you! So it makes sense…
I am all for intentional, relaxing hacks with your horse. And I also think that it’s worth remembering that not all hacks have to be for ‘doing nothing’. In fact, there are some things that may actually happen more easily when out of the arena. Working contact is, for some riders and horses, one of those things. We are always…
Ex-racehorse, a retired racehorse, OTTB; so many different names for a thoroughbred that has now begun their second (or third) career. They are one of the most versatile breeds and, sadly, often one of the most misunderstood. I believe that there are 4 basic principles that you must work with your retired racehorse on, in order to set a foundation…
You have a unique language as a rider. A unique way that you do things when you are with your horse, both on the ground and in the saddle. In fact, every single other rider in the world also has their own unique language. Which is great; special snowflakes and all that. The trouble starts when your horse learns someone’s…
