I couldn't agree more on the importance of Dressage in every training program. Very educational knowing that what I learned a few years back was actually a leg yield not a half pass. My trainer at the time really had alot of knowledge of Hunters & Jumpers but I knew her Dressage was very limited. Still she had a teaching style that alllowed me to learn acouple of maneuvers that helped my ShowJumping and Huntseat skills alot. Especially that Leg Yield (when used at a canter is it called something else?), it enabled me to straighten my horse up and point him at the center of the fence from pretty much any position.

Up until that experience showing and training with a professional, I had just found my own way in horses from a small child on, I never had any instruction or lessons but I spent some time with my parents at the Thoroughbred races, and picked up some "jockey" riding styles (posting, two point) and as my life in horses evolved I came to like the huntseat disciplines because they resembled the way I rode naturally. I hacked out on long trails in the hills of Los Angeles, and always liked to jump things.

Now that I have my own homebreds and training program I'd like to pick up a little more dressage training so that my young horses grow up to be as versatile and talented as possible. If everything goes well with introducing dressage to my existing Hunter/Jumper foundation, I'd like to give Eventing a try.

I disagree that it looks easy though. I dont think I've seen a more intense, and deeply technical equine sport. It is just the utmost in horsemanship to be able to perform Piaffe, Passage and Canter Pirhouettes. I'm bringing my 5 year old Perch/TB "Lacy" back into training after a an 8 month rest to foal her baby. I've ponied her out on several trail rides, and I'm going to back her for the first time this evening, and just do the same loop shes been ponying on. I'm gonna take it slow and just get reaquainted with her. Later on, maybe next spring I want to get serious and do some real schooling, possibly Dressage if she has the patience. Her Daughter "Loba" is definately going to have a strong dressage foundation.

Lacy had a solid start as a two year old. Six days a week of ground driving in the round pen for a month, and then ground driving, & under saddle sessions for another month. After that we took it slow & just went on easy trail rides to keep her mellow. Since I couldnt do any jumping because she was too young, and I couldnt do any real trail riding (atleast 5 or 6 miles roundtrip). I rode her less and less regularly. Luckily my horses dont just sit in a barn she's had a very happy life out on 40 rolling acres of grass & oak trees. I even think she's become easier to handle with age.

Hi Ward - thanks for joining the OEF group! Please feel free to use the group to ask questions, post comments, share ideas, etc.

 I came across your page , and wanted to introduce myself and my hobby.

My name is Gary Glaser and I am the mounted commander of the 9th New York Cavalry and live in Binbrook, not to far from you . I belong to a group of equine enthusiasts that enjoy living historians and American civil war, we are the 9^th NY cavalry.

The Ninth New York Cavalry has been reactivated by ain the portrayal of the life of the Federal Horse Soldier. As a group, we participate in living history encampments, re-enactments, and giving informative lectures throughout the year in both Ontario and the U.S.

Visit use on the web at www.9thnycavalry.com .

If you have any interest in becoming involved in our group or just get together for a ride , do not hesitate to contact me at  sgtgaryglaser@hotmail.com .

We are not a stable and are not associated with any stable.

Thank You

Gary Glaser