Talking about the Good old Days, this one is really old! My Classical Equitation trainer Craig Stevens has been working with an Italian Nobleman called Pucci, who is bringing a centuries old method of training horses to the world from the island of Sicily. Sicily was a melting pot between the east and west, and has retained this method of developing trust with humans. It is done from the time the foal is weaned, and involves the gentlest touch and the lightest pressure you can imagine! You…

Nutrients in Oats:

On average, oats normally contain around 12% Crude Protein, 49% NSC (non-structural…

You know I see and hear so many thoughtless comments about horses, the good old days need to return! So many people are missing so much because they are not being taught to care for their horse's emotional state and not just his body. Riders are so interested in what they can get out of their horse, but what about what they put into the horse?

Let me explain what I mean. Years ago as a young teenager I was taught by a marvelous lady called Pamela Goodwin, who was Irish, and…

When you hear the word "Horse" what do you think? I think of my horse, Gulliver. Gulliver is a thirty year old grey Arabian gelding who has touched the lives of many riders at ovation hall. Me, being only nine, am not a very good rider, but Gulliver doesnt care. In fact he does everything in his power to give me the best ride possible. We have most definatley had great times. I love him sooo much! Some days he's a grande prix…

I live in London UK and am an avid dressage rider!!

I have just got familiar with this site and would like to meet up with likeminded dressage riders. I shall be visiting an aunty in Upstate New York this year and would be interested to know of any shows/clinics/barns which may be worthwhile a visit together with my…

I have had many clients with saddles that at first glance look like they’re fitting really well, but when I turn them over, I see that the gullet width is awfully narrow. I’m talking maybe 1-2 fingers here! A saddle with a channel or gullet that is too narrow can cause permanent damage to your horse’s back (but also, if…

This Week in Horse History - March 15th Through March 21st

March 16th, 1936: Today, the New Hampshire Jockey Club was formed. Lou Smith controlled the club, which took over control of the Rockingham Park track. Rockingham Park was the first racetrack and opened on June 28, 1906 in Salem Depot, New Hampshire. The clubhouse at…

So as I packed up the horse trailer to go home, I though to myself it had been a great day, could have been better though. But the day did not go as smoothly as id had hoped. First, my mom was unable to drive me to the show so I had to car pool me and my horse with a barn friend. Anyway, my class started at 8 so at the least had to be their at the least 7:30, so i got picked up at 7:00 (supposed to be picked up at 6:30) and we got there at 7:45! Well yes, my first show with Summer I was…

This was an interesting week. Early on Sunday morning the black TB mare Cricket had a foal! Cute little filly, they've named her Glory for now. Since her sire is a Section A Welsh pony she is nowhere as tall as a TB foal. I find it truly amazing the amount of nurturing instincts that a new foal raise in humans, including me. Every human at the stable is oohing and aahing as if this little equine was their first grandchild.

And…

March 11th through the 13th Chance and I got to attend the Dressage Affaire in Del Mar, California. The show's over and all of our things are packed up for tomorrow morning when my trainer Teri will drive the horses back to AZ. My mom, dad, and I will follow a little bit later. We had a great show and won both of our classes! The first day we were drawn first to go in our…

Tuesday and Wednesday were windy and not ridable.

Thursday – March 11

So…

Conditions After work light enough that I was able to ride outside. Hack before and after ride

Tia Quick ride. She has not been worked outside since october/november. After my hack went to "woodchip" ring where the footing is really good. She settled right into work with rising trot and big figures 20m - 15m circles and 3 loop serpentines with me emphasing the straightness.

Quick walk break then picking up the…

I’ve often been asked whether wild and domestic horses are the same or different from one another. Here’s my take on it.…