One of the things I see often – even in professional pictures in various magazines – is that the rider is not sitting straight on the horse. (this is especially obvious when you see the rider from behind!)



Do you often have to step into one stirrup while riding to center your saddle on your horse’s back? This could mean that your saddle does not sit straight on your horse’s back, for whatever reason.



Once you have determined that your saddle has a gullet/ channel that is…

Annabella – A New Rescue Story

Annabella, ‘Bella’ came from an Appaloosa breeding farm – but not your typical breeding farm that handles the horses and provides regular care and maintenance. Poor Bella was pastured at a farm with 3

other stallions and the horses were not handled much – her feet were rarely

done (if they ever…

First came love but it was with horsey

Was it a surprise it ended in divorcey?…

This Week in Horse History - July 12th Through July 18th

July 14th, 1959 - Thoroughbred trainer Rodney Rash was born in Frederick, Maryland. Rash worked under Charlie Wittingham until 1991, when he applied for a training license. He trained horses such as Blues Traveler and Celtic Arms, and he won the Santa Anita Handicap with Urgent Request. During his career, Rash…

This has been a horrible week for riding down here in sunny NC. Temperatures up to 101 F (ca. 38 C), high humidity, and all the smog from the big Northern cities flowing down to make the air a blackish yellow soup. Definitely walking weather. Why wear out the lungs?

When I first started riding Mia she was a timid mare, and she shied gently at the most inconsequential things, both in and out of the ring. I knew that part of the…

It’s Just Fly Spray – It Won’t Kill You!

Tips for turning that scary spray of fire into the pleasant spray of relief.

An owner…

Hi Guys,



Do you want to know how to become a better rider without taking tons more lessons? Do what I did. By putting the same amount (or more!) of effort into mental training as into skill development, I was able to realize my dream of representing the United States in international competition.



Here's how it worked for me. Back in 1980 I picked up a book called, Psycho Cybernetics, by Maxwell Maltz. This book literally changed my life. I had always wanted to compete…

Please Pick Your Feet Up

Handling advice to make the farrier experience much more…

Dressage Canada is fortunate to have Erin Patricio as a member of the Communications Committee. Erin is originally from BC, but is living and working in California. She's been interviewing and writing great articles for Collections. Please enjoy the article she wrote on the Heike Kemmer Clinic she audited in March.



Heike Kemmer Clinic, by Erin Patricio

On March 26^th to 28^th, 2010, riders and auditors were treated to a clinic…

I am happy to share a video clip on my blog called “Free, Powerful and Beautiful”.

The video has been made after I have worked on a higher level on energy with the horses and I have taken a fresh new look at my own leadership skills.…