I was in my arena today working with my new horse, Clementine. She is four years old and she is one of those truly great horses that come along so infrequently. She is sensitive, responsive and athletic, and riding her is a bit like driving a Ferrari. Most importantly she is sane, calm and intelligent. Her previous owner taught her to go fast and straight with her nose… Continue

It is important to celebrate every time you accomplish something with your horse. It is also important to stay motivated by taking the time to step back from all your hard work and have fun. Here are some suggestions: Continue

For most of us riding is easier if we have a coach or instructor to support and help us. It is always good to have another set of eyes on the ground and someone to offer encouragement to help us get over the emotional bumps. Continue

While we all know there is a huge psychological component to riding there is no denying that it is also very much a physical skill. Everyone needs to develop a balanced, stable secure seat on a horse. That requires improving your core strength and balance but there is a payoff for that effort. You will fee much more confident in the saddle if you know that you can stick there no matter what happens. Continue

I once heard Chris Irwin state in a clinic that the only real difference between groundwork and riding is that you are in a different location with respect to your horse. His point was that you can establish the relationship you want with your horse before getting into the saddle.

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It is a given that the more you practice a skill the more successful you will be. Continue

"The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step." Lao Tzu Continue