As a younger rider, my coach failed to take the training wheels off. I was taught some valuable skills, but never learned to think by myself until I became a professional and had sink or swim. 



Now, as a certified coach, I’m always asking how I can be a better communicator and mentor. 



I think Equine Canada says it well in a recent “Coaches…

A spur is really just a reaching assist (a term taken from my lifeguard days – not equine related!). 



As a woodworker might choose some smaller chisels to refine the details of his project, so spurs give a rider precision and reach in delivering his cues. …

Walking up the chute, through the in gate, into the ring and into the unknown at an important show? Who doesn’t have butterflies ?? 



What about at the gate of the New Year? These words give me perspective and still my butterflies as I consider the unknowns of 2013 – the economy, health, family…you name it. 



I said to the man who stood at the Gate of…