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Dorothy McDonall

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Clinic - who would you like to trained with for one day?

For natural horsemanship, Chris Irwin, definitely. I've already done quite a bit of training with him and love how his methods work. For Dressage, at my level and with my young horse, I'd love to ... CONTINUE

Added a post Jun 18

Chris Irwin coming to Toronto CADORA -- July 24

Developing the happy Dressage horse the Chris Irwin way is the focus of this extended Dressage and Dessert. Pre-register and join us on your way home from work for this exclusive event featuring th... CONTINUE

Started this discussion May 11

Toronto CADORA Dressage and Dessert May 24-- "The Judge's Eye"
1 Reply

Just a reminder to Dressage riders in the Toronto area that Toronto CADORA will be presenting a Dressage and Dessert evening on Saturday, May 24, featuring Grand Prix Dressage rider and judge, Gary... CONTINUE

Started this discussion. Last reply by carmen griscti May 13.

 

Latest Activity

Dorothy McDonall created the event 2008 KWPN Keuring-NA 1 day ago
Andrea & Duane Bresee left a comment for Dorothy McDonall Aug 12
Dorothy McDonall left a comment for Andrea & Duane Bresee Aug 10
Dorothy McDonall created the event Stephen Clarke's Build a Better Dressage Horse Symposium Aug 3
Dorothy McDonall created the event Riding Clinic with Andrea Bresee Aug 3
Dorothy McDonall added the blog post 'Talk to the hoof' Aug 1
Dorothy McDonall left a comment for Janet B Jul 29
Janet B left a comment for Dorothy McDonall Jul 29

Profile

About Me:
I live a full life with my horse, my writing, my singing and my art.

First riding lesson: on a Welsh pony named Welshman at a small riding school called Frithmanor Stables in North Finchley, London, England, by an old English military man named John. He was wearing one of those old brown barn coats and a tweed cap. I was nine years old.
First fall: off a large four-year-old liver chestnut mare named Kimberly who decided she didn't want to be lead horse in a change of direction across the diagonal at trot. She bucked like a bronco and dumped me big time at 'X." I'd only been riding a year. First four-foot jump: at a stable in north London (England) riding a former David Broome mount named "Fleur," during a stride counting exercise. I was 18, I think, and it was a thrill of a life time, however I look back now and wonder what on earth I was thinking.
First exposure to dressage/classical riding: Photos in a horse book of the Spanish Riding School. Have always loved that "look." And when I realized I could combine dressage with my love of music, decided many years ago that I wanted to put together my own Kur. I'm still dreaming of that.
First horse: Thirty-five years after my first riding lesson and many, many schoolies later, I finally became a horse mom. March 17, 2005, Lloyd and I purchased a four-year-old German-bred Hanovarian named Shakespeare (lovingly referred to as "Bear.") I could not have asked for a better first horse. He was definitely worth the wait. I have dressage dreams; he has dreams of eating carrots all day!

Apart from all of that ... I am an EC certified level 1 coach (1997); Bronze level certified trainer in Chris Irwin's methods (2005); and, President of Toronto CADORA.
Country
Canada
Website:
www.choirgirlz.com
Do you have any pets?
One horse, one collie dog and two kitty kats
Disciplines of Interest
Dressage, Jumper, Driving, Endurance, Hunter, General Riding
Topics of Interest
Advice, Breeding, Horse Care, Training, Shows and Competitions, Stable Management, Items For Sale

Dorothy McDonall's Photos

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Dorothy McDonall's Blog

Talk to the hoof

Yesterday was "Talk to the Hoof" day. No matter what I did, how hard I asked, begged, cajoled or pleaded with my leg, I was greeted with "talk to the hoof." Bear was simply not interested in listening to my opinion or in going forward the way I wanted him to. Was it the heat? We worked in the arena because the sand ring was too soggy, and even with the doors thrown wide open, there wasn't a lot of air circulation. We both were coated in sweat when we were done. (This lady doesn't 'glow' after a… CONTINUE

Posted on August 1st, 2008 at 5:30pm — No Comments (Add)

Thought for the day -- XI: BackFire

How many of you guess about saddle fit? You know, you sort of know, but sort of don't?

On March 22 Toronto CADORA presents "BackFire: Saddle fit and proper care of the horse's back" -- a fun and informative evening to help you feel more knowledgeable and confident when it comes to issues of the horse's back.

Our presenters are two respected experts in their respective fields: Martin York, Custom Saddl…

CONTINUE

Posted on March 8th, 2008 at 10:24am — No Comments (Add)

Thought for the day -- IX: That darn left lead ...

No quotes today, folks, just a moment to expound upon the frustration of the elusive left lead pick up.

It's elusive because I'm not nailing the cues Mr. Bear needs to make it happen. He asks me "Is this what you want?" as he throws his head up and moves into a faster trot; "Or is this what you want?" as he slows down to do the little prance thing that he thinks I'm requesting? "No buddy, that's not it!" I respond as patiently as I'm able. I half halt to rebalance and attempt again to…

CONTINUE

Posted on February 29th, 2008 at 3:47pm — 2 Comments (Add)

Thought for the day -- VIII: "To become ..."

"To become what we are capable of becoming is the only end of life."

Robert Louis Stevenson

I don't know about you, but I'm still working at "becoming" that of which I am capable -- in my case as a rider, a writer, a singer, an artist ... a human being. Life is about the journey and all its twists and turns and surprises, and how we deal with them as we move toward our destiny. This reminds me of a poem I wrote some time ago:

The Voyage

Upo

CONTINUE

Posted on February 29th, 2008 at 3:44pm — No Comments (Add)

Thought for the day -- VII: "Sometimes ..."

"Sometimes no thought is the best thought." Dorothy McDonall

This is "Give the Brain a Rest Day."

Ciao

Posted on February 23rd, 2008 at 5:52pm — No Comments (Add)

Comment Wall (25 comments)

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At 7:16pm on August 12th, 2008, Andrea & Duane Bresee said…
Hey Dorothy, what's going on with the clinis? Is there going to be a need for overnight stalls or are they filling up, if you have any information about Andrea's riders send thier info so she has an idea on what they are working on or need help with, might save a little time and give her an idea on what the horse and rider are doing.
Talk soon, Duane
At 9:31pm on July 28th, 2008, Janet B said…
Hi Dorothy,
Just wanted to say thank-you to you and all the volunteers for the Chris Irwin clinic!! Everyone did a great job and the evening was very well organized!! Chris was very informative and interesting, with a good sense of humour. I would love to come and listen to him next year! Thanks again for all your hard work! It is very much appreciated!! sincerely, Janet Bone
At 1:35pm on July 21st, 2008, Hannah said…
join REAL RIDERS it is a group i made

CHECK IT OUT
At 7:25pm on July 8th, 2008, Andrea Wetzel said…
Hi Dorothy,
Just wondering what the deadline is for the September issue.
Also, I'm still pretty certain Christilot is coming near the end of the month, the dates tentatively are July 23-26 or 27th.
Hope all is well with you!
At 9:02am on April 14th, 2008, karen Sharf said…
Hi Dorothy. It's nice to be your friend. I hope you are enjoying your riding season, and your singing as well. It sounds like a great group. Take care.
At 1:26pm on March 31st, 2008, Sonia said…
Thanks for letting me watch your lesson today Dorothy! Hope to see you soon around the barn!
At 1:52pm on March 30th, 2008, Andrea Wetzel said…
Hi Dorothy, how did your concert go last night?
At 7:18pm on March 22nd, 2008, Sonia said…
Hey Dorothy!
So sorry I couldn't make the event tonight. I was planning to come up but got stuck at work until 8! Next time though.

Sonia
At 5:24pm on March 18th, 2008, Janet B said…
Glad to join TO Cadora on this site. I have been a long time member; thanks for all your great work; it is appreciated!
great pics on your site!
At 1:29pm on March 18th, 2008, Amanda said…
I'm very sad to read about Murphy, she was a lovely mare. It really is wonderful to hear your silver-lining and I am so thrilled that you and Diane continue to share the love of one horse. Such a nice story even when it was obviously a very sad one.
 
 

Discussions

What do you think about Whitaker's Olympic exclusion?

Team Great Britain is fuming after the objection of seven other teams to John Whitaker taking part in the Olympic team final was upheld. Whitaker withdrew Peppermill from the first round of the te... CONTINUE

Started by Gary Stuart 6 hours ago

Brentina Sound, but will be Retired

A barrage of veterinary tests has found no reason for the poor performance of top US dressage mare Brentina at the Olympic Games in Hong Kong. After receiving the lowest score of her career (63.00... CONTINUE

Started by Gary Stuart 6 hours ago

Leg Protection for Dressage
3 Replies

Bandages? Boots? Do they really help prevent injury? Many of us use leg wraps religiously (in Dressage, at least). But are they proven to actually prevent concussion / strains or are we just being... CONTINUE

Tagged: bandages, injury, boots

Started by wanderer. Last reply by Christina Jones 4 hours ago.

Most Embarrassing Place You Wear Your Riding Clothes
7 Replies

Hi Everyone, Do you ever stop off at the grocery store or drug store on you way home from the barn, STILL in your riding clothes? How about going out for lunch after a ride? Where is the most embar... CONTINUE

Started by Laura F.. Last reply by Christina Jones 4 hours ago.

Canada's Olympic Jumping Silver Medal
3 Replies

It was so exciting to see the Canadian Olympic show jumpers come through for the Silver!!! Talk about adversity. Ian lost his wife this year, Eric had to overcome personal issues, Mac Cone withdre... CONTINUE

Tagged: show, jumping, equestrian, olympics

Started by Gary Stuart. Last reply by Cathy 1 day ago.

Going from WP to H/J, Part TWO

Sky has improved quite a bit. And I've taken her on a couple trail rides, and had a blast. Here's the problem. On the trail she is exactly where she needs to be. Smooth transitions, beautiful car... CONTINUE

Started by Heather Aug 15

Barnmice Is For HORSES!
3 Replies

I don't mean to stir anything up here, but there are a lot of pictures and videos of bands and singers etc. Barnmice is for horses and equestrian disciplines, could we please leave it at that. Use ... CONTINUE

Started by Sonia. Last reply by Hannah 6 hours ago.

Horse Health Problems - What you worry about most
8 Replies

What worries you the most when it comes to the health of your horse? Is there something you check for on a regular basis? Equine Lifestyle Magazine is interested in knowing the top 5 health proble... CONTINUE

Tagged: lifestyle, health, magazine, problems, equine

Started by Equine Lifestyle Magazine. Last reply by Equine Lifestyle Magazine 13 hours ago.

A Note to Members re: YouTube Videos
1 Reply

You may notice that when you click on some YouTube videos on Barnmice you receive the message "This Video is No Longer Available". That is because recently YouTube has been removing videos that vio... CONTINUE

Started by Barnmice Admin. Last reply by Suzanne Aug 11.

Looking for lines

I have a 16yr old purebred polish Arabian, His name is Tracker and he is chestnut with a Blaze and three white socks. When I bought him he had no papers, I was wondering if anyone had any history o... CONTINUE

Started by Hilary Aug 9

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