Anna Blake An article of mine was published in a national dressage magazine in 2006. Spirit had been retired two years and he was still pouting (read) and holding a grudge about it. Once publish the date was set, the magazine asked for a photo. No kidding? Who doesn’t dream of one of their horses on the … Read more
Our herd has many subjects, but here are two having a sunny shadow/play. They are literal opposites- mare and gelding, Arabian and Andalusian x, bay and gray- but they run as one. Living in a herd is sharing a life. Anna, Infinity Farm. WordPress Photo Challenge is a weekly prompt to share a photo- I … Read more
There were lots of great rides in Spirit’s 25 years, but this was the most perfect ride… Spirit was something in the day- he and I agreed. He was fun to show, always a crisp and spontaneous ride. His confidence improved year by year, and still, every day was a brand new day. That day, … Read more
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao-tzu. The word Journey seems almost synonymous with life. It’s foaling season in the horse world, filled with dreams and possibility. At the same time, the horses all score another year of their short lives. This photo is the balance between the two. But … Read more
It was the late 1980’s, and a bunch of us from the barn went to see the Lipizzaners when they came to town. It was a chance to dress up, eat an overpriced meal together, and see some fancy European horses. We complimented one another’s personal hygiene and off we went. We were western riders … Read more
It’s my life that is arranged, one gray horse to the next, with some bay horses in between. Do you categorize segments of your life by which horses (or dogs) were with you? Are the animals in your life a constant, while other lifestyle situations shift? Are you willing to arrange your life for their … Read more
It was my first day at a new barn with a perfect indoor arena! Before lessons began, I asked the owner where the bathroom was. She pointed to a roll of tissue on the tack room wall and told me to use any stall. I picked the one with the sleepiest looking gelding. I think … Read more
THROUGH. In the dressage world, the term Through is much debated, sometimes misunderstood, and deeply desired reality. Through is a free flowing movement, from back to front, and should include a positive mental/emotional state. It is naturally occurring, but can be illusive to create under saddle. Fluid. Dynamic. Relaxed. Powerful. Effortless. The perfect marriage of … Read more
I’ve been remembering my first experience in Walk Detention. It was the dark ages and I was a training level rider on a young horse. I was so excited to ride in my first clinic with an Olympian- my enthusiasm sizzled audibly. I handed over a fat check, my horse was spit polished and I … Read more
UNUSUAL. It was an unusual February day. I was spending the morning in an unusual position. When I opened my eyes, I saw Grace at an unusual angle. “The only thing that separates me from the animals is a lot of words, so when I’m not talking much, the gap closes really quick.” Brian Andreas … Read more