Anna Blake 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
Think of it as a trip to the amusement park- with your horse. I didn’t start out doing Natural Horsemanship. I started out before that phrase was invented. Like a lot of us, I used voice commands while lunging and required good ground manners. I did the rest from my saddle; riding was my thing. … Read more
Contrast. Well,not so much color-wise. This photo is a veritable rainbow of browns. But there is a contrast in species. People told me that horses hate llamas, but by then it was too late. The llamas had moved in and the mutual admiration society was underway. (In this photo, Belle is greeting two Andalusian babies … Read more
When the autumn time change happens, I always feel like my house gets smaller- by a few acres. The outside is my favorite room and I resent winter for taking it from me. And is it just me- or is every winter somehow a bit more twisted and confused than the one before? In the … Read more
A distorted image can still tell the truth. This is a shadow on a cold and very windy, winter day. I am working with Clara, a young filly. We are preparing to do some ground driving, but more than that, laying a foundation of partnership and trust. Clara has a bright future. The image is … Read more
I think we all knew it was only a matter of time. Edgar wanted me to wait to make this announcement, until after the award show season (Oscars, Golden Globes, etc.) He didn’t want to steal the thunder from his friends. (Best Ass in a Supporting Role- it isn’t one of the on-camera presentations.) Newsflash: … Read more