I can’t remember who came first in my life- dogs or horses. I do know a few of each are required for my mental health. There is a slow and gradual changing of the guard, as years go on. Three dogs and 13 years ago, my cattle dog, Hero and I were pretty depressed after … Read more
Horses have been a key part of our culture ever since they civilized us centuries ago- in everything from transportation to agriculture to art. Why do horses do it? Why do they volunteer to be with us? What is in it for them? This is what I know about horses: They live in the moment, … Read more
It goes without saying that Duke Ellington is right, about most everything. And even horses agree. But I get ahead of myself. This is how it starts: you’re riding, moving in unison with your horse. You’re fluid, and free- it could be a walk or a gallop, but there is no resistance and it feels … Read more
… and what donkeys offer the real life dressage world. We’re just home from Edgar Rice Burro’s debut in the dramatic presentation of “The Laonia Gold Mining Company” at the Travel Port Campground and Mini Storage, in Lake George, Colorado. (I do not make this stuff up.) The Friends of the Lake George Library have … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
This week I have been preparing for a clinic this weekend at Infinity Farm. It is the my favorite clinic every year: Fundamentals of Dressage. One of my clients asked if it was going to be the same as last year. (Eye roll -is this a trick question?)