Nube (Nu-bay) was particular. He required my undivided attention in the saddle and on the ground. My focus had to be laser sharp. Most advanced horses require it and it was something I’d learned to do. Odd for such a young horse, but I decided it was good. It meant he would be a sharp … Read more
“To practice equestrian art is to establish a conversation on a higher level with the horse, a dialogue of courtesy and finesse”. Nuno Oliveira.
I’ve been thinking about Julie. Cool name, isn’t it? I make no apologies, I was 6 years old and thought it was the best name ever.
If you rode as a kid, ignorance was bliss. It helped to bounce well, believe in magic, and love horses more than Christmas. Fear existed then, it just had a high-pitched, whiny voice that no one listened to.
I was walking a client out of the arena and doing the end-of-lesson list. I talked about the high points of the ride and things that made a positive difference. She has a wonderful young horse who trusts her and they get better every lesson. She told me that over the years, she had never … Read more
Nothing. Not a thing. I hate saddle shopping. It makes my head explode. I have a young mare just starting and I’ve tried to inspire an extremely ancient Wintec to survive long enough for her to finish growing. Well, we had a flat. Ever ridden on only one panel? Neither of us liked it much; … Read more
“Seriously, you are no fun at all. I hate to say it, you’re my human, but really, lighten up!” Humor Deficit Disorder: It’s time someone brings this condition out of the closet. Seriousness might be the biggest obstacle in getting a good ride. Ever had that feeling that the harder you try, the worse it … Read more
This week I was talking to a writer-friend about how he approached a new project and he offered to share his writing discipline. Discipline is a word that can make a person seize up with negative anticipation; it’s a punishment or correction. The visual that comes to mind for me is an angry parent dragging … Read more
Black and White is Green. This mare is young and inexperienced, with just a few months under saddle. In riding terms, that makes Clara green. In my opinion, a horse is the animal to have. Eleven-hundred pounds of raw muscle, power, grace, and sweat between your legs – it’s something you just can’t get from … Read more
It’s that time again- the sun’s a bit late in the morning. Geese are starting migration and horses are growing hair. School buses are out in full force. It’s been 40 years since I got summers off to play and ride, and then lost sleep over what to wear back the first day of school. … Read more