My corner of Colorado is having a particularly colorful autumn. The sun rise is later and later, but the dawn colors seem worth the wait. Tomatoes plants have wilted but the tree leaves are frosted and toasted to richness. I hear big weather is coming next week- so these are precious days. Waterfront property isn’t … Read more
Possibility, napping on her nose. Anna, Infinity Farm.
The connection between horses and music is not abstract. It’s literal. I was learned this fact years ago riding with a group of friends at a barn party. The sound system was cranked up and Bobby McFerrins’ Don’t Worry was playing. I am sure the song choice was meant to be a joke but as … Read more
I am hooked on the writings of classical trainers. It isn’t that I am an elitist; they use an inspiring word that I like and don’t hear so much these days: ART. “Theory instructs us that we should work from a foundation of sound principles, and these principles, rather than going against nature, must serve to perfect … Read more
The equestrian world can seem kind of bi-polar. Some of us ride like headless (brainless) horsemen with little consciousness for our horse or surroundings. Some of us are such control freaks that we slow every walk stride and micro-manage our horse’s nose into being afraid to take a breath. Most of us are working towards … Read more
Lately, I am discovering I like mares more and more. They are so NOT like most of us humans. They have a refreshing honesty. “If you aren’t going to drive the bus, get out of my way and I’ll do it.” Succinct, blunt and clean with her intention- a mare will get the job done. … Read more
Dressage is an equine discipline of beauty, partnership and art. YouTube is full of spectacular videos of elite horses and riders. When Blue Hors Matinee’s freestyle was viral, a dozen non-horse friends sent me the link. I hear Moorlands Totilas has groupies like the rock star that he is, but my personal favorite will always … Read more
We humans are always labeling ourselves. Labels reflect politics and attitudes, or can define a purpose. The horse world is no different. We divide ourselves by breed or riding discipline. Sometimes a label is inclusive and sometimes not so much. Some riders label themselves as recreational as opposed to competitive. This feels odd to me- … Read more
Has it been one of those weeks? Everything that could go wrong–did? We all know how it feels when gravity gets heavy-handed and you begin to feel thick and bound by life. It happens. Maybe you should go to the barn and let yourself be carried a while. If you have a partnership with a … 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?)