There are so many factors to consider when purchasing a horse, the horse’s age, temperament, size, experience, show record, personality, your riding style and its future purpose.  The equine industry unfortunately is also known for “horse traders”. Like snake oil salesmen of the 1800s, horse traders have earned their reputation.  And this is what makes buying a horse without a trusted professional scary and sometimes dangerous. Not all people in the horse industry are dishonest.  In fact, most of the horse people I know are extremely honest and want what is best f ..read more

I went on an 8-day adventure to Alaska. And had a blast.  As most of you know I was born and raised in Florida, so Alaska is the great white north to me.  But I am at a point in my life where I want to see places and experience how others live.  And my day-to-day life this year has had way too much drama in it.  So, I wanted to get away somewhere peaceful and with fewer people.  I found this tour on the G Adventures website, and I just couldn’t resist. Alaska for less than $3000. (2023) (https://www.gadventures.com/trips/alaska-kenai-denali-adv ..read more

Coaching is a powerful tool, as a riding instructor we have access to so many aspects of people’s lives.  We become a friend and a therapist.  Winston Churchill said there is nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse.  And that is so true.  Riding a horse allows us to open up about other things, work, personal issues, and self-confidence issues.  As an instructor we must learn to coach our students in many aspects of their lives without stepping on their toes.  We also must identify those who don’t want to be ..read more

I have found that the quickest way to improve someone’s position is to have them focus on these two analogies.   The first is to identify what I call the “heart muscle”.  (I know that is not the technical term.  The technical term is rectus abdominis).  Just think about your abs.  Your abs are the most important part of your position.  Not your legs, they are important, but your abs hold everything together.  Your abs are what give you stability in the saddle as well as coordination in your legs and arms.  The ..read more

Horseback riding is a popular recreational activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. However, it is important to be aware of the inherent risks involved in this activity.  Inherent risks are risks that exist due to the nature of horses such as falls, injuries from being kicked, stepped on, or bitten, and accidents caused by environmental hazards.  There are several things that riders and instructors can do to reduce the risk of injury or accidents while horseback riding.  Get proper instruction and training. This is the best way to reduce yo ..read more

UGH! Why? When I was young and competing in 3-Day-Eventing my instructor would make me ride circles all the time.  And I hated it.  I didn’t understand why I needed to ride those damn circles or why they had to be so perfect.  I just wanted to go jump. Maybe if my instructor had explained the “why” in a way I could have understood it, I would have been happier to work on circles.  Maybe she did and I didn’t listen.  That is always possible. But I want to help you understand why circles are good. And why they are the foundation of any good train ..read more

Today I was watching a dressage clinic.  And I noticed one of the students was having the same lesson that she has the last time this instructor was visiting.  This is not an uncommon thing, but as a rider and trainer we all like to see progress and there is no progress.  I know why there is no progress.  This rider only rides her horse on the bit during her “dressage lessons”.  The rest of the time the horse is allowed to go around with his head up braced in the neck, and hollowed backed.   I see videos and pictures of this pair ..read more

And why is it essential for your riding journey. Equitation is not just riding pretty.  Most of the time when we think of equitation classes at the horse show we think “it’s got to be pretty”. But really equitation is about putting your body the correct position where it makes you the most effective.  Once you can ride in that position you will be able to balance without struggling, without tension and tightness. And this position enables you to use your aids in a soft, subtle almost invisible manner.  Softer aids usually result in a more responsive horse. &n ..read more

We all know that riding is a great way to get exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with our horses. However, we must be always aware of the inherent risks involved and how our actions reduce or increase these risks. What are inherent risks? Inherent risks are risks that are an unavoidable part of riding and spending time around horses. These risks can include: Being thrown from a horse Being kicked by a horse Being bitten by a horse Broken toes from being stepped on. Being knocked down from a bolting horse These are risks that we can never get rid of and that is why we are all requ ..read more

So, I had my second date with “The New Guy” on Monday.  I remembered how to ride. The Man, has his feeling hurt a little bit.  He is aware that he is not getting the attention he is used to.  He is kind of like my second husband.  He is capable of doing what I need him to do, he just lacks the work ethic to do it.  And doesn’t seem to understand that keeping his woman happy is important in his primary relationship and enables him to many extras.  Don’t get me wrong, I have learned a lot from “The Man”.  He came to me struggl ..read more