Hunter classes have come under scrutiny. Shows have changed format over time, and with it, the style of riding. There has been criticism of today's riders, claiming they are laying on the neck, perching, too far forward, trying to hard to look "pretty," and this is what it takes to earn a ribbon.[...]
These days, Stu and I have an understanding. We are a serious partnership, building our skills. When I come to his field, he leaves his grass and comes to me. We head into the barn, barn up, and get ready for some work. Okay, so... I'm 90% sure that this understanding came about because of[...]
I still remember the day I bought my first grooming supplies. I was 14 years old, about to go to my first horse show. I was staying at my trainer's house for the show, and my parents were so excited they camped out there, too. It decided I was finally ready for my own tools. Up until that point, I'[...]
The last time I posted an update about Stu, I had fallen off. It was quite an experience; he's a tall horse and we were going fast. Although I'm basically over it, I'm always very aware that he's very big, very strong, and could easily do what he wanted, if he choose to. But let's keep that secret[...]
Let's say you've decided to start riding. Excellent! Good choice. So you have your lesson, and you loved it. After a few lessons, you begin to wonder when you'll trot. Or when you'll canter. When can you start jumping? Are you progressing at a normal rate? When you're new to riding, it's hard[...]
There was a time when people didn't know how horses moved. They knew they had four legs, and they moved all of those legs somehow, but those legs moved much too fast at the trot and gallop for people to full understand what they were seeing. People had different theories. Some believed that t[...]
The beginner's horse is a gem and a treasure among horse owners. They are beloved by their owners, and sometimes hard to find for sale. They are high in demand, and can command a high price tag. Why is a beginner's horse so desirable? For the non-equestrian, it might seem a little confusing.[...]
When I was in fifth grade, we were assigned to give presentations on famous people, from the perspective of the famous person. So we were to stand up in front of the class, and tell the class about ourselves, as if we were that famous person. Naturally doing what any horse crazy girl would[...]
When we are young and youthful and carefree, it's easy to live in the moment and not think of what is in store for the future. Now, this could apply to many things, your career, your love life, or your entire view of your existence, unable to understand why we are here, what it means to be human, a[...]
The skills required come from jumping, barrel racing, dressage, trail riding, and mounted games, to name a few. It's a mash of many different disciplines, allowing riders from different disciplines to play to their strengths. It's Working Equitation, one of the fastest growing equestrian discipline[...]