Training Tips

You have just returned from what you feel was a good show.  Your horse worked well, spooking at shadow monsters was kep to a minimum, and you both stayed inside of the ring.  You are pleased with your scores and placings.  Your next task is to review all of the photographs your wonderful friend,...
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Two Sides to Every Season Summer = longer days, a tan, nice smelling flowers, green grass, lots of yummy fresh vegetables and fruits cheap, sleek shiny coats, water that flows freely, and the convenience of  feeling all of your extremities.. .all of the time. Summer also = heat, humidity, sweat, sunburns, lots and lots of bugs,...
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One of my dreams is to have a dressage arena on my farm.  I am always on a tight budget so this has been a dream put on hold for quite a while.  Why has it been put on hold?  Because dressage arenas cost an absolute fortune!  I think any thing labeled “horse” gets...
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 Continued from March 31, 2010 post   Scribe or Sit with a Judge – Scribing is a great way to learn what a judge looks for in a good test.  Shows love having volunteer scribes and you will learn great deal.  Scribing is one of my favorites, I just can’t quite figure out how to watch my paper...
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Two weekends ago, I was able to attend an educational day sponsored by my local dressage association, the Southwest Virginia Dressage Association.  While I was at the event, I attended several informative workshops.  One of my favorite workshops was presented by Tracey Smith-Oliver an “L” graduate and local judge and instructor in our area. ...
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Happy Friday!   It has been a few days since my last post. That is due to a good reason, I’ve been riding!  We are  having beautiful weather in Virginia and I’ve been taking advantage of every minute I could. Spring will be upon us very soon and that means it is time to...
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My last post was related to the concerns and debate over the use of hyperflexion as a training method for dressage horses.  I decided to change directions and put up a video using some natural training techniques.   I do have a comment on “natural,” which I think is an overused term in the...
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I decided finally to put up a post on the controversial debate surrounding our beloved sport, hyperflexion or rollkur. This debate has been brewing for quite a while. I hesitated to put up a post on my blog, due to the passions surrounding this topic. I have visited other blogs...
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I am at home this evening preparing once again for another dousing of winter weather. I think if I have to roll up that 150 feet of hose out to the water trough again I just might scream. I live in Virginia, where we are not supposed to get 20+ inches of...
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Many days when I ride, I am thankful that someone had the spark of ingenuity to create a saddle. Occasionally a wild hair will strike me and I will ride bareback. This riding preference also seems to coincide with winter and very cold temperatures. A 1200 pound heater underneath you in...
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