It’s not often that one is grateful to have a nightmare, but that Sunday morning, my nightmare saved me. I don’t remember exactly what it was about; all I know is I awoke mid-wail. My crying startled me awake so abruptly that I sat up just like out of a scene in a movie. It … Continue reading Finding Our Way
Life is hard enough. Dressage is even harder. And no matter what you think, YOU DON'T KNOW THE WHOLE STORY.
"A goal is an idea of the future or desired result that a person or a group of people envisions, plans and commits to achieve. People endeavor to reach goals within a finite time by setting deadlines". -Wikipedia The equestrian version of a goal: an idea of the future or desired result that a person … Continue reading The thing about goals in the horse world…
I didn't know it at the time, but April 27, 2007 would mark one of the most important days of my life. It was the day that one of the greatest horses I have and will ever know was born. Meet Petite Belle! My first time down centerline was in 2007, the year Belle was … Continue reading Our Journey to Prix St. George
Here we have a grid set with a vertical to a one stride, to a Swedish oxer, to a one stride, to a vertical. A swedish oxer includes 4 standards and at least 2 poles. The poles on the front set of standards are set with one side higher than the other. The second set … Continue reading Gridwork with Grady: Using a Swedish Oxer
Trotting Poles is a very basic exercise and underestimated exercise that is very beneficial to young and older horses alike. I felt the need to include it in our gridwork as it seems to get left in the dust even though it's a great exercise used almost daily. For one, it is a great tool … Continue reading Gridwork with Grady: Trot Poles
I've decided to give the youngsters a break from work before the busy season hits here in November
Another addition to the 'Gridwork with Grady' Series! Check out this simple exercise great for horse and rider.
One of my favorite exercises for strengthening a horses jump: Trot poles to an oxer. Engages the hind end, sets the pace and assists the distance. I like to put considerable height once the horse understands the exercise. Grady is only 5 and a little behind the learning curve so 2'9" is plenty difficult. Soon, … Continue reading Gridwork with Grady: Trot Poles to an Oxer
I've struggled with confidence in the jumper ring. I make mistakes that I KNOW I shouldn't be making and I kick myself for doing so. The fact that making those mistakes had become a subconscious ritual for me, was making me a bad rider.
