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
Why Counter Canter should be your warm up.
"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…
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 didn't get there by mistake. It's good to improve a little with every ride, but what was I thinking trying to look like Edward Gal and Totalis overnight when I got there looking like Melissa Wanstreet and Petite Belle?
You just taught your horse the most valuable lesson of it's career. MOVE AWAY FROM PRESSURE and don't fall back on it.
