When I first started trying to find my way back into the equestrian world, and struggled with how much it had changed (and not for the better), I was lucky to find Epona.tv. The two journalists who founded it had become tired of the same old celebrity promotion style of equestrian journalism, and set out … More A great resource, now free
Inclement weather and a crisis at work have been a roadblock to working with the horses in the last couple of weeks. They get hugs and scratches from me, during evening chores – and seem happy to see me on those occasions – but that has been the bulk of my interactions. So, it is … More Leadership lessons from horses
If there is one thing that can stir horse people up, it’s a discussion on technique. I don’t care what discipline you are in, as soon as you start to discuss technique or method, opinions are strong, and dismissals frequent. It is true that some techniques or methods have little to recommend them. Anything that … More Principle above technique
I write often about the parallels I see between art and classical Dressage. It was a sensibility that began to take root while I was studying art, but was truly entrenched during my years of training Dani. As we grew together in skill, and I watched her change her whole form through the work, I … More The divergent paths of art and sport
It has been an interesting week with Coffee – but it provides a very good illustration of the challenges we have when working with horses, and the decisions we have to make in how we react to those challenges. The wrong reaction can easily escalate an otherwise innocent situation into one that degenerates into fear, … More Coffee has a bad day … or three
Below is a quote that I find somewhat unique in its approach to the subject. It is from Erik Herbermann’s A Horseman’s Notes. In it he addresses one of my favorite topics – that allowing the horse a voice, then listening to what he tells us, gives us the best path to becoming better horsemen … More Don’t scribble on the billboard!
Horse Crazy Once Again 