“Then comes a revelation, finally feeling that a horse behaves gymnastically correctly, and the new convert displays a fervor the likeness of which has not been known since the conversion of Paul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus.” Charles De Kunffy, The Ethics and Passions of Dressage (pg. 36) Have you had that moment? … More “Then comes a revelation …”
Recently, Coffee was on some turnout time in the arena. My mother went to bring him in, and he was watching calmly from the corner; but, when she neared the gate, he galloped a small circle, threw in a buck, and stood looking at her expectantly. He was clearly asking, “Come play with me?” … More “Come play with me?”
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
If you do not keep horses at home, you might never have experienced your horses trying to “help” with repairs and chores. Curious by nature, horses are likely to insert themselves into any activity in their vicinity. I’ve had heads over my shoulder as I secured a loose board with my trusty drill driver. We’ve … More When horses try to help
Ironically, the day after publishing a remembrance of Dani, on the sixth anniversary of her death, her brother Java died suddenly. For further irony, Java left us at 25 – the same age his sister was when she passed on. We knew the end was coming soon, for Java, and were planning on making that … More Farewell Java
Today Facebook reminded me of a memory. It is not a happy memory, but it is linked with many years of lovely memories. Six years ago, today, I had to say goodbye to my Dani – my ‘first born’ and the best dance partner I’ve ever had. She was twenty five at the time and … More My horses, my teachers – Dani
Horse Crazy Once Again 