A line of ground poles looks innocent enough. There are no jumps to clear, no bright fillers, no water complex, and no dramatic moment that makes everyone…
Posts
What a ground pole course reveals about my riding
The art of praising my horse after a tough round
There is a moment after every difficult round when I have to decide what my horse will remember. The rails may be down, the dressage test may have felt…
How I maintain focus during a rain-soaked event
Rain changes an event long before the first horse enters the arena. It alters the footing, the warm-up routine, the condition of the tack, the way a horse sees…
The Power of a Simple Half-Halt at the Right Moment
There are riding aids that look impressive from the ground: a dramatic change of pace, a sharp transition, a powerful flying change. Then there is the…
Why I Practice Emergency Dismounts on the Flat
There is a particular kind of confidence that comes from knowing how to leave a horse safely. It is not glamorous, and it is rarely the part of training anyone…
What a loose shoe can teach you about preparedness
A loose shoe rarely arrives at a convenient time. It may show up the evening before a horse trial, halfway through a schooling session, or just as the lorry is…
Feeding the Event Horse for a Stronger Competition Day
Competition-day nutrition begins long before the horse walks into the dressage arena. The meals offered that morning matter, but they are only one part of a…
Teaching My Horse To Listen To My Seat
My seat is the quietest aid I use, but it has become one of the most important parts of my communication with my horse. My hands and legs can create a great…
Why I set personal goals beyond the placing
There is a particular kind of silence that arrives after a horse trial. The trailer is packed, the boots are muddy, and the last score has been posted. For a…
When the Finish Line Feels Quieter Than Expected
There is a particular kind of tiredness that arrives after a major equestrian goal has been achieved. It is not the ordinary exhaustion of early mornings,…