Jealousy is an uncomfortable emotion to admit in any sport, and eventing gives it plenty of opportunities to appear. I can feel thrilled for a friend who has…
Posts
How I handle jealousy when other riders place higher
Why I thank my grooms after every show
At the end of a horse trial, people usually notice the final score, the ribbon, the clear rounds, or the mistake that changed everything. I notice those things…
What a ground pole course reveals about my riding
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…
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…