Excerpt from an humble “expert”
September 25, 2011
“I hate writing, I love to have written.” Dorothy Parker
Writing this blog, originally a writing exercise imposed upon me by my roommate, an avid birder that blogs daily at thebirdhousechick.com, has brought about many unexpected benefits and pleasures to my life. While it sometimes seems like a chore to sit down and torture myself with self-doubt and criticism just to get three paragraphs completed, once it is finished I feel a sense of relief and am usually inspired for my next topic.
In addition to the cathartic experience of sharing issues that are dear to me I have met so many other bloggers, and many other riders that stumble across the writings and share their comments and insights. Some of them are professional trainers and many of them amateur riders that are passionate about their journey with riding. Without the global reach of the world-wide web I would never have met these kindred souls that share my love of dressage or horses in general. The comments and e-mail I receive as a result of my small blog have inspired me and made me feel part of a community in which I have never felt included.
It was a great surprise and admittedly a source of confusion when I received an e-mail from Frances Keller, an organizer from the historic and distinguished Dressage at Devon horse show. The correspondence was an invitation to attend Devon as an “expert commentator” for the Prix St. George class held in the famous “Dixon Oval”. My first response was that the e-mail must have been sent to me inadvertently so I replied to Ms. Keller to inquire why I had been included in the group of experts that featured top judges and top competitors from across the United States. It seems she came across my website and blog while looking for Scott Peterson, a great trainer I have listed on my resume’. After reading the site Ms. Keller invited me to be a commentator as she felt that some of the listeners may relate to my point of view as a contrast to the great judges they have scheduled to speak. I am very humbled by the invitation and hope that her instincts prove correct.
Although I am nervous about the prospect of speaking to such a large audience without the time to edit and rewrite that I am afforded by writing a blog, I am more afraid of “flinching out” on an opportunity to be included in such an esteemed panel at such a dignified event. So Thursday I board the plane to face my fears and hopefully offer a perspective that remains true to myself and resounds with others.
If any of my fellow blogging friends, or others that follow the blog are going to be in attendance at Devon please let me know so we can finally meet. I consider you all part of my journey and wouldn’t be included if it weren’t for your kind words and inspiration.
Check out the page of “experts” here.
2010 in review
January 3, 2011
The stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and here’s a high level summary of its overall blog health:
The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads Wow.
Crunchy numbers
A Boeing 747-400 passenger jet can hold 416 passengers. This blog was viewed about 10,000 times in 2010. That’s about 24 full 747s.
In 2010, there were 47 new posts, growing the total archive of this blog to 50 posts. There were 95 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 133mb. That’s about 2 pictures per week.
The busiest day of the year was January 31st with 150 views. The most popular post that day was Sweep your Cares Away…..
Where did they come from?
The top referring sites in 2010 were facebook.com, suzannekingdressage.com, equineink.com, blogger.com, and iamthesprinklerbandit.blogspot.com.
Some visitors came searching, mostly for dressage blog, dressage blogs, lisa wilcox, ron smeets, and lisa wilcox dressage.
Attractions in 2010
These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.
Sweep your Cares Away…. January 2010
8 comments
About me December 2009
Say What? May 2010
21 comments
Keep the helmet, ditch the Tux… March 2010
16 comments
Meet Mr. Smeets…. March 2010
6 comments
Say What?
May 20, 2010
Scott Peterson communicates with his horse before the show!
One of the challenges in teaching dressage lies in formulating analogies and phrases to evoke the proper “feeling” between the horse and rider. On the technical side this includes teaching the mechanics of the movements, the relationship of the aids between the rider and horse, and the systematic use of the training scale. More imagination is required on the abstract side, as one must describe feelings. Elasticity, forwardness, throughness and many other dressage terms have either different definitions in the real world, or no application whatsoever.
Many times word selection is pivotal in eliciting the right response from the rider, both physically and emotionally. This obsession with word choice causes some clients annoyance as I use their questions and interpretations of their rides as indicators of their understanding of the training concepts and of their relationship with the horse. An example that comes readily to mind is the common malady, “he keeps throwing his head up!” Although visually this is true, the rider’s choice to focus on the horse’s head leads me to conclude that the rider does not understand that the horse’s head is not the problem, the problem is losing engagement and dropping the back, the head tossing is merely a symptom of this problem. When focusing on the horse’s head position the rider will usually correct the head tossing with the reins. This correction is temporary however, as the problem itself has been left unaddressed. By asking the rider to think and speak in terms of the horse’s back, as opposed the head, it increases the likelihood that he will take the steps necessary to correct the source of the problem, and not patch it up for a few strides with force.
“He keeps drifting out!” Another clue to a misunderstanding. If the horse is drifting, breaking stride, speeding up, slowing down or any other deviance from the rider’s intent it is not “his” fault. If he is doing it, it is likely that the rider is inadvertently asking him to do it. Pointing out this word choice problem is not one of my more popular speeches. It almost always merits an exasperated sigh and “you know what I mean”. The problem here is that, yes, I know the rider is trying to convey the nature of the error, however the words selected indicate that the rider believes the horse is responsible for the failure of the exercise. The same observation worded “I’m doing something that keeps allowing him to break or asking him to break” is more indicative that the rider is taking responsibility for the error, thus making correcting it a possibility.
A client of mine, a young rider that rehabilitates traumatized horses, used to describe resistance by the horse as “fighting”. Although I know that she is not using the word literally, or in any way being unkind to the horse, I stop her explanation every time the word fighting is included. It is important to me, as the trainer, that the relationship between the rider and the horse is one of teaching and understanding. If the rider feels that the horse is malevolent as opposed to confused then the course of action will be disciplinary instead of instructive. The word fighting indicates a combative stance with the horse that is not helpful in the training process. It is the responsibility of the instructor to ascertain the rider’s understanding of the training relationship. To assume an understanding, in spite of terminology to the contrary, can be a mistake the horse must pay for.
After each lesson use your own words to convey your understanding of the concepts addressed by your trainer. Your explanation may illuminate misunderstandings that prevent you from being the partner your horse deserves.
It’s nice to have Connections….
May 1, 2010
It’s no coincidence, the spring weather appeared and the blog posts disappeared! Break’s over now and I’m back with enthusiasm! Much of my enthusiasm has been influenced by two, yes two! awards bestowed upon me by my blogging friend, Bree Nicole at Cavalli Connections. I couldn’t be more pleased with my awards, The Beautiful Blogger award, and The Classical Riding Awareness Award, an honor that Bree will be granting to one blogger every few months that she feels demonstrates compassion for horses, a thirst for equine kowledge and dedication to the classical principles of training and riding. I hope I can live up to these admirable standards. I certainly aspire to.
When I began Tango Dressage Blog in December ’09 I’m not sure I even knew what a blog was. It seemed like a good way to overcome anxieties about writing, a problem I have sufferred from since childhood. I didn’t realize that I would grow to enjoy the process and the people associated with it. I have come to believe that the blog format will bring about a sense of honesty and sincerity in journalism. The blogs I enjoy are not only as informative and well written as any magazine articles I read, they are generally less wordy, and less biased by advertisers (since there usually are none!).
If you haven’t already, please check out Bree’s blog, Cavalli Connections and the others I have listed on the right margin of this page under Blogroll. They are all excellent blogs written by people that are so passionate about horses they are willing to put the evidence up for the world to read. You may even want to start one of your own. As a condition of my Beautiful Blogger award I must pick some beautiful blogs to bestow the award upon. I don’t think this will be a problem, there are so many I have grown to love. There will be a post listing them shortly.
Before I sign off to rest up for the horse show tomorrow I want to thank Bree once again for her kind words and thoughtful consideration. I greatly admire her writing and passion for horses and consider her recognition of my blog a real honor.
Check in tomorrow for some horse show blogging!
Taken out of Reference….
March 29, 2010
On occasion I receive calls from prospective schools or employers wishing to verify the integrity of a current or previous student that has me listed as a personal reference. These calls are usually unremarkable, a few sentences verifying how long I’ve known the applicant and a couple of obligatory questions regarding their work ethic. Earlier this week I received one of these reference check calls regarding a student I have known for ten years, Lindsay Hildebrandt. The business owner calling me was Linda Miller from Elkhorn Ranch in Montana. Ms Miller’s warm sense of humor and sincere desire to hire the right person for her ranch made this call anything but unremarkable.
I have never been to Elkhorn Ranch but have many times thought I would like to take a summer off from teaching and spend it as a guide, or wrangler, taking people out on horseback treks through mountain passes, and enjoying horses without the pressures of daily commutes or the underlying intensity of competition training. Unfortunately, however, Ms. Miller didn’t call to ask me out to Montana to be a wrangler for the summer, but instead to find out if I thought Lindsay Hildebrandt might be right for the job. “You would be crazy not to hire her”, was my initial reaction, and I stand by it still.
Elkhorn Ranch, Montana
I assured Linda that Lindsay was nothing if not determined and hard-working. Anyone that has ever met Lindsay’s horse, Prophet, can testify to that. As charming and talented as Prophet is, I have never met a more challenging or difficult horse to train and Lindsay has persevered on him through the years, training him as a showjumper. I’m sure there won’t be any horses at Elkhorn like Prophet, but if Linda needs any help with training horses for the trails, she’s getting her money’s worth with Lindsay.
A talented artist, Lindsay has designed logos for me, given me drawings and paintings that I cherish and created a beautiful wire sculpture of my horse, Wango Tango. Before the advent of blogs I recruited Lindsay and her best friend Amber to write and illustrate my first newsletter, Hot2Trot. It was a lot of work for the kids but they did a great job! If Linda is as sneaky as I am, Elkhorn may have some new signs and artwork before the summer is up!
Wire Sculpture of Wango Tango
I could go on and on about traits that make Lindsay a great candidate for Elkhorn Ranch but I’d rather let Lindsay update us herself. She’s leaving in June and staying for the summer. I have a great feeling about Linda, she seems like a genuine person that cares about her guests, her horses and her staff. One day Nickel (Wango Tango) and I hope to make it out to Montana to meet her and her horses.
Lindsay, good luck at your job and have a great time. You have been promoted from Hot2Trot illustrator to blogospondent for Tango Dressage! Send us updates and photos from your trip and put in a good word for me, I’ll be a wrangler one day soon!
Don’t flip-flop about it…..
March 15, 2010
Four ibuprofen down the hatch as my right foot throbs! Another job related injury! The names of the parties involved have been changed to protect the victims, wait a minute, I am the victim!
I teach a lovely lady we’ll call “Bonnie” that owns a small riding facility at her home several miles from the barn in which I board my horses. With a show a couple of weeks away it’s time to trailer the horses over to ride some tests while also getting them used to traveling off of the property. Horses arrive, check out the place, walk into washracks, everything is fine. Here’s where things take a turn.
The horse Bonnie is going to ride tacks up without incident. My process does not go quite as smoothly. My ride, we’ll call “Bernie” has a girthing issue, that I should have remembered, as I have tacked him up at his own house many times. This is where I erred, as Bernie is one of several horses I have known over the years that if girthed too quickly will buckle at the knees. This is exactly what happened. I didn’t ratchet it up, however, there are certain horses that must be girthed very slowly to prevent such a reaction and care must be given every time.
I confidently put on the saddle, buckled the girth and walked out of the washrack to grab the bridle. When I turned around with bridle in hand Bernie’s legs buckled and he collapsed on to the mats of the washrack. The fall frightened him, causing him to flip and thrash around in the crossties. Luckily the crossties have quick release connections and one of them gave way. After a couple of seconds that felt like hours, Bernie settled down and laid (lay, laid) down in the washrack, confused. He was still enough that I approached his head and unclipped the crossties on each side of his halter and backed up so he could get back up on his feet.
I got two steps back when he launched himself up off the ground with his hoof pointed like a ballerina’s toe slamming straight down on top of my foot! Wham!!! My entire body got hot with adrenaline, followed by a cold, clammy sweat! Yes, Yes, Bernie was fine! However, my foot felt shattered. I was lucky to be wearing my riding boots at the time. I know this incident is not uncommon. We have all had hundreds of foot smashing, toe stepping incidents but it brings up a conversation I have every summer with students concerning barn footwear.
Invariably , every summer I will have a conversation with at least two or three different students who will show up at the barn for the day with flip-flops or sandals on. I always say “you probably need to wear something more substantial, you might get your toes cut off”. The reply that follows usually sounds something like ”I’m not going to get my horse out of the stall, I’m not even going to lead a horse”.
This sounds fine, in theory. However, you never know what might happen that you may have to become involved in. If a horse gets loose and you have to help catch him, you are suddenly leading a horse. If a horse gets tangled in a wire and needs immediate help, or falls in a crosstie, or a hundred other emergency scenarios and you are needed to jump in and help out, it is not practical to be wearing footwear that will compromise your feet.
Even here in the hot and humid South, and even as cute as your sandals are, and even if you are wearing shorts, sturdy boots or shoes are your best choice if you are at the barn for any period of time. Dont fret, your Facebook pictures will look cuter with you with boots on than with you on crutches anyday!
On a more Serious Note…
March 13, 2010
I usually try to avoid news related topics, as news is more accurately reported on news sites, this forum is generally based on my opinion but it seems pertinent to address the recent tragic accident of America’s Olympian Courtney King-Dye. If anyone is still unaware of the accident she was riding a young horse in warm-up at a competition when the horse slipped and fell, fracturing Courtney’s skull. Courtney is still in a coma at the time of this writing. Horse Channel.com has an article with more details on the accident and an address to Courtney’s Facebook page as well as a mailing address for well wishers. I will include them at the bottom of this post as well.
This accident has stirred a lot of debate in the dressage community concerning mandatory use of helmets at competitions. I received a letter from my local GMO yesterday requesting feedback from members of the equestrian community, as horse show organizers are fearful that if they alone enforce such mandatory regulations they may suffer loss of entries to shows that do not enforce the safety measures. While I understand that entry money is what makes horse shows possible, hiring judges possible, etc. I am saddened that cash flow is the determining factor in most every decision that arises anymore. It seems that competition dressage should now be termed commercial dressage.
As those who know me can testify I rarely, if ever, wear a helmet. I am certainly not bragging about this, just stating the facts before someone else does in my comment section!! In fact, I was forced to purchase one to ride while schooling some riders on a cross-country course a few years ago and in mock protest picked one with a picture of Mickey Mouse riding a horse on it. After that day, I wore it very rarely. It is not that I consciously disagree with the use of helmets, I wore them when riding as a child and when I used to jump. I believe I am of the age that safety was not as stringently observed and regulated as it is now. Seatbelts were not mandatory and I’m not sure many people used them when I was young. Nobody wore helmets when riding a bike, or skating as they do now.
I was, however, bucked off a horse a few months ago that was startled by my swishy jacket (see my first blog post!). The next time I rode the horse, I removed my jacket! and asked the owner if I could use her helmet. She had a Charles Owen helmet and it fit me perfectly. The horse behaved wonderfully and luckily I didn’t have to test the helmet but I must admit I did feel safer and rode less apprehensively wearing the helmet. After the ride I examined the construction and realized they have come a long way from the Mickey Mouse helmet that was little more than thin plastic over egg cartons.
Ever since riding with that helmet I tossed around the idea of purchasing one of my own. Oddly enough I bought one the day before Courtney’s accident. It is still not a natural instinct for me to grab it and wear it every time I ride, but I did yesterday and I do see the value in it. I don’t yet know where I stand on mandatory helmet rules. This opens up more questions like wearing protective vests or break-away stirrups. I am coming around myself, however, to wearing the helmet, both for my own safety and as an example for the kids I teach. As for the adults, that is a decision they can make for themselves.
I sympathize greatly with Courtney and her family and wish her the speediest recovery. Please send her your well-wishes on Facebook or by mail. Every acknowledgement and intention of well-being goes a long way in helping the recovery process. She is a great rider and an inspiration to all dressage enthusiasts. It is an unfortunate reality that no matter how many safety regulations are enforced, there is always a risk of injury when riding a horse, no matter how accomplished the rider or how quiet the horse.
Check out Behind the Bit’s post today for some interesting information on head injuries.
We’re all rooting for your recovery Courtney, get back in the saddle soon.
Courtney Dye
2442 Muir Circle
Wellington, FL 33414
comebackcourt@gmail.com
Anyone wishing to donate to the Medical Assistance Fund can make checks payable to:
Courtney King-Dye
c/o Lendon Gray
25 Lake Ave.
Bedford, NY 10506
Horses are Welcome too!!
March 10, 2010
Me and Sam in England '75
Me and Sammy in Germany '79. Ponies make great teachers!
Saturday promises to be exciting as I am spending the day with some of my best friends, Ponies! The Atlanta Pony Club is meeting me at Foxberry Farms in Dallas, Georgia for a full day of dressage lessons.
This is not my first time teaching the ponyclubbers and I hope I will be invited again. Having started riding in England I had a short brush with the
British Pony Club and have a great deal of respect for the organization. Any rider that has earned the rating of “A” ponyclubber is not only qualified to be a professional rider but has proven to be an expert in horse and barn management as well. To check how you measure up click here for the United State’s Pony Club’s Standards of Proficiency for H-B, HH-A Levels (the horse management section of the “A” level). The Dressage Specialty Riding Test is no walk in the park either!
As riders “rate” through the system, starting with the fundamentals of horsecare and riding, they prove their skills through testings. These are no easy tests! Safety and the integrity of the ratings are a priority and much preparation, instruction and hard work goes into preparing the riders for their ratings. Rallies are held for concentrated coaching before rating sessions and the ponyclubbers must work together with a team in all areas of barn management. To make sure the kids are focused and learning the information themselves, parents are not allowed in the barn area at rallies.
Don’t get the idea that Ponyclub is all work and testing! Ponyclubbers learn while having fun! Jumping, gymkhana, eventing, foxhunting, all types of English riding opportunities abound, both at the local and national level. Scholarships are even available for hard-working applicants. If you are a young rider or if you have a young rider in the family I strongly recommend Ponyclub for a well-rounded horseman’s education. It’s a well-known fact, no one can teach you more than a pony!
Don’t miss the Rest of the Show…
March 2, 2010
Auguries of Innocence William Blake
Lots has been said of the horse’s life at a barn. Studies have been made to translate what each twitch and gesture communicates to the rest of the herd. An equal amount of less scientific study has been done to analyze the human residents at the barn as well. Most of these are comical in nature. EquineInks post yesterday is one of these studies that shouldn’t be missed!
It is a sad thing indeed, however, if while at the barn one gets too concentrated on the discipline of riding and the social opportunities at every washrack to enjoy the abundant nature reserve they’re visiting. A few silent moments is all that is needed to appreciate a conversation between the birds in the trees or the rhythm of the water in a creek. If you don’t have time to stray from the barn there is still plenty of wildlife all around you. Now is the time the barn swallows are building their nests preparing for spring. Some barn owners consider them a nuisance and go to efforts to discourage them from nesting in the barn, but I enjoy seeing the baby birds poking their heads out of the nests high above the stalls until they are ready to fly on their own!
Several barns I visit have barn owls which are more difficult to spot during the day but have made the occasional appearance, and their “hoot hooting” is unmistakable. Blue Herons are one of my favorite residents at barns that have bodies of water to host them. Care must be taken, however when riding by them as their sudden flight may startle a horse. Still worth having them around!
When catching your horse from his paddock, check the fence line for hawks, they sit very still and wait for mice and other small animals to move in the field before snatching them up and flying off for dinner. I have seen them carry away small snakes. These birds are but a few of the ones you can see and the hundreds you can hear if you slow down, listen and observe what’s already there.
Slow down when you have the chance and listen to the wind, the gossiping birds and the horses happily snorting and stomping. Experience life at the barn as your horse does, you won’t miss much if you take one less cellphone call to do it. Don’t let the pressures of everyday life hurry you into missing all of the glimpses into nature’s conversations that we are privileged to by virtue of our horse’s friendship.
Don’t let the Ads fool you…..
February 26, 2010
1 Connemara + 2 shows = 1 Bronze Medal
Almost everyone in the dressage community can tell you the bloodlines of the horses winning in topsport dressage. Breeding programs in the United States have become increasingly popular and successful. Almost every page in dressage magazines boasts advertisements of well-bred, super athletic, descendents of top scoring dressage horses. If the price is right it is even possible to purchase a clone of one of these world-renowned athletes. With the availability of these super athletes burgeoning every year there are only two questions left to answer. Can I afford him? Can I ride him?
While it is true that to place successfully in dressage, a warmblood of quality breeding is the most obvious choice; however, to show successfully or to ride successfully, a top-bred warmblood is not the only option. In fact, depending on the experience and athleticism of the rider, a big, fancy moving horse can be intimidating and frustrating. This is fantastic for the professional that needs a horse to compete, but can be heartbreaking for the amateur that would really like to participate in more than just paying the bills.
This is not to dissuade riders from purchasing warmbloods, I am a big fan and, in fact own a Contango baby myself. This is instead to encourage owners of other breeds to continue in their pursuit of dressage, and to encourage prospective buyers not to rule out other breeds when selecting a suitable horse. Whether you have chosen dressage for competition or just to enjoy the ride, most all breeds can be successful and fun.
As the sport evolves the trend is moving towards the lighter boned, more elastic warmbloods that produce extravagant gaits. This is evidenced with horses like Totilis, a big moving warmblood that is setting world record dressage scores. While some fault his gaits, there is no denying he is influencing what is considered ”popular” in dressage today. In order to refine the once heavier warmbloods breeders have skillfully introduced bloodlines of more “hot-blooded” horses. The result of this selective breeding is horses that display much more fluid, dramatic gaits; however, with these extravagant gaits comes the hotter nature of the lines that are bred in.
As an instructor of riders of all levels I would rather teach a person how to improve the gaits, and master riding on a horse that they are physically and mentally capable of handling. If that horse is a warmblood that’s great, it makes showing a lot easier. If it’s an Andalusian, Connemara, Thoroughbred, Appendix, Quarter Horse, Appaloosa, POA, Arab, whatever, bring it on. Don’t let the advertisements scare you, when you can improve the gaits of any horse and promote the relaxation that the old-style warmbloods are known for, you are in the running. See you at the score board!
That sounds Farrier…
February 24, 2010
Some of the most interesting barn conversation I have ever had has come from farriers. I could write a whole series of blog posts on farriers I have known and the stories they have told but I wouldn’t want to be excluded from future stories, they’re too great! Both horses had to be shod yesterday so Farrier and I had a long time to talk. As horse professionals in the same community the experiences we have with different horses, owners, vets, barn owners and other members of the community parallel each other.
We were talking about toe clips and side clips and the effect of each on different shaped hooves and he recounted a telephone conversation he had with a young farrier that had called him to ask a few questions about shoeing. The young fellow had asked how he felt about toe clips, and the response was that he would have to see a picture of the hooves in question. The question was, of course, hypothetical so the young farrier asked “just on the average, everyday horse”. This is once again, an unanswerable question as the “everyday horse” varies widely depending on the individual’s clients and even among those clients the hooves will not be the same.
This is a question that mirrors one that I think about in the training process from time to time, especially when it comes to training horses that have come to a trainer with previous baggage or are horses non-traditional to the discipline in which they are being trained. Many strict classicists write that there is one way to correctly train. I am not disputing any of these techniques, they are all proven effective. It is presumed in most writings, I believe, that the horse has been started correctly and that it is of an “everyday type of horse” that the author is used to seeing. It would be difficult to write a book addressing every type of previous training issue or every approach for different breed types, but I contend that horses must be treated as individuals, and a classical approach should be the desired standard but allowances must be made for the individual.
Whether you are talking about hooves, horses or students a philosophy or program must have a sound and proven structure. But the professional must be able to see the client as an individual, with a history of its own, in order to determine if inherent or learned traits must be addressed in a manner that humanely directs them back to the classical structure. The goal is the same, the path must always be humane but the history, conformation, or psyche of the hoof, horse or client must be taken into consideration if a classical result is to be achieved.
The Bandit Strikes…
February 19, 2010
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- Me and Col. Axel Steiner, and Ollie
Hopefully, when reading these blogs you are clicking on the title line so that the comments from other posters are visible. Frequently, the comments are better reading than the blog! I encourage everyone to feel free to post their perspectives, as I believe everyone posting, no matter the experience level, can add to the discussion and hopefully a better understanding of every barn’s integral players can be established.
Yesterday’s blog dealt with my observations that one must trust their trainer in order to progress (for more detail see post No Used Cars Here…. I thought this post generated some great replies from riders of different backgrounds. Several of these came from fellow bloggers and each of them are appreciated. Please read the comments they supplied at the end of the above referenced blog. (One was my Mom so she might be biased!) Each one has a great comment with a twist from their own experiences. This is what makes this style of journaling so eye-opening. If I posed these questions only to the number of people I see in a day, I don’t believe the responses would be as candid or as varied.
The comments come from riders and trainers of all backgrounds. Sabrena is a talented dressage coach, and great friend, in Columbia, South Carolina. Many of the comments were from blogs I read daily. The Literary Horse is now one of my favorite authors, her posts are hilarious and when she comments on other’s posts her perspectives are original! Retired Racehorse is another name I love to see comment. Natalie is a champion for the Thoroughbred. She loves the breed and her background is extremely varied so she has a lot of experience to draw from. Sprinkler Bandit is a student chronicling her experiences backing her six-year old Oldenburg mare. All of these blogs are so well done they give me a lot to aspire to! Thank you guys for encouraging me. Each one of their responses have inspired blog topics for me, and today I will use Sprinkler Bandit’s comment, and my response, as a blog, as I believe the point she addresses is one that others may feel and relate to. Here is her comment and my reply.
SprinklerBandit Says:
February 19, 2010 at 6:35 am
I think the “now” issue has to be balanced, however. We have a duty to our horses to educate ourselves about them. Otherwise, a well meaning rider who responds “now” to an incompetent trainer may find him/herself in a much worse situation than they ever were before.
So, I agree, as long as the trainer is trustworthy. That said, if I was uncertain as to whether or not I trusted a trainer, I’d audit a lesson or clinic before signing up for instruction.
And my Reply:
I am so glad you posted this as I think it gets to the root of the problem. A relationship between a trainer and a student is like any other relationship. A trainer must first observe the student, over a period of time, and evaluate their abilities. An experienced instructor will never ask the student to perform an exercise or give an aid that they do not already know the student is capable of executing, and the horse is mentally and physically able to comply with. In my case, if a horse is not schooled in an exercise I will ride it myself and teach the horse as the student observes. This gives the horse the foundation so when the student applies the aids, the horse has an idea of what action is needed. It is never good training, or good for the student’s or horse’s confidence to be asked to perform something they are not capable of. I saw a lawyer show on TV once that put it best. The lawyer said “Never ask a question you don’t already know the answer to”. Knowing that the rider and horse are at the point in their education to succeed in an exercise is something a good trainer must be able to assess. Neither horse nor rider should ever be overfaced.
The breakdown in trust is probably a result of the lack of certification needed to instruct riding. I believe even yoga teachers must certify, but not people teaching other people on large animals. This is why you are correct in that when looking for a trainer you should find one that has been teaching, and producing quality riders for a reasonable length of time. There should be a resume’ of sorts, that will give a substantial history of their riding and teaching experience. It is easy to make an impressive website with no real content. Don’t be afraid to ask for references. A good teacher would love to have you talk to a few of their clients. And, as you stated, watching clinics and asking to sit in on the trainer’s other student’s lessons are good ideas. Once you begin training with an instructor, you should feel challenged, but not afraid.
Then, once they have earned that trust, let them do their job and you will find that your goals are easier to reach. Thanks again for posting- I think you brought up a point that many people, that may be afraid to ask, might like answered! 
No Used Cars here……
February 17, 2010
I try to help, Samson looks a little indifferent
I enjoy and appreciate the comments and discussions that have been contributed to the blog thus far. The readers of the blog seem to represent a wide variety of viewpoints from the horse owning community. Barn owners, trainers, adult students, young riders, parents and other bloggers have been kind enough to read, and help share perspectives on this forum. Thanks for that, I hope it can help to build mutual appreciation for each of the positions, as they are all inter-related and our horse communities are more positive when every person’s contribution is acknowledged, and each person’s concerns are validated.
A fellow trainer related a story to me the other day of a client of his that had recently bought a new horse. The trainer had helped pick out the horse and it seemed a great match for the young rider. As the horse settled in to the routine at the trainer’s barn, it became obvious that the reduced pasture time was causing some difficulty for the young boy at riding time, as the horse still had too much energy. When the trainer suggested additional turn-out for the horse, the father of the young rider declined, citing concerns for the horse’s stress level. The owner also did not care to have either the trainer or another rider work the horse in addition to the child’s lessons.
Empathizing with the trainer, I asked why he thought the owner was reluctant to follow any of his advice. His response was one that made me think of several students I have taught in the past. It seems this particular horse owner had come to this trainer directly after leaving a trainer he felt was very controlling and overbearing. I do not know the circumstances of that situation, so I do not know if this was in fact true, but it was the belief of the horse owner.
Explaining his dilemma with the situation rang true to me. Many times when a person leaves a trainer that they feel is over-controlling, or unwilling to allow them to make even small decisions, they tend to overcompensate for this indignity with the new trainer. Every decision the new trainer makes is immediately subject to scrutiny for signs of control or deceit. This is an understandable response, if there were misdeeds done by a previous trainer, but it makes the learning progress difficult and possibly dangerous.
Many aspects of dealing with horses rely on faith and confidence. Learning technical information can be done by reading books. Most progress with riding happens once the rider believes that they are capable of making it happen. A good instructor must be able to explain the technical aspects of riding. A great instructor must convince the rider that they can persuade the horse to do it! Horses are not apt to follow the apprehensive. If a rider is skeptical of his trainer’s advice, the lack of confidence and committment will result in a failure to convince the horse to accept his aids. Success in this situation is doubtful.
In addition to making progress slow, safety must be a priority. Many times when I was growing up taking riding lessons in Europe, where the teachers seemed particularly scary, I wondered why the trainers always seemed to bark commands and refuse objections. ”I can’t”, or “I won’t”, was not tolerated. Anyone uttering these words was dismissed immediately. Having taught for many years now, I understand the rigidity, and I wish I could thank them all for their intolerance. When you are responsible for someone riding a large, powerful animal, the rider must be conditioned to follow directions quickly, without hesitation, in the event the horse becomes frightened and shows signs of bolting, rearing, or any other behaviour that could be dangerous to the rider. A quick movement, with relaxed confidence in a trainer’s ability, can mean the difference between making the situation safe, or causing more fear and escalating the danger.
This is not to belittle the indignity and condescension that some have fallen victim to at the hands of an overzealous trainer. But I like to believe that most people who get into this occupation do so in order to share their love and passion for horses with other people. Don’t let one bad apple keep you from learning what so many others are eager to share. Whatever the experience level, we all love the horses the same!
Don’t forget your Wellies….
February 16, 2010
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- I should’ve lunged him!
Even in the temperate South, this winter has been the most frustrating riding season I can remember. All of the paddocks are knee-deep in mud. The arenas are almost always closed to protect them for future riding. The perpetual rain makes turnout, for many horses, rare. On top of the weather, the economy is putting the pinch on everyone. If we are to make it, as a unified equine community, we must put our complaints aside, and hold out a little while longer for the sun to appear. These conditions call for optimism on a unprecedented level.
On days that inclement weather prevents your horse’s turnout, it is a good idea to get to the barn and lunge or ride him anyway. If the arena is unavailable, because of same inclement weather, hand walking will suffice to get your horse out of his stall for a while. Horse’s digestive systems were not made for them to stand around for long periods of time. This is not a reason for you to call the barn and ask someone to do this for you. When the horses are in, stalls must be cleaned more often and the workload is heavier. Go to the barn with your raincoat! It will not hurt you and your horse will be glad for the outing!
If you decide to ride, don’t be too proud to lunge your horse for a few minutes before mounting. Even a generally quiet horse can be feisty when he has been stalled for long periods of time, or when the wind is whipping or howling. It is not a sign of bravery when someone refuses to lunge a horse that has not been ridden for some time. It is a better training decision to get the horse settled in to a working attitude on the lungeline than to risk an adversarial confrontation.
After you’ve seen to your horse’s exercise there are plenty of rainy weather chores that can be caught up on. Tack cleaning can be fun if you do it in a group, maybe watching some horsey videos. I’m sure your tack trunk or closet could stand to be cleaned and organized, as could the horse trailer you keep putting off. Rainy days are a good day to wash and sanitize your horse’s brushes, as the muddy season brings with it lots of fungus that is hard to get rid of later. If you are feeling particularly benevolent, you could clean out the barn’s break room or bathroom. Someone will love you for it.
Remember that the weather and economy have made the job of caring for horses harder on everyone this year. Barn Owners, Barn Staff, Trainers, Boarders, Farriers, everyone has faced challenges this winter. Hang in there and try to stay optimistic for the final stretch. Pitch in and help to get through the last of this inconvenient weather. It’s been a tough winter, but the end is in sight, and soon the same people who muddled through the cold, wet, muddy winter will be the ones riding alongside you while the sun shines warmly on your backs.
Twinkle, Twinkle you’re a star…
February 12, 2010
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- Me on Twinkle, England 1975
After decades of studying Europe’s breeding philosophies, America is holding her own in breeding quality, competition horses. This is an accomplishment in a country where breeding restrictions are unheard of. In the years to come, America will be producing horses with the athleticism and talent comparable to Edward Gal’s Moorlands Totilas or Anky’s Salinero.
Every year there are impressive ceremonies celebrating breathtaking freestyles and record-breaking Grand Prix rides from horses that are bred to be more expressive and athletic with each generation. However, the only ceremony that has actually brought tears to my eyes was on a video I watched of Britain’s Horse of the Year Show. This is an incredible horse show, where riding of all types, and horses and ponies of all breeds are revered. I’m not sure what year this particular ceremony took place, but after all the prize givings for the top competitors were complete, two well turned-out older horses were led into the arena.
As the two noble horses paraded around the arena, adorned with roses around their necks, the announcer explained that these horses were there to represent all school horses, worldwide, that have selflessly taught the most accomplished competitors to the most passionate pleasure riders. The two “representatives” were then offered as many apples and carrots from huge silver bowls that they cared to eat. Everyone in the coliseum was standing to applaud these generous horses that offer so much, to so many.
I have been lucky to have known so many great horses in my life. I will always be grateful to every horse that has taught me on my journey towards a career and life with horses. But a special thank you is in order to the patient ponies and horses that carried me about while I tried to figure out this thing called riding. Much love to you all…Fred, Twinkle, Piccolo, Sam, Bayboy, Young George, Cadbury, Ushi……(and all the rest!)
Weather or Not…..
February 9, 2010
They didn't have these when I was 13
As difficult as it is to keep a straight face while teaching a kid wearing a large, pink, sequined helmet cover that shrouds her entire head except for two darting eyes, I must commend my young riders for braving the elements this year. It has been a particularly wet, cold, nasty winter and I have not heard one complaint from the “under 20″ department.
I have arrived to teach in rain coming down sideways, in arenas with puddles fetlock deep, and winter chills that froze my toes, but the kids never cancel. When the arenas are closed, we ride the spunky ponies in the open fields, sometimes scary, but no complaints. One morning, a mother called to say her daughter was not well and may have to cancel. She called later to say the girl felt fine and would be out for her lesson, only to call back after a thermometer check. Seems she had told her mother she felt better because she wanted to go to the barn, but the thermometer told on her, and her fever sent her back to bed. Another student, that keeps her horses at her home, works diligently by herself between lessons, through inclement weather, to stay ready for upcoming events this spring.
It is this kind of dedication to riding that keeps me in business, and earns them the year-end awards. With this kind of commitment and passion, they will be winners, in riding and life. So, if the kids can show up to ride, I can show up to teach. Pink helmet covers or not.
Uh…what was I saying again?
February 7, 2010
"It's a bear!"
As in my lessons, it is easy to get sidetracked in these blogs. Yesterday, I had originally intended to use my video clip with Scott Hassler to stress how valuable it is to videotape lessons, shows, and practice rides. It is difficult to override my admiration for trainers I deeply respect. Now that I got that over with there is another theme to explore in the same clip. If you didn’t see the clip, it is located at the bottom of the last post.
A common theme, especially with adult amateur riders, is how to handle a situation when a horse gets tense or spooks. It is not uncommon for a student to give me a list of the items or situations that cause their horse to spook. It is sometimes difficult for me to get the student to override their concern for these particular scenarios, and instead focus on the behaviour the horse is exhibiting when it encounters the fearful object or situation. An example would be, fear of a mounting block in the corner of the arena. The horse shies and runs sideways each time it approaches the mounting block. Here it comes….”He’s afraid of the dang mounting block!”, followed by kicking and fussing.
The mounting block, in this case, is immaterial…it could be a dog, a bucket, a plant, anything… the focus should be the loss of rhythm, and the falling in on the inside leg. This is something that can be corrected. You cannot predict every object you may come across in your horse’s life and train him not to be afraid of it. You can instead, train him to move correctly on your aids, and soon his trust will build when he realizes that your decisions have kept him safe. Having a conversation with your trainer about why he doesn’t like mounting blocks, hats, etc. is nice, but not conducive to fixing the problem.
This is more aptly stated by Scott, in the video when an unseen person drops some folding chairs while I am cantering Lucy. There is a sudden “Bang” and Lucy immediately tenses up (she doesn’t look that tense but she felt it!) He calmly reassures me ”There are no noises…just her body- if her body gets nervous, ride the body”. He offers the disclaimer “This sounds so easy from the ground.” But this is what we must aspire to. Ignoring the stimulus, controlling our adrenalin and riding the horse’s body. If the horse’s body is stiff (from fear) ride it the way you would ride a stiff horse. Don’t add in the element of panic. Nobody’s saying it will be easy. It will take time, but the first step is visualizing. Then practicing……then one day….Bang!!!!…Nothing.
Give a GERL a Hand…
February 5, 2010
Drew Olsen Helps GERL and Horses!
Years ago, leaving a horse show, I was passed on the interstate by a large stock trailer, filled beyond capacity with thin, shaggy horses, standing untied facing every direction. I no longer remember the name of the company on the truck, but it was clear the horses were heading to auction. Many years later I still cry when I remember their eyes peering out naïvely from between the slats in the trailer as they headed down interstate 20. Alongside I pulled my horse, comfortably munching hay with a warm snuggly blanket and protective shipping boots.
I have since wondered why there aren’t more horse shows with proceeds that benefit horse charities. I have often thought of organizing one but regret that I have yet to do so. I am happy to say that some other people are more organized than I am and I thank them for that. Thanks to Facebook, a friend notified me of a trail ride being hosted by Foxhall Farms. This is a beautiful facility that in earlier years hosted the Foxhall Cup CCI***, an international three-day event. The proceeds collected will benefit the Georgia Equine Rescue League and horses that have been impounded by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Georgia Equine Rescue League (GERL) is a fantastic charity that helps horses that have been abused or abandoned or are otherwise in need. The need for help in caring for these horses is critical with the economy in a slow spot.
In addition to the trail ride, clinician Drew Olsen from Southern Horsemanship (“R” judge and good friend and mentor Leslie Olsen’s son!) will be giving a demonstration. There will be an auction of donated items and of rehabilitated horses from the Georgia Department of Agriculture. If you have room for a horse at your farm I’m sure some of these horses would love a home!
Please get together some friends and come out for the trail ride on June 5 from 9:00 to 4:00. If you are unable to attend please click the link for the Georgia Equine Rescue League and donate any items you can or any amount of money you can do without to help these horses that have lost their homes. I’ve checked with my horses and they said they don’t mind doing with a few less treats this month to help their brothers and sisters in need!
Summer Trail Ride at Foxhall Farms 8000 Caps Ferry Rd. Douglasville, Georgia
Inspirational Coffins…
February 4, 2010
Tad Coffin at Sand and Spur Clinic
Looking through some old photographs, I stumbled across a picture from a series of Tad Coffin clinics I participated in at Sand and Spur Riding Club on Eglin AFB. These clinics were in the early 80′s and I was in my early teens (I’m sure apologies are in order for Mr. Coffin!). I have ridden with many exceptional horsemen with amazing resumes but for many reasons I have always thought of Tad Coffin as one of the most memorable and inspirational clinicians I have had the pleasure to have trained under.
Tad, a three-day eventer who won individual and team Olympic gold medals on Bally Cor in 1976, walked and stretched, and I mean stretched, (he demonstrated the splits, both ways, in lunch discussion) the entire time he taught. No wasted time sitting around while he was teaching. This was before the fitness revolution brought on by the first home workout videos.
After I became frustrated with my horse, a hot Thoroughbred cross, he took the time out after our group ride to talk to me alone about the use of imagery, a concept that now is popular but then was almost unheard of. I still remember how he explained a study to me in which three groups of people were observed playing basketball, one group practiced every day for a month, group two didn’t practice, but visualized practicing every day for the month, and group three neither practiced nor visualized practicing. At the end of the study the group that practiced showed the best results, but the group that visualized practicing also showed marked improvement. Group three, of course, showed no improvement. He wanted me to practice visualizing riding perfectly when I had extra time on my hands, even before sleep. I still do this to this day.
These are just a couple of ways that Tad opened my eyes to new ways of thinking. He was an exceptionally aware teacher, that took his time out to personally address concerns that others might dismiss as teenage angst. This is a concept I have aspired to achieve in my own dealings with clients. His innovative techniques are as useful now as they were twenty-five years ago (or more!).
When getting the personal facts together about Tad I googled his name and in his Wikipedia entry I learned that he is a nephew to an internationally acclaimed peace and civil rights activist, William Sloane Coffin. I have linked to his biography as it is too vast to describe in this blog and too great not to read. I don’t know how much time Tad spent with his uncle, but I do know that in his own way he was very inspirational to at least one grateful teenage girl. Much love to you Tad.
He Cost What???
February 2, 2010
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- Keep inserting Cash
As a travelling trainer I get to meet a lot of horses and horse people in the Atlanta area. Because of my mobility, and probably my propensity to talk, I have a lot of friends, in different capacities, in the horse business. The barns that allow me to come teach vary from the simple, to the upscale. Many of the horses I deal with belong to people that ride for pleasure and want to develop a more confident and harmonious partnership. Others are competition horses, dressage and eventers, that range from low level to advanced level competitors. I value the relationship I have with every one of them equally.
I occasionally get a call from a friend or acquaintance in reference to a horse I may know from my travels. I don’t mind giving an assessment of a horse, but find myself stumped when asked “what do you think he’s worth?”. This is a question I always wonder myself, but I don’t know who the ultimate authority is to determine a horse’s worth. Where do these magic number’s come from?
The “worth” of a horse, to me, can only be determined by knowing the potential buyer. The highest valued Paso Fino in the world isn’t worth much to an international Grand Prix rider just as a top-of-the-line show jumper isn’t going to be worth much to someone wanting to show western pleasure. Even narrowed down to the dressage discipline, a steady, aged schoolmaster that forgives mistakes is worth his weight in gold to the amateur looking to learn the upper levels, however, to the seasoned professional a younger, more elastic horse is a necessity.
Once the “worth” is determined and the horse is purchased, there is the problem of maintaining that worth. If a considerable sum of money is paid for a horse with a solid competition record, and the new owner is not as experienced as the past owner, the worth can diminish with the lower scores on the horse’s record. This is one reason why it is common for professionals to occasionally show amateur’s horses. If a rider chooses not to show a horse, the horse’s worth, especially where insurance is concerned, again diminishes.
Most unfortunately, if a horse gets an injury, or needs surgery, his determined worth plummets. This is what I encountered when my Contango baby lost his eye. This is why I contend that worth is in the demands of the buyer. After his surgery he may have lost what some consider worth but there isn’t enough money in the world to buy him from me.
Because of these variables my advice to shoppers is to always keep their own needs in mind, and not get confused with what someone considers a horse’s worth. When a horse shows up that matches all of the criteria, then look around at several horses in a comparable price range. This is the only way I know to decide if a price is fair. I have met a million horses, with price tags from one dollar to one million dollars and each one of them, to someone, is worth everything in the world.
