In preparation for a big competition, like our upcoming trip to the Haras Cup Working Equitation Championships, the only path to success that I can see lies in a routine of practice. The past few weeks, Pip and I have ridden at least five days a week, rain or shine, regardless […] Read more »
Later this month Pip and I will travel to the Haras Cup Working Equitation Championships in Magnolia, TX to compete in the Intermediate division. We’re in the midst of many preparations for this trip, including hair styling! Like most Haflingers (who were bred for generations to withstand the winter weather […] Read more »
In less than two weeks Pip and I will leave the familiarity of the Pacific Northwest and travel with a group of other horses and riders from our region to Magnolia, Texas to compete in the Intermediate division at Haras Cup Working Equitation Championships. Check it out: It’s safe to say […] Read more »
Hands down, cross-country jump schooling is my favorite riding activity. When you go schooling, you have free choice of the course! You can jump anything that you and your horse are up for! It’s full of possibilities, and it’s an excellent training opportunity to develop your relationship with your horse. […] Read more »
Growing up I was a horse dreamer… My family didn’t live on a farm and they didn’t know anything about horses, but that never stopped me from dreaming about having horses of my own someday. Now as an adult, thanks to the support of many people as well as hard […] Read more »
Buying a young, unstarted three-day eventing prospect raises the questions: Am I taking a gamble? Or making an investment? Either way you look at it, taking on a young horse is a big responsibility and a journey of hard work. There are no “sure things” with horses. When I purchased my Paint gelding, Joey, […] Read more »
If you’ve spent time watching horse videos on Youtube, then you’ve probably seen some of the awesome working equitation horses and riders like this one: The sport of working equitation is relatively new here in the United States, and there’s a small but enthusiastic group of people trying to grow the […] Read more »
As kids, Kelsy Smith and I spent many years performing together with our Haflingers at horse expos and fairs in the Pacific Northwest. Getting to travel with our horses, plan and practice routines, perform in front of large crowds, and care for our horses on the road taught us many […] Read more »
Riding your horse in a clinic taught by a skilled instructor can be a fantastic way to get new ideas, better understand your horse, and advance your riding skills. Below are some suggestions for getting the most out of your clinic experience. Study beforehand. If possible, audit a clinic with the instructor […] Read more »
Jessica Wisdom and her 14.3 hand Welsh Cob stallion, North Forks Cardi, are Washington state dressage heroes! These two have developed through the dressage levels together, and this past weekend inspired everyone with their fantastic win in the Grand Prix Open Freestyle Championship at the U.S. Dressage Finals in Lexington, […] Read more »