It was the day of the Ride and Tie Championships in Humboldt County. I woke up to the sound of hoof beats on the road outside my tent. I was worried I had slept too late, but the clock only read 5:45 a.m. The night before, there had been lots of wind and some rain. Between my waking up from the noise of the storm and dreaming the tent was going to blow away, I hadn’t gotten much sleep.
Read More
When I’m giving lessons, I often find myself blurting out comments about improving a horse’s proprioception. Then it occurs to me that maybe riders don’t know what that funny word actually means. So, let’s take a quick look at this!
Read More
Our organization is called the American Competitive Trail Horse Association, or ACTHA. Our purpose is to give recognition to the American Trail Horse. Our motto is “Not Just a Trail Horse anymore.” We think this is a great sport where families and friends can get together and learn to demonstrate their horse’s abilities and have fun.
Read More
How many times have you been out on the trail and either you, or someone you ride with, lets his...
Read More
Gymkhana is an exciting, family-oriented equestrian sport in which riders compete in a number of different events. Each event is made up of a set pattern of obstacles, and the riders are timed as they race around and through the obstacles.
Read More
This summer I’ve had three young people come and ride with me in an apprenticeship program. These are great students and I enjoy working with them. On our first day together I gave them my “aspiring trainer” speech. I thought I’d share the condensed version with you.
Read More
Jane Savoie is one of the most recognized names in dressage, and for a good reason. Her accomplishments and the breadth of her influence are impressive. She has been a member of the United States Equestrian Team and has competed for the US in Canada, Holland, Belgium, France and Germany.
Read More
This month, I want to address the critical but often aimless portion of everyone’s workout known...
Read More
Richard begins “A Horseman’s Journey” by introducing us to a two-year old Quarter Horse colt named Rocky that Richard will be training. And then throughout the book, we follow along as Richard works with Rocky, taking the young horse from being a halter-broke colt to one that is skilled in reined cow horse work.
Read More
It seems like the long, hot summer gets longer and hotter every year. Didn’t it start in May this year? I have a prescription for searing-temperature-liability relief: Get thee, and thy horse, to the mountains! Southern California boasts absolutely amazing mountain regions. One is the San Gorgonio Wilderness, which is a very early wilderness area in the United States.
Read More