Biomechanics: What are they and why are they important?
Biomechanics. It sounds fancy and scientific. Trainers say they emphasize biomechanics in their training, but what do they mean? More than that, why should anyone care? [...]
Lessons from Unusual Places: The Beginnings of All Things
Omnium rerum principia parva sunt- Cicero "The beginnings of all things are small" While this Roman statesman wasn't talking about training horses, this statement is applicable [...]
The Value of Patterns and How to Make the Most of Them
Dressage is full of patterns. At the least, we use test patterns for competition. Some instructors use patterns almost exclusively, while others use them sparingly. Yet [...]
Classical Horsemanship: A Spiritual Practice?
There is something transcendent and indescribable that draws us to horses. Perhaps it is their power, shown through their muscular bodies and thundering hooves, perhaps it [...]
Lessons from Unusual Places: “Just Insist”
Several years ago, I was in a voice lesson with an operatic coloratura soprano. (Now, what does voice have to do with riding? A lot, actually, [...]
A Few Thoughts on No Stirrup November
'Tis the season for the November challenges, the most popular among riders being "No-Stirrup November." However, many professionals are now speaking out against this trend, citing [...]