For the last two months, I have been devoting my time and energy to getting ready for the National Academy Championship Horse Show. I am fortunate. Most people are not free to drop everything in order to address a goal. So, whats it like? Well, it’s not fun. Fun is light-hearted. Fun is restorative. FunContinue reading “Boot Camp 2015, Third & Final Progress Report”
Category Archives: Riding
Camp Counter Factual
Back in the stone age, I went to a summer camp called Fire Place Lodge, on Gardner’s Bay in Long Island, NY, USA. Aside. The camp no longer exists physically. I believe the buildings were burned down as a local fire department exercise. However, nothing goes away in the digital world. Research for this postContinue reading “Camp Counter Factual”
Boot Camp 2015, Progress Report 2
Technical Marks 🙂 Artistic Marks 😦 After the last show, everyone agreed that I was getting the hang of intro saddle seat equitation. They also agreed that my presentation veers toward intense and scary rather than toward relaxed and pleasant. Therefore, we have been working on showmanship/artistic presentation/bull-shitting. Call it what you will. I haveContinue reading “Boot Camp 2015, Progress Report 2”
Take A Seat
On Boot Camp 2015, Progress Report 1, Joan made the following comment: “Remember your alignment (of your spine), get your ribs out of your waist, shoulders back and down, put them in your back pockets, ground yourself on your sitz bones, move with your breath, inhale up, exhale down, shoulders over your hips, hips overContinue reading “Take A Seat”
Boot Camp 2015, Progress Report 1
I am fortunate to spend two months messing with horses, anything below is said with that in mind. [Let the Tune-Up Begin] Expected ☺ Saddle Time? Check. Once the brain catches on, the body needs repetition until the muscles remember. ☺ Too tired to do more than come home, shower, & collapse into bed? Check.Continue reading “Boot Camp 2015, Progress Report 1”
Up For Debate: The Role of Riding Instructors
Resolved: The only one who can teach you to ride is a horse. Pro: Riding is all about feel. No amount of third-party yelling will force you to feel until you are ready. Con: Poor riding is not self-correcting. A good instructor will smooth the bad and highlight the good. Where do you come downContinue reading “Up For Debate: The Role of Riding Instructors”
7 Answers
Over on Horse Collaborative, Haley Katherine Esparza takes an opposing viewpoint on the recent helmet safety awareness campaign. Not against safety, but against getting swept up into something to be regretted later. These are questions worth considering. Upon reflection, why did I decide to drop trou [The Naked Challenge] & did it work? To haveContinue reading “7 Answers”
Virtual Brush Box 