Last Spring I was helping my partner to sell a horse. It was a horse that I referred to as ‘that idiot cob’ having seen him cart himself full speed around the arena with riders on more than one occasion. My partner had bought him as a four year old from a dealer at aContinueContinue reading “Getting A Second Chance”
Tag Archives: Dressage
The Reality of Being Short Sighted Equestrian
Having no idea which horse is yours without wearing glasses or contact lenses, you just know what colour blur it should be. Experiencing the unique pain of a horses head bashing your glasses into your face. Knowing that the frame of your glasses will never be perfectly straight once you leave the opticians. Trying toContinueContinue reading “The Reality of Being Short Sighted Equestrian”
2015 – Show Horse to Dressage Horse
In 2013 and 2014, Dolly the big chestnut mare and I focused on and achieved many goals in the show ring. We had not achieved what I hoped we could in dressage and given my passion for dressage this always frustrated me. I had performed well on ponies before but Dolly and I alwaysContinueContinue reading “2015 – Show Horse to Dressage Horse”
First World Equestrian Problems
I want a pair of new shoes but I spent all my money on ones for my horse. The horse now has three shoes, one bare hoof and a smug expression. I can’t get a fly veil in the right shade to match my saddle pad. I am not sure if the hip flaskContinueContinue reading “First World Equestrian Problems”
Why Learning Dressage Now is Like Playing Video Games in the 90’s
It takes hours of practice Just like getting skilled at Columns (I once got to level 150, it took about five hours and I could no longer see straight), dressage takes hours and hours doing the same exercises and movements, developing the right muscles and hoping for the penny to drop in the horse andContinueContinue reading “Why Learning Dressage Now is Like Playing Video Games in the 90’s”
The Reality of Riding A Dressage Test
Because sadly we all cannot be Charlotte…. Dressage test movement: “Enter at A, proceed down centre line in working trot” Dressage test reality: Attempt to get straight before entering arena. Deep breath, enter at A. Realise you are a little to left. Left leg, left leg, damn too much left leg, right leg. Okay that’sContinueContinue reading “The Reality of Riding A Dressage Test”
A Dressage Clinic with a London 2012 Champion
Back on Easter bank holiday weekend I attended a dressage clinic at Toberton Lodge. Now you are probably thinking sure that’s a good while ago, and it is but I figured it made sense to work on what we covered and see how it went before I wrote about it. Our clinic was with IrelandsContinueContinue reading “A Dressage Clinic with a London 2012 Champion”
When Opportunity Met Preparation
“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity” is one of my favourite phrases. So often in competition, especially when things go wrong, we talk about what you can buy – the best horse with the most potential, the expensive clothing, the sessions with the best coach / instructor / sports psychologist. However it is the existenceContinueContinue reading “When Opportunity Met Preparation”
Riding Club Festival – Survival Tips
It is almost time for the annual riding clubs festival. Times have been issued, weather apps are being consulted, child of prague statues are being plonked out on doorsteps, plans are being made and lists are being written. You can check out what I learned at last year’s festival here. In the meantime, considering IContinueContinue reading “Riding Club Festival – Survival Tips”
A Holstein, A Half Hanoverian and a Whole Lot of Work
A few weeks ago the big lady and I headed off on another adventure, this time to a dressage clinic with Heike Holstein. The horse (the half hanoverian) twigged that she was going somewhere as soon as the travel boots appeared and decided to dig a hole in her bed in excitement, as youContinueContinue reading “A Holstein, A Half Hanoverian and a Whole Lot of Work”
Equestrian Reality 