It presents step by-step training programs and showing advice from recognized experts in hunters, jumpers, equitation, dressage, and eventing, along with money- and time-saving ideas on health care and stable management.
Several years ago, my husband and I decided to get back into horses. We purchased a wonderful mare named Kiowa who was perfect for our needs. She’s been a blessing in our lives and is a true member of the family. Though we’re lucky to board her only about a mile from our home, I always dreamed of raising our children on horse property. I value the life lessons that animals naturally provide, and I wanted my children to learn about taking care of a creature who’s dependent on them. Most of all, I wanted to allow my children the opportunity to develop the same type of special bond with animals that my heart has treasured from a young age. After a few years of owning Kiowa, we finally decided…
I hate to make mistakes, whether in my work, personal life or riding. I used to regularly beat myself up if I got too close to a fence, or heaven forbid, chip. I’m working through that by realizing that even if things don’t go as planned, it’s OK. My goal: Think about why the mistake happened, learn from it and move on. Several articles in this issue speak to this topic. In eventer Sinead Halpin’s piece about improving your show-jumping round (page 66), she shares an exercise and explains that when you first ride it, you’ll feel like you “are in a blender”—and that’s OK. Stay in the exercise (no pulling out) and figure it out, she advises. Similarly, show-jumping legend Katie Monahan Prudent says you’ll probably make mistakes in…
Countdown to the Kentucky Three-Day Event Follow Practical Horseman’s coverage of the 2021 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, April 22–25, 2021, including the CCI*****-L and the new CCI****-S. Leading up to the event, we’ll share news and information about the horses and riders gearing up for the competition. At the event, held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, we’ll bring you on-site reporting, social media updates and takeovers, photos and more. The coverage is brought to you by Cosequin, Kent Nutrition Group and Straight Arrow. # USARidesToTokyo2021 Practical Horseman and Dressage Today will be covering show jumping, eventing and dressage competition at the Tokyo Olympics, which were postponed from 2020 to July 23–August 8, 2021. Leading up to the Games, follow Practical Horseman and Dressage Today with Vita Flex…
1 Overall: This rider’s hips are just over the pommel, ideal for this size fence, but she’s lying on her horse’s neck. Leg: The stirrup is too far out on the rider’s toe—I’d like to see it right on the ball of her foot. Other than that, I think her leg is in a good position with her heel far down. She may be pinching slightly with her knee, but it’s hard to tell because her knee is a bit hidden. Seat: Her seat is also in a good position. Her hips are correctly just a little over the pommel of the saddle, but I would like to see her hip angle more open and some space between her upper body and the horse’s neck. Release: Her short crest release…
This picture shows Julie Reck riding her 4-year-old Oldenburg gelding. They are competing at Training Level. To be able to bring a young horse into the competition world is rewarding and exciting. Julie’s horse already looks very focused and seems to behave like a “pro” in the ring. He is moving with nice cadence, looks supple and is obedient to his rider’s aids. The way he is picking up his legs shows that his movement is elastic, and when looking at his hindquarters, I can see that his pelvis (croup) is rotating, showing that he is very mobile and soft in his back. One can see that he is a young horse, as he is not yet as round and muscled as an older dressage horse, but he has many…
I think it is important to live through the four seasons. Remember this from Ecclesiastes 3? “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens.” For me, each season has something different to offer, and each requires something different from us as horsemen. Thinking of seasons and horses may seem outmoded in a modern world of year-round competition, but riders can profit from some consideration of seasons for their horses, rather than 12 months of climbing the points/money-won/qualification ladder. I completely understand when people move to more temperate climates in order to be able to ride outdoors on good footing in the winter. However, those people have almost invariably dedicated themselves to a life of unending competition. The harsh fact is that upper-level success…
