In Motion Sport Horses, LLC
Dressage Training , Instruction and Campaigning | Starting Sport Horses with Balance and Forward Movement | Horse Training Granit Bay, Orangevale, Fair Oaks CA | Hand Made Lead Ropes

I ordered new business cards this year.  I was coaxed into changing up the design of my previous cards.  I think it was a good decision to make.

The Front of New Cards

The Back of the New Cards

I’ve desired to ride like Stephen Peters or Edward Gal, but now my goal is ride and look like Charlotte Dujardin. What incredible harmony between she and her horse!

Charlotte hosted her first symposium in the US in March 2014. I didn’t get to attend, but the following bullet points were taken down by someone who did! I’m paying full attention, Susan Peacock!

• Dressage is about the development of the horse.
• The job of the rider is to get the horse equal in both reins.
• Bad transitions at home make for bad transitions at shows.
• Work without the whip, when you can.
• The first impression is the halt, so there is no excuse not to practice it.  Halt square for everything, even when you dismount at end of ride.
• Keep our leg on- it’s tough, but you need to get the control.
• Passage work done is rising trot helps the stuck horse go forward.
• In piaffe, always be in control of the steps-number and how forward your horse is going.
• Remember to have a forward-thinking hand.
• The discipline you have as a dressage rider is related to what scores you want to receive.
• Your horse has to be in front of your leg.

I recently read an article in which the author interviewed Robert Dover. Dover is a 1996 Bronze medal winner in Dressage. This statement stuck out to me: “art (of dressage) ends where violence begins”.

Horses are such incredible athletes and do amazing things for humans. If each discipline would embrace this statement, so many horses would be happier in their jobs.  Watching harmony between a horse and it’s rider is a beautiful picture, no matter what the discipline.

Tinkerbell is a four-year old Oldenburg mare owned by Catherine Ulrey. I started her as a three-year old. She had a long hiatus in the pasture before returning to work this January. Below is a video of a recent training session.  She is headed for the dressage show ring this year!

For many, many years I enjoyed the work of exercising and training horses at various race tracks.    Here are a few pictures of those days gone by in my horsey life.

A Morning Gallop

I do have to say, I was very fit back then.  It was like doing three hours of aerobics each morning.

In The Winner’s Circle

The horses were always such a pleasure,  the speed thrilling.

  On occasion, I still enjoy a day at the track.

What a wonderful feeling of accomplishment to completely clean, from top to bottom, the horse trailer!  I admit, it was long overdue!  It took me several afternoons, but the inside is pressure washed and sparkling.  The outside is hand washed, including the roof!  Even a few light bulbs were replaced.  There  is a sense of security knowing the mechanic has packed the wheel barrings and the floor has been checked and cleaned.

I know it takes a lot of work on our part to maintain equipment, but isn’t the elbow grease invested worth it knowing the safety of our horses is at risk?

A Sparkling Clean Trailer!

Carrie on Flawless at Willow Prairie horse camp. Joy is learning to be a good trail dog.

I must be one of the most privileged trainers on the planet!  Just look at the view from my saddle today!  

Westlife and Carrie on an afternoon trail excursion

I think keeping horses happy in their work is really important.  One of my approaches to accomplishing this is by cross training.  No matter what discipline a horses training is focus upon, trail rides are so beneficial for the horse.  The horse must use different muscle groups for this type of work and certainly the horses balance is improved on, as well.  The exposure to a new and changing environment is also stimulating to the horses mind.  I think this really helps to keep the horses mind fresh and interested in work. 

A single file bridge crossing. Carrie and Parley

Currently I can tack-up and trail ride right out of the barn.  This certainly makes it simple to add trail riding as part of my cross training.  If you must load up and haul to trail ride, I still recommend doing so.  The extra added effort will pay off in the long run of keeping your horses mind and body refreshed.  It is always best if you can use the buddy system to trail ride.  Not only does this provide an amount of back-up, should one of you run into trouble, but multiple horses and humans get out to enjoy the scenery!

Trail riding with friends is always more fun! Pictures taken from my “quad-pod”! — Parley

In the midst of the Southern Oregon inferno, what better equine activity than to jump!

Westlife ~ First day over the quarter round

Here is Westlife WSF. He is an imported, Silver Certified Haflinger Stallion.  Westlife is 8 years old and stands 14.2 hands tall.  He has recently been introduced to jumping and LOVES it!  He is FOR SALE and priced at $12,500. as a stallion, less as a gelding.

Now over the picket we go!

Esmerelda and I are headed to Brasada Ranch in Powell Butte this weekend for our next dressage show, the Central Oregon Dressage Classic I & II.  Saturday’s ride times are 1:25 and 2:45.  Sunday’s ride times are 9:54 and 1:34.  All rides are in First Level.  We shall see!  If you’re in the neighborhood, come watch and be entertained.

Esmerelda

GET SIGNED UP! July 6-7th is the annual Jumping Clinic at Eastern Slope Ranch. You can download an entry form from this link. Hope to see you there!! www.easternsloperanch.com