Going Aspartame Free Could Improve Your Riding Skills (and save your life!)
You may be surprised to learn that Aspartame isn’t just a low-calorie alternative to sugar, and it isn’t *just* a potential link to cancer.
In The Media
Posts and Articles of topics related to time relevant, political and social issues, and those which are involved in media-covered events.
Why Starting 2 Year Olds is a Bad Idea
To me it seems obvious enough why the average age is 2 years for horses entering under saddle training, why many riders and trainers balk at the thought of waiting until the horse has grown to 4 or 5 years (or later) before saddling them and sitting on their back for the first time. I can see the reason why, but I don’t see it as a justifiable excuse.
Madeleine Perkins : Restoring Our American Mustang (R.O.A.M.)
“I do believe that there is a solution out there that is both responsible to these living, feeling and understanding creatures who deserve to be respected by not having to sacrifice their lives for our own purpose, as well as easing and appeasing the interests of those feeling the crush of their overpopulation.”
Mistaking Abuse As A Training Method
“My therapist tells me that if I share my issues with you I will feel better, so here goes: Can anybody around here ride in anything other than a flash noseband that has been pulled so tight it leaves a depression in the horse’s nose when the noseband is released?”
How To Rollkur : The Magic Method
If you want to be truly competitive, lauded for your achievements at awards ceremonies and even have a shot at Olympic Gold now is the time to learn Rollkur.
New Rollkur Study
If you are unaware of what is termed “Rollkur” or hyperflexion of the neck, it is time you knew what has been plaguing much of Dressage and has been the subject of controversy since its inception.
Horse Talk.co.nz published a new story which talks about a new study that was performed showing that horses not only choose normal poll flexion when given a choice while maneuvering, their physiological reaction to stressful stimulation is comparatively lower when compared to their reaction while in hyperflexion.
Saved From One Death : Given To Another
“Economic despair was brought to a new reality Wednesday, when NorCal Equine Rescue sponsored a free euthanasia clinic for horses.”
Philippe Karl Article
For those in the know, Philippe Karl is one of the modern Masters of Classical Dressage. For those who do not know, he will just seem a foreign concept. Perhaps it is time you learned more about this modern Master of the Equestrian Arts… Now you can read his article “Taking Over Equestrian Culture” online.
Reiner Klimke & Ahlerich : A Look Back On 1984
Perhaps fitting, yesterday was my birthday, and I was born in the year 1984… the same year that Reiner Klimke scored the Olympic Gold Medal aboard his Westfalian gelding, Ahlerich. Here is a tempting video, highlighting their victory lap at the Olympic Games.
And, in case you weren’t privy to the show live or watched it previously, or maybe you just want to watch it again… here is the winning video of Reiner Klimke riding Ahlerich to Gold at the 1984 Olympic Equestrian Games.
Bettina Drummond : An Inside Look In French
Ever have the curiosity about someone who not only pursues academically, but artistically, that of Classical Dressage? The haute ecole, equestrian art, etc? Bettina Drummond, an American, student of Nuno Oliveira… Here it is for you, hope you can understand French. Cest la vie!
Equestrian Theater Is Alive! Thanks To Bartabas : Zingaro : Battuta
For anyone not familiar with the french mastery of equestrian theater, The Theatre Equestre Zingaro is perhaps the epitome of horsemanship made into art and displayed in a public theater. It’s latest production, Battuta, appears to leave one wanting only for more horse theater!
Dangerous Stunts
What do I mean by stunts? Well, things like using so much pressure on the horse that he will eventually blow up, but as a professional having enough tact and skill to manage the blow up and keep it from being something dangerous. That is a great stunt that is really common, but when put in the hands of those without the tactful skills it turns into a mess.
Olympic Horse Has Personality!
Good to see a horse so personable and who has such a relationship with his rider! I hope everyone is looking forward to the games as much as I am…
More Than Money : The Thoroughbred Horse
I am happy to see a report coming to the public that addresses the downward spiral of Thoroughbreds in racing here in the USA. I am not a large supporter of the Thoroughbred racing industry, long have I seen it as being money motivated as the primary with the horse falling to the wayside as a disposable commodity. I am very happy to hear the round-table discussion going on that addresses factors such as not putting the horse first among other ideas… check it out for yourself.
Hyperflexion Breaks the Rules
Hyperflexion has found it’s way into almost every barn and stable, through the simple lack of awareness to it’s presence. From english to western, and even the ‘classicists’ of dressage. It is a loss of the horse’s posture. Why is that?
Reiner Klimke – Ahlerich
In particular I want to draw attention to RK’s legs… they are quiet, they are subtle. In the extended trot we get a beautiful view of these as the horse approaches almost directly towards the camera. Compare this to modern olympic riders and you will see a stark difference.