February Newsletter Might be called the Western Dressage version this time... |
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Fall and the beginning of winter was a busy time for me. I wasn't able to get to the beach for about 4 months! The beach is good for my soul and re-energizes me. I'm always so much more productive after even just one day there. This was a sunrise a few weeks ago. |
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Erin and HB (and Tucker!) Western Dressage and Rider BioMechanics can benefit almost any western discipline. Erin mostly is a barrel racer but has a background with cutting and reining as well. She began taking lessons with me at Shiloh Stables in Auburn, AL about a year ago. She usually rides a younger, greener gelding (Tucker) who had some strength issues behind. Thanks to her diligent work on dressage basics he is doing super! They were able to lower their run time by 0.5 seconds. By barrel racing standards, that's huge! This was the first time I had met HB, the mare in these pics. She is a more seasoned horse but apparently can be harder to work with. Issues that Erin mentioned where her being fussy, sticking her outside leg in spins, and generally not an easy horse to ride. I think these pictures look super!. This mare would excel at Western Dressage. Look at the thrust behind and ground coverage in the trot photos. In the photo to the right, we are working on a turn on the haunches, keeping the bend and asking the mare to keep the walk rhythm, preventing her sticking any leg for the moment. Both a spin and a pivot require the inside leg to stick so we have to break her incorrect habit first, then replace it with a new pattern. I love the concentration on the mare's face. She was a happy girl during our lesson! Did I mention this pair won their barrel race the evening prior to this lesson? Generally I go to Shiloh Farms in Auburn, AL every couple of months. There is a covered arena and overnight stabling available. No need to be a local to ride with me there! All riders welcome. Next date is April 6-8. | | |
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Congratulations Nancy Conley and Truly Unsurpassed!!! Nancy is pictured here at the USEF Convention accepting the Western Dressage Horse of the Year award for Level 2. Nancy is responsible for getting me into Western Dressage. She is such an amazing woman, talented rider, and good friend. She has won so many WD related awards that it would take to much time to name them all. I'm very proud to say she is a student of mine. I look forward to working with she and Truly Unsurpassed (Calico) in 2018, headed for Level 3 and their Gold Level WDAA Lifetime Achievement Award! | | |
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Memories I can't believe it's been a year since I lost my lovely Mr. B. I still miss him every day. He was not an easy horse to ride, even at 25 he had a spook that could leave me hanging on his side! He would be laughing every time! He taught me so much and was such an affectionate character. Added bonus that he was a gorgeous red head! Upcoming Schedule If you've been wanting to ride with me, let's get going! What are you waiting for? Many places to choose from. Most have covered arenas. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Text or email is best. February 16-18 Columbus, NC March 8-10 Lafayette, GA March 11 Hiram, GA March 16-18 Fayetteville, GA March 23-25 Fairhope, AL April 6-8 Auburn, AL | | |
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Please feel free to share this newletter with friends. They can go to my website and subscribe to begin receiving my mailouts. |
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Farm for Sale Due to divorce, I have this wonderful farm for sale in Toccoa, GA. I have created a webpage full of pictures and info (link below). I am open to offers, haven't yet listed it but agents welcome. It truly is a special place! 26 Acres, split level brick home with attached garage, workshop, equipment shed, shooting range, large creek. The house lives great, and sits on a ridge overlooking the pastures. This is the front deck where I have enjoyed many cups of morning coffee. Feel free to share with anyone who may be looking for a farm to call their own. | | |
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