September Newsletter

September
Newsletter
 

Where did the summer go? Emmett started 7th grade at a new school this year. So far so good. It's a small charter school with only 15 kids per class. We added a new member to our family, welcome Keith Boogers. Only 1 LB when we picked him up off the highway, now 4 LBs a few months later. Yes he rules the house! Super sweet though and a good kitty if there is such a thing.

Peyton and Copper
 
Copper came to Stacia (Peyton's mom) as a former hunter who'd been out of work for a year or so.  He was super stiff, very crooked, and avoided any connection with the bit. All of that makes a horse who's not much fun to ride. Of course with all the above issues, he also had a terrible canter!  Stacia rode him in several clinics with myself, and with Mary Wanless looking for help to bring out the potential in this nice horse . I taught Peyton on him a few times. You can see in the above photo that Peyton is landing too far back in the saddle, lacking back to front balance, the straight arms-low hands adding to this issue. The hollow in Copper's back is causing some of this and Peyton was not a strong enough rider to be able to positively influence Copper. In fact, the opposite is happening, Copper is negatively influencing Peyton.

The Empowered Rider

Peyton and Copper
 
Trickle down effect in play here. Stacia rode Copper for many months, helping to get him straighter and more connected. Along with being a good rider, Stacia is an instructor and has been to Teacher Trainings with Mary. She has taught Peyton how to become better balanced while helping correct the horse by riding him herself. Peyton is in a lovely hunt seat place in this photo.
Mary has an expression she uses: "The better you ride, the better the horse goes. The better the horse goes, the better you ride."
Honestly I can't remember what all Peyton and Copper have won in the hunter ring over the past 6 months, but they are doing fantastic!  Did you know that Mary's rider biomechanics work over fences too?  As well as working for most disciplines.

The Empowered Rider

Christie and Vincent
I've had this pair ride with me in 2 clinics so far. Unfortunately, I don't have a before pic to share. Originally, Christie rode leaning far behind vertical like what's commonly taught. She hung on one end of the reins while Vincent hung on the other end, basically counterbalancing each other which is the opposite of self carriage. Christie didn't realize how much she was riding off the reins until a lesson with me. She jokingly introduces herself to other riders now as "I'm Christie and I'm a puller." Hahaha! 
I find when instructors don't know how to teach sitting trot they tell the rider to lean back as an out.This keeps the rider from bouncing so much but it's not correct sitting trot. The usual result is the horse staying tight and down in his back, blocking the hind end from truly coming through.
By changing how Christie was sitting, even though she's not perfect here (yet!), Vincent is much more uphill than before and has become super powerful in his movement. This makes it harder for Christie to sit that powerful trot but she's getting it! Vincent is so much more horse to match these days. His topline is way different in just 4 months. He's really developed so much more muscle and he's more willing to listen to her aids.  Of course her aids are timed better as a result of being caught up to him. Vincent is a powerhouse now and commands quite a presence. I'm excited to see where this pair goes!

FaceBook Page
 
I have been keeping The Empowered Rider FB page updated. Usually there is a list of upcoming events there too.You may have to scroll through them to see them all.  I encourage my students to go post pictures and share their experiences. Or you can send the pics to me and I'll share them there. Reviews are always welcome!  There is a place where you can click on "review" and write a short testimonial.  It can be just a few sentences. If you do FB, please go "like" my page .Much appreciated!
Heads up that I do NOT do FB messenger.  Too much malware and viruses there. Text me or email me instead please.

FaceBook Page

Upcoming Schedule
So much for backing off this year! Haha!!! 
I love teaching and its hard for me to say no. If you are interested in hosting me, please let me know.
 
September 13-15 Fayetteville GA
September 27-29 Wausau WI
October 4-6 Auburn AL
October 11-13 Havana FL
October 18-20 Fairhope AL
November 1-3 Mary Wanless Clinic Fayetteville GA. I ride with her there.
November 5-7 Mary Wanless Teacher Training Folsom LA. I assist her there.
November 15-17 Ft. Walton Beach, FL
November 21-23 Lafayette, GA
November 24 Hiram, GA
December 5-8 Huntersville NC
December 13-15 Auburn AL
December 20-22 Havana FL
 

Calendar

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