What a lesson yesterday. Here's what we did on a classically schooled horse. Ride bareback pad at the walk, trot and canter. Then with eyes closed. Then backwards just at the walk. If you ride and think you are pretty good try riding backyards with someone who knows what this means. It's not a gimmick. It's all about balance. Shayan my trainer/instructor says it's not about strength but balance when you're on the back of a horse. I won a ribbon today. Just saying.

Watching some of the BIG Arabian Scottsdale show from home.  I believe it's the 59th annual.  Had a chance to catch some of the Stallion Auction.  It was my off night for riding.  I don't have too much to comment on the show.  I could have taken some time off to go watch the well known breeders and trainers reach new heights with their arena wins, ribbons, plaques and stallion breedings.  I'm amazed at how much money Arabian enthusiasts have.  Even some small breeders I'm well acquainted with.   It's seems to be  real spending frenzy in Scotttsdale at Westworld this time of year.   But really I'd rather put my time, money and resources into my horses and their successes even if they are at home for now.

Understanding the Mechanics of Riding

What better lesson to have when it's raining and you can't ride in your outdoor arena than one in theory.  My trainer Shayan Richet is so unique.   We spent two hours going over the mechanics of  basic lateral movements at his kitchen table.  As I listened intensely to what he was teaching me I didn't want to miss a word.  Now I have some homework to do.

Plans for 2014

It's been a while since I've posted.  That's much because I've been spending more time riding in recent months and working on improving my technique.  Last year we again successfully showed my stallion GaiEminent in Sport Horse.  He came home with (2) Regional top fives in Sport Horse Show Hack.  GaiShahzon performed in his first every dressage test training level and placed third out of (13) horses.  After the 2013 show season I decided it's time for me and my horses to grow in our abilities.  2014 will be the year of learning new movements and improving familiar ones.  I started the year with an evaluation from a master classical trainer.  I realized instantly Shayan Richet is the one who can help me achieve my goals with my talented horses.   After my first lesson on a schooled horse it didn't take long to come to the conclusion this is going to be quite commitment.  I've been riding a long time.  Coming away from that lesson I truly felt like I was starting over.   Unlearning bad habits that accumulated over the years and relearning softer contact with the hands is going to be my challenge.  Today we are getting much needed rain here in Northern CA.   So it's a perfect day for a lesson on theory.  I'll post how it goes.

Jane & Emmy schooling at Ranchotel

Emmy and I schooled at Ranchotel in May of 2012.  It is all a part of preparing for the Pacific Coast Arabian Sport Horse Classic and Regional shows at the end of June.  Thanks to one, of Emmy's admirers, Mike Milligan for some really nice photos including this one.

GaiShahzon Prepares for Sport Horse with Amateur Rider Brian Violette

GaiShahzon Prepares for Sport Horse with Amateur Rider Brian Violette