How I See it

I have been lucky enough to ride with some of the best horse trainers in the world, and I haven’t even scratched the surface yet. My passion for the horse comes with a strong desire to absorb information and apply it in conjunction with what I feel, as well as the skills necessary to make it happen. One thing that has been evident is that there are 100 ways to do one thing when it comes to horses. I’ve formulated what I now refer to as my “system”. Things I’ve learned on my own, and things that have been taught to me. These skills and this knowledge have had such a huge impact on my riding career that I still practice and teach it to this day. I have found solutions through struggle, experience, feel, and from the hard working people in this industry who have openly shared their system with me.

I plan to share my technical knowledge. Eventually. First it is important to get to the core. Just as I do with every horse that comes into my life. Build the foundation from within and go from there. Here is what I know to be true for me – where it all starts…

When I look at a horse, I imagine what that horse would look like during playful movement. Often seen in a fresh excitable horse prancing around in the field. When the tension and frustration from human influence is gone, and the horse is using their body in complete deliberate fluidity. They exude confidence and grace. This horse is happy and healthy. In complete enjoyment of the day. Being truly authentic. What pushes me to be a better rider still today are the memories that I hold from my childhood. Watching out of the kitchen window, or hanging off the edge of a fence in complete awe, fully wishing in those moments that I was astride that beautiful horse, no matter which one it was at any given time. Just to be able to be one with that horse, just prancing around completely carefree. At that time I had no fear and little supervision. The combination of the two meant that if I saw a horse, it wouldn’t be long before I was riding it. If I got bucked off I just continued to get back on. I’m not sure which came first, but all that mattered to me were the horses and I constantly wanted to be riding.

At 6 or 7 years old I witnessed a jumping demonstration at a summer camp. This fueled me even more, I am now a professional rider. Part of my business is the development and sales of horses. I have sold many who have went on to different careers and they have all had the education to excel in their lives, no matter where it has taken them.

Dressage was derived from the French term meaning training. Horses needed to be in harmony with their riders to perform military drills and attacks in the cavalry. Upon witnessing horses playing and fighting, riders have continued to explore natural collection. From this training and understanding we can develop any horse to become an athlete. And as we have all heard, dressage is what you need in between the fences. This is true.Riders from years prior have been trying to achieve this level of harmony with the horse. We have been aiming to achieve so much trust and partnership that the horse can be completely himself underneath your educated seat. Completely authentic. This requires balance from the rider of course, developed over years of hard work in and out of the saddle. This requires confidence from both parties; ultimate trust and partnership.

When a horse can lower their head and start pushing from behind with power and precision, while remaining soft in their back, shoulders and rib cage with an engaged abdomen, all muscles that can seamlessly work together will build muscle and feel good. Teach a horse to use their body this way, and you instill the confidence in them to happily use their body this way. Have them on your team so you together can work towards the goal of harmony and you will see a new horse emerge. One who can jump cleaner, one that tries harder, and one that moves softer under saddle. You will have a better athlete who finds it easy and enjoyable to perform, all the while building a relationship.

Over time and as I feel inclined, I want to attempt to share my system and things I’ve learned through this blog. From time to time I will add my favourite theories, exercises, and programs!

Today, all I want is to ignite the past – remember why you started. What is your first memory of horses and how has it shaped the horse person you are today? What is your greatest fear? Where does that fear come from? For me, it is the fear of loss. Losing a horse, losing a parent… my biggest supporter. It’s losing my ability to ride, to feel, to connect and understand my horse. Things I have lost that make me feel lost.

“If you don’t heal what hurt you, you’ll bleed on people who didn’t cut you.”

Getting to know your fears and understanding them, deconstructing and reliving those fears is important to your personal growth. It is emotion that you bring forth to your horse first. If you cannot explain your fears to yourself, how can you explain them to your horse? How can you build a better understanding? I think that if you can bring yourself back to that moment, any moment, good or bad. If you can still feel it today…

Fear and love are important things to understand and feel before you bring them to your ride. Regain your control and your integrity and you will experience a new level of depth to share with your horse. I think that if you can bring yourself back to that moment, any moment, good or bad – if you can still feel it today – you can use it to fuel your passion, just as I do.