We all blame “habits” for our behavior, both good and bad. And most of us understand that the more we do a certain behavior or think a particular thought, the...
Can changing the way you think change the way you ride? In a word, YES. When you train mentally, you are engaging the newest part of your brain, the frontal...
Anyone who has been fortunate enough to get a glimpse at the inner workings of Millar Brooke Farm knows that the devil is in the details. But here’s a little...
This week, more than 500 of the top national and international horses and riders in the world are coming together in Washington, D.C. for the 58th annual Washington International Horse Show...
The elephants lumber toward us up the hill. They come ever so slowly, swinging their heads from side to side, their ears flapping occasionally at flies. Behind them, their mahouts...
Instant society encourages instant results. But that is not how we or our horses operate. Going anywhere requires steps, landmarks along the way to define process. How can you apply...
Weanlings have intensive nutritional needs and you shouldn’t start feeding them like a smaller version of an adult. Nutrient dense diets are those that have high levels of protein/amino acids...
You have your regular coach, then there’s the other one. The inside one. We all have this little guy (or gal) in our heads who is running the show. Giving...
Walk into any major hunter/jumper show on the East Coast and there's one name you're likely to find at least once, but maybe two or three times, at the top...
Most of us hold tension in some part of our bodies—our shoulders, our lower backs, our jaws maybe. It might begin as just a little tweak (say, on Monday) and...
Video can be a very useful tool in the training of horses and riders. As the saying goes, "There is often a difference between what we feel, and what is...
The advantage of a horse’s powerful hindquarters is that one lightning-fast hoof strike can end an argument with a mountain lion. Instantly. The drawback of that fact is that when...
Beezie Madden, Ian Millar, Scott Brash—some riders seem to thrive under pressure. The higher the stakes, the better their performance. For less accomplished riders, the pressure cooker of the show ring can cause a plan to...
This article was written by Marcella Peyre-Ferry and was originally published in Saddle & Bridle. It is reprinted here with consent. There are horse shows that go on for years...
Acclaimed dressage rider Robert Dover is famed for many things. The four Olympic team bronze medals he accumulated during his international career. His impressive track record as chef d'equipe of the U.S....
If you think preparing your home for a small dinner party is stressful, imagine hosting an international community of elite equestrians and fans. That's the reality Split Rock Jumping Tour...
Ah, the corners of the riding arena…so often haunted by bogeymen and other mysterious “somethings” certain to cause a scoot or a spook. By a year or so into your...
