This year's giveaway is Bringing it Together, a book and DVD, offered by a friend of the authors who also reads BTB. I have not read the book or seen it yet, but it's endorsed by Pulitzer Prize-winning author **Jane Smiley. I like what I'm reading about what the book is trying to do. The book aims to...- bridge various disciplines and schools of thought on riding and dressage.
- encompass both traditional dressage breeds and non-traditional breeds, as well as horses not previously schooled in dressage.
- emphasize the personal connection and understanding that develops between the horse and rider.
Enter the drawing/giveaway !
International entries are welcome :-). Here's how to enter:
- Leave a comment on this blog post describing something that you learned about horses, riding, or anything vaguely equestrian in the past year.
- If you post anonymously, sign or put your initials in the comment so it can be identified as yours.
- Complete the form below
That's it! The drawing will be Thursday Dec. 15. Thanks to Katie for making this book available and handling the shipping arrangements.
**Jane Smiley wrote two great horse novels, Barn Blind and Horse Heaven. She has also written articles for popular horse magazines such as Practical Horseman.
I have learned that the horse's welfare is the most important and the rider's own ego is unimportant in comparison.
ReplyDeleteThis year I learned that love at first sight (with a horse lol) is possible.
ReplyDeleteI also learned that my own wants are unimportant, but my horse's needs are the most important.
-AB*
I finally learned why the outside rein is so important. It had always been an intellectual abstraction for me, a thing I knew I should do but a thing I didn't really understand how to do. I had always ridden too heavily off the inside rein, and my horse was overbent, so once I figured it out (thanks to my awesome new trainer), we started having better rides. Three cheers for great new trainers and the outside rein!
ReplyDeleteI learned to take the time to really understand my horse and why he does the things he does. Before, I just trained him the way I'd always been taught, and we didn't have much of a connection, though I loved him very much. The strides we've made in our communication in the last year have been amazing, and we enjoy each other's company a whole lot more! Not to mention, he's less spooky, actually looks to me for leadership, and has beautiful ground manners.
ReplyDeleteI have learned that I ride better if I get out of my head and just relax. I tend to start obsessing and get flustered about little things and end up dropping the ball on everything. Funny thing when you relax, the horse relaxes and you remember oh yeah this is about having fun. :p
ReplyDeleteI have learned that, you need to fully trust your horse, and that your horses needs to fully trust you. Endurance riding (for me) really helps strength that bond. The partnership that is formed can really come in handy when a situation occurs. I have also leaned that no matter what others say about your horse at a competition, they are just jealous that a 15 year old junior rider and his horse beat them :) lol :)
ReplyDeletehappy holidays
zach rabow
It sounds like an interesting book. Fingers crossed. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI learned that an intermediate seat will do just fine for jumping small fences!
ReplyDeleteI have learned that no matter how much I might feel like giving up, I shouldn't. All of the hard work, sweat, tears, money, time.....it is all worth it. Ribbons and awards are not everything. My horse is truly a gift and dressage is a journey, and I should never take any of it for granted. :)
ReplyDeleteI learned that sometime a saddle makes a big difference. This year I finally bought a dressage saddle. WOW. It really puts me in such a different position! I don't have to fight to keep my legs long, back, under me - they just are. I feel so tall and balanced. My horse appreciates it too!
ReplyDeletePontessa
I'd love to be entered!
ReplyDeleteThe thing I learned this year, and have been learning since I started riding: If the foundation's not there, the house won't stand. It's okay to go back to basics no matter what level I'm at, because they're the foundation of everything. Going back to basics doesn't mean I'm failing or getting worse. It means it's time to revisit the essentials and bare things back to their simplest form - that's all.
I learned recently the joys of owning my first horse! Of knowing he will always be there at the barn (probably eating) if I want to see him, and knowing that he'll be happy to see me. Of getting close to one single equine, learning his quirks and cues, and adjusting your riding to the single horse. I learned about caring for him, and keeping an eye on him, an dhow rewarding it is. I learned much, much more than that and I know I wont ever stop learning from him :)
ReplyDelete-Annuh
I truly learned the ability of the equine body to heal itself. After Sonny's injuries at the end of August (falling into an empty swimming pool- the deep end- after a theft attempt), we now are at once a week rides. There was about two weeks post incident that we thought we'd loose him to injury- but he made it. Now, we manage one or two slow rides a week. We're both looking forward to many more years together.
ReplyDelete~Mrs Mom
Heck, I'll throw in my learning experience too. I learned that horses are much tougher, and more adaptible, than I thought.
ReplyDeleteI also learned that Riley is behind his same-age peers in his standing-for-the-farrier skills.
Sounds great. I love this idea seeing as 90% of the dressage instructors in my are have some sort of bad reputation. I love books and dvd's though they can offer you insight on trainers ideas that wouldn't be possible without you traveling great distances.
ReplyDeleteI learned that wool flocked saddles need a touch up 12 weeks after first bought new! I had no idea. I hadn't had mine looked at since I bought it 2 years ago. I felt like a very bad rider and took it in right away.
ReplyDeletethat horses are smart, very smart and riders can get played by them.
ReplyDeleteI have learned how to "hear" my horse, so much so that we can have conversations like today's.
ReplyDeleteMe: Let's go on the trails in the snow.
Champagne: Everything looks DIFFERENT!
Me: Yes, but it is the same underneath.
Ch: No, it isn't the same, I really think it is dangerous and I'm not going.
Me: Let's turn around a few times so you can get your head on straight.
Ch: I'm still not going.
Me: Please go. I'm sure.
Ch: Sigh. OK, but this is a REALLY bad idea.
Me: We're going anyway.
Ch: (Walking forward) Rattly snort.
I learned the physiological reasons why a really deep heel can be counterproductive when developing your seat. The benefits of a riding instructor who's also studied a fair bit of physical anthropology and can explain it all very well!
ReplyDeleteI recently adopted two horses from a local rescue thanks to a dear friend's suggestion. I have been very ill the last 3 years and almost died. These two boys are my "healing balm". The things they are teaching me & giving to me in everyday life is endless. They are both so sweet & loving, even though they came from tough backgrounds and are responding tremendously to good food, caring & lots of love. "Mom & boys" are "healing" together. I am very blessed in all ways. Rabbit Mom...
ReplyDeleteI'm not a horse person, but I love Stacey's writing. I've learned that every horse has a unique personality and a great amount of dignity and patience (Riley as he has been recovering). Also, that riding gear is extremely expensive but that the boots are really cool!
ReplyDeleteErica
...what I've learned this past year is that there is always something to learn from interacting with horses - especially when something does not go as we expect or hope and it may look negativeat first sight...in a retrospect these moments usually bring the most aha moments...
ReplyDeleteI watched my horse's foal being born and was able to imprint her immediately afterwards so I have learned about foaling this year. Also, I will be learning about handling a foal and the young horse for the next several years as I watch and work with my Yalla as she grows up.
ReplyDeleteI guess it isn't so much what I've learned this year so much as having a feeling of moral support.
ReplyDeleteFollowing Riley's situation has helped me through the various ups and downs of dealing with my old Plough Beast's health issues (which are not as major as Riley's but are ultimately will become untreatable :( ). It helps to read about other's situations and coping strategies.
The blog post on Honey Bright (the QH) was very interesting to me; so much so that I have bought my own little cutting horse. She should be coming in from Texas in the new year!
I have learned that there are not a lot of people who really know what the inside of the horse is all about. Most people are taking care of the outside of the horse and are not aware what the horse really needs.
ReplyDeleteI have learned that when you have an older, very sick horse who is your wonderful companion of 13 years, it is the best thing you can do to put them down, as difficult as it is. I have learned that it is ok to cry buckets and grieve and be grateful for their companionship but still know that I would never bring them back to live in that used up body. I have learned that the support of friends is an important part of the journey.
ReplyDeleteA simple half and half mixture of alcohol and baby oil works wonders on rainrot.
ReplyDeleteI learned that sometimes taking the leap into the unknown is the best way to learn.
ReplyDeleteIn October I bought my first horse, whom I had been leasing for about 6 months, but had known was "the one" long before that. In a mere 6 weeks I have learned more about feed, suppliments, hay, bits and "horse clothing" than I ever have before. Until Alfie was entirely my responsibility, I had always just taken my trainer's advice on any issue. Now I'm asking a zillion questions, spending countless hours doing research and reading anything I can get my hands on. :)
AF (Amanda F Smith)
I've learned this year, that every horse teaches you something. . it may not end up being a good match, but the struggles you endure trying to figure it out will stick with you and make you a better rider for when you do find the right match.
ReplyDeleteI've been around horses my whole life, and if I've learned anything, it's that I've always got more to learn. This year in particular I learned:
ReplyDeleteThat choke looks different in different horses
There are good, thoughtful, kind trainers out there
I'm not weak because I ask for help
A 14.1 hand Arabian gelding can have a very wide back that none of my saddles will fit
There are owners besides me who care about horses they've bred, and where they are now (I'm still looking for some from our herd)
And most importantly, something that I've learned but my herd keeps reminding me of: horses don't care about your past, and not too much about your future. They care that you're there with them here and now, and if you've got treats and a curry they'll care even more!
I've learned to be okay with writing more checks to the vet. It's just money, and my horse is worth it.
ReplyDeleteI've learned that even when my stomach is in my throat or on the ground, I saddle up and work on it anyway. I always feel better, even if I've ended up on the ground!
ReplyDeleteReal courage or insanity? A combination I imagine....
I've learned that horses' coats grow according to how much light their eyes receive, not how cold it is!
ReplyDelete-CMS
I learned to be more assertive with my horse and not let him intimidate me. I learned that he's much more secure and willing to work when he has a confident leader to follow. =)
ReplyDeleteI've learned to relax and trust my horse. I've learned to have faith that all the time and effort I've put into him over the last seven years has paid off, and he's ready to care of me in return.
ReplyDeleteI've learned a lot this year! What I learned about my riding: Dressage and contact is NOT about pulling. It's about an elastic relationship. What I learned about my horse: She's a hundred mile horse.
ReplyDeleteDuring this (hopefully temporary) unhorsed time in my life, I have been studying Thoroughbred pedigrees, specifically which lines are associated with soundness issues. I have learned that certain Native Dancer lines are associated with unsoundness, and he himself was notoriously unsound (although brilliant) during his racing career.
ReplyDeleteI have learned that I need horses for my mental well-being more than I ever thought. I have had to take a break due to a lack of time and finance resources and I have noticed that I feel more anxious, less in control and in need of a "barn fix" in some major ways!
ReplyDeleteI've learned horses are great supplements to chemotherapy! Since I'm undergoing chemo, being able to go to the barn and ride is a great stress reliever and keeps my fitness level up. The oncologist is pleased and says he may recommend it. And Bless her little palomino heart-she is being an angel!
ReplyDeleteI've learned that I should have appreciated my mare more than I did.
ReplyDeleteOne day she was here - and the next day, we had to put her down. Completly out of the blue. The worst part - I didn't even get to say goodbye to her. It was early morning when she went down and the vet was called. Hearing my trainer describe how scared she was because she couldn't get up - how bad I wanted to go back in time and just be able to go to her and pet her all over and tell her it would all be okay. I can't stand thinking how scared my baby must have been.
It's gonna be hard to recover completly from loosing her. The first time I first got on her, I heard a click go off in my head, and that was it. She was the one.
To have expierenced sheer joy just by looking at her, always having a good day even when the ride was bad, loving her for every little bit of her - not just how she rode, and then being the only one she would do absolutely anything for.
Remembering our first and last trip to the 2009 District and State 4-H shows (I'm a youth.), the most relaxed canter she's ever given me during a trail ride over the summer of 2009, our "scary fences" training over the summer of 2009.
Even though she was never acutally "mine", she was mine to everyone in our barn. Knowing her attitude, how she wanted to do well so badly but was so scared to put a foot wrong, and knowing how to work with that and find a small good in a "bad" ride gave her extreme confidence. Others would ride her, and she wouldn't do anything for them. And then I'd hop on her two seconds later and she'd do everything so perfectly...
Hi Kaylyn,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. I hope your mare had people who loved her at her side. My hope for Harv is that he will not be alone or afraid when he passes. While I want to be at his side I take great comfort in knowing that the people at his barn are caring, wonderful people who will make him comfortable.
I learned to drive our new truck and trailer and to feel comfortable showing alone.
ReplyDeleteI have learned so much this year, I'm not sure what to pick! The most significant thing I learned that it is possible to overcome fear of riding after a bad fall. It helps if you learn that a young, barely-broke horse is not suitable for an adult rider with lots of anxiety, and that even though it is hard, sometimes it is best to move on to another horse that can help bring enjoyment back to riding rather than fear.
ReplyDeleteI learned that I really DO like quarter horses, especially my new mare that I finally trust to canter on, after being afraid to do so on any horse for three years. :)
I learned about growing out a better hoof wall, how to treat hock & fetlock arthritis, how to ride in 20 meter circles, that a horse may actually move forward better with less leg pressure, and that I can stay in the saddle without gripping the horse like a vise with my knees.
I could go on for the rest of the evening but will stop there for now. It has been a tough but rewarding year, and I so look forward to the next one, especially trying our first dressage schooling show! Merry Christmas & thanks for the wonderful blog!
I learned that a horse that's been down for sometime can get temporary paralysis from their limbs falling asleep. Great tip.
ReplyDeleteI learned how important the outside rein is...that Keratex is good for helping your horse transition to bare foot...that I need to improve my seat...that persistance pays off and all those hours of riding outside do make a difference when you do take your spooky horse to a horseshow....and that I can take a week off and my horse might not be as unridable as I thought when I get back on
ReplyDeleteoilcanvoid
I learned to camp with my horse, in the national forest with no power, running water, or cell service. It was awesome- I even slept on a cot in the horse trailer. Never having camped before it was something completely new to me! Oh and the 25 mile ride was the best, can't wait to go again.
ReplyDeleteI've learned that a schoolmaster is worth his weight in DIAMONDS! I've learned how to refine my riding, my aids, and my communication with my horse. I've learned that being with, and caring for my horse is as much fun as riding. Finally, I've also learned that as certain as I seem about not being nervous about showing, my body never lies, and the tension shows! My first season showing was this summer. I've learned I really CAN trust my horse!
ReplyDeleteKeysfins
I have learned that mules are approved to participate in dressage by the governing body that regulates the tests! I was shocked and amazed as well as pleased.
ReplyDeleteI have learned that there really isn't a lot of difference between disciplines...good horse training is good horse training. And we are all trainers whether we know it or not as we handle and ride our horses.
ReplyDeletekjcurly
I have learned that whoever said "healthy as a horse" obviously never owned one!
ReplyDelete-LEF