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The Importance of Perfect Timing by Marilyn Pineda You’ve heard the phrase, “timing is everything!” One of my students, Cecelia Hagland, had a great illustration of timing recently with her gelding, Waylon. They had been having wonderful experiences developing a foundation of communication together when everything golden suddenly turned …
Create a Magnificent Performance with These Specific Exercises by Mark Bolender While judging a trail challenge for the AQHA at the Region 1 show, I watched a horse and rider walk onto a teeter-totter, turn 180 degrees, then back off in one smooth, seamless motion. It was magnificent to …
Two Things that Set Great Trainer’s Apart by Don Blazer, Horse Courses Online Some trainers are simply gifted athletes with a natural feel for a horse. Some are great communicators. Still others just have a flare for presentation and showmanship. There are okay trainers and good trainers, but certain …
How to Make a Wise Investment in Your Child by Allison Trimble I have trained a number of youth—kids and their horses—and recently became the lucky step mom to a little boy who loves horses. While that hasn’t changed my rather strong opinion about kid’s horses, it …
What Dressage Offers the Western Horse by Michelle Binder-Zolezzi Last month I tried to define western dressage. Once there is a working definition, we can then ask the question, “why do it?” I asked members in different organizations why they couldn’t just buy a dressage saddle and ride …
Steady Your Horse’s Emotions with Calm Energy by Marilyn Pineda, Fire Mountain Trail Course I recently went out on a trail ride with one of my visitors here at Fire Mountain Trail Course and we stopped for a rest in the shade by the creek on our …
Discover the Root of Many Common Behavioral Issues by Allison Trimble, Willfully Guided Horsemanship I get a lot of questions about addressing behavioral issues. The problems vary from the overly aggressive horse, to the horse that is scared of everything. Horses come in two basic categories: dominant and …
How Your Mindset Influences Riding Success and Enjoyment by Daniel Stewart Karen asks, “I recently moved up a level and the added pressure is making it hard for me to stay positive. Is there anything I do to enjoy myself again?” This is a wonderful question. Our horses mean …
Breaking Down the Elements by Marilyn Pineda, Fire Mountain Trail Course We have all sorts of fun visitors at Fire Mountain Trail Course and Darryl Weidkamp and his horse Clancy were no exception. Darryl is an avid backcountry rider and had previously been to our trail course as a …
How to Successfully Navigate a Troubling Obstacle by Mark Bolender I once overheard a spectator sitting next to the water box obstacle at a Bolender Mountain Trail Challenge mutter, “The evil water box wins again!” The horse was doing great, but then refused to step into the water box. …