We had an excellent night together at the barn. I put the natural rope hackamore on and we did some ground work in the indoor arena before I got on and rode him for about 20 minutes inside. He hasn't forgot anything, responded so well, an excellent whoa and back up with the rope hackamore.

I then put the bridle and bit on him and we went outdoors to practice lesson 3 patterns. I could not for the life of me remember how the pattern was!! But we did some great circles in every corner,…

This week I changed things with my tack yet again.  I wanted to see how the mares did in the jumping cavesson bridle without the running martingle after all those weeks using the Spirit Bridle.  When I got to the stable on Wednesday it was already hot at 8:00 AM, and I got even hotter trimming Mia's toes.  With the hot weather Mia's hooves are growing really fast, and since I cut back my riding on Fridays because of the heat I had a lot of rasping to do! …

Gearing up for the Endurance Ride

Thursday, June 30, 2011

On the third day of the Zhaosu festival, the riders attended the technical meeting for the July 1^st, 80 km endurance race. …

A Day at the Races

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

The day started more relaxed than the previous one with our Canadian riders choosing not to ride on the cross-country trek in the grasslands since…

We have to have some bad nights and this was one of them. 

I could not grasp any of the lesson that was being taught. Circles in both corners at one end of the arena in something like a figure 8 pattern.

We weren't out there maybe 15 minutes then the mosquitos came out. I have big bites on my face, arms and neck. 

Cooper was trying to stay close to other horses, going too fast as usual. I was bouncing too much, couldn't get my legs relaxed, hands were all over and…

I enjoyed my brief time working as a groom at Hastings Park Racetrack here in Vancouver BC. Apart from getting yelled at for not shoveling fast enough or putting foreign race tack on incorrectly.. overall very good learning experience. I learned some pretty great phrases while I was there too, as well as how to truly 'do it yourself'.

It was a real reality check for me. I had come from pretty pretty princess hunter world where my tack was polished, my horse was polished and I…

The Zhaosu Festival Opens

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Our riders were prepared to embark on the first day of the Zhaosu festival with a scenic 80 km trek through the town and surrounding grasslands…

There were a few dark years (between leaving home and having enough income to support a horse) that I was earthbound with only house pets. I survived it. Barely.

During that horse-less time, a box arrived. It was a surprise parrot -from a friend in Panama. I’m not saying it was a great idea to catch a bird and ship her, I’m just saying that she…

Gearing Up for Opening Day

Monday, June 27, 2011  

Having spent yesterday getting to know our way around the area and understanding the culture better,…

Here is my 2nd Blog and continues where my happy mouth blog left off.  My Micklem bridle arrived today.  I had 1 1/2 hours from the time I got home to open the box, put it together, size it on my gelding and then trailer off for my Jumper lesson.  I read about other people having trouble putting the bridle together so I read up on how to and was ready.  At first the Bit straps threw me off so I popped the CD that comes with the bridle in to the pc and did a quick review.  Once I heard that…

Originally posted on http://galsandhorses.blogspot.com/2011/07/first-sleep-away-show-ever-day-3-week.html

Warm Welcome by Friends

Sunday, June 26, 2011

After dinner last night, we were met at the hotel by Mr. Guo Jin, a race horse owner and breeder, and Mr. Tian Jin (Tony), a young man who was…

July 17 to 21st did not go out to see Cooper or practice at all because of the heat. The Thursday night lesson was cancelled, thank goodness!! I probably would have passed out from having to wear that helmet in that heat.

I went on Friday to try an english saddle on him that a friend was selling. I didn't even ride, I was so hot, sweating and not feeling well.  My stump was hurting from a sweaty prosthetic sock and the other foot was all swollen and bruised from an injury a long time…

This morning I've received a bunch of emails asking about

shipping costs for The Confident Competitor program.



I'm sorry I wasn't more clear. There are NO shipping costs.

You don't have to wait for anything to come in the mail. The

program is completely digital and you get immediate access to it.



So if you've enjoyed the audios and would like more in-depth

training, go to:…

Endurance Ride…by Car

Saturday, June 25, 2011 

Rising at 7:00 in the morning, we met up half an hour later with plans for a quick breakfast in the hotel before getting on the road to Zhaosu. …

Originally published on http://galsandhorses.blogspot.com/.

Wow, if you'd told me on Day One that I'd ever be ready to go home, I'd have laughed at you.  Be that as it may, Day Five of HITS-on-the-Hot-As-Hades-Hudson IV saw me ready to head south on I-87.  However, before I did there was that small matter of Short Stirrup Hunter classes we needed to attend to. 



Thankfully they Horse Show gods decided to move the…

Beautifully turned out and positioned, long legged equitation riders head up the placings at top shows this summer. Lessons spent without stirrups and in two point position pay dividends in the show ring. But have you ever considered the line between poise and pose? Dignity, calm and confidence…

The Journey

Wednesday, June 22, to Friday, June 24, 2011 

Our team flew from their various destinations to converge in Vancouver on Wednesday night. …

Occasionally people will be fortunate enough to find a good used Schleese saddle on ebay or second hand or hand-me-downs from somewhere else – but the reality of it is that sometimes despite being fitted as closely as possible they may not actually be the best choice for both a specific horse and rider. Over the years we have changed our designs as our knowledge of equine anatomy and biomechanic requirements increases, so that older models may not be as ‘horse-friendly’ as the newer saddles…

Canadian Equestrian Ambassadors!

The four riders who participated in the race came well equipped and represented Canada with a long list of credentials and experiences.  They are: 

 …