Equine Diaries

Gideon has been learning to jump more, and more! We are still just taking simple, low x's, but he has become less afraid of coming to the jumps, getting better at lifting his front legs up, bending and holding his knees up higher, and using more jump force--instead of only hopping or stepping over the jumps. I feel proud that he is listening to me and becoming more and more of a close partner :)

Equine Diaries

I am officially leasing a horse now! Yay!
It's a really neat feeling....when your trainer tells you, "treat him like he's your own horse" it makes you feel all proud inside and excited to get started and do as much as you can, as soon as you can-to get busy working with "my" horse.
Giddy-that's his name-is a real sweety. He's adorable, and has the cutest, nicest build to him. He is half Arab, half Quarter Horse and a beautiful red/chestnut coloring. I love his dainty, white face markings best! :)
Now that we have been doing lessons for a while and have a few shows chosen to shoot for this summer show season, I am ready and "rearing to go" and get to work with training Giddy (and him training me...) so we can meet our best potential!

Equestrian Diaries

Dear fellow riders and hippophiles*,
Last time in equestrian diaries I was writing to you about how I was beginning dressage and what I was learning so far.
Well, as my trainer recently said, "Dressage isn't like other disciplines of riding, it's a journey," I found this to be true...even with such little experience with dressage I can see that it takes dedication and a LOT of patience. It really is a journey. When you decide this is the thing for you, that you can't possibly give up so easily, or that you've simply fallen in love with it...you have taken that first baby step into this journey. I've taken that baby step.


I just love it when God puts those perfect situations right in front of you when you are least expecting it! Recently, this happened when I got an opportunity to ride a horse-who is trained in dressage and other riding disciplines-from a very generous lady I met. I am so excited to start working with him! I will let you know soon about how things go through as soon as I start up with him...!

Nicole

*Greek for one who loves horses.

Equestrian Diaries

Dear Blog,
Not long ago I started taking lessons in dressage at my new barn. If you have ever started riding in a different style and then later begin dressage, it is a bit of a difficult process. It feels almost as if you've started over.....and can't ride like you thought you could. Nevertheless, it has been a very beneficial and eye-opening experience for me so far.

Dressage is all about form balance, unity, impulsion from the horse, centered and quiet riding from the rider, the horse's athletic agility and ability, strong aids and contact from the rider, simply obedience from the horse, and an over-all oneness between horse and rider-it is the basis of all riding.

Dressage is a whole new game for me....but one I am determined to learn and win.

Article to be continued......

~Nicki

Also, this is my newest segment:"Equestirian Diaries"....I hope you'll enjoy reading.
Feel free to exert any thoughts or advice via comments :)