Posted on May 16, 2007
Tension in the rider prevents the horse from moving freely. Recently I was working with a student and we focused on relaxing the hips and thighs which resulted in the horse relaxing and a tremendous improvement in the gaits. Watching the horses gaits tells everything about tension in the rider. Thus, I always warm a rider up with breathing excercises to open up the back, loosen the neck and relax the hips. Another simple excercise is to look right and left while walking straight ahead, eventually this can be done in trot and canter as the rider progresses. This simple movement demonstrates if the rider is in balance and loosens up the spine for a more elastic connection to the horse. Sometimes the rider is not even aware of how much tension he holds until performing these simple excercises. Remember, the goal of the rider is to allow the horse to move with freedom and rhythm. So go out and practice relaxing in your work and feel how much happier your horse is as a result.
Posted on May 10, 2007
Last weekend was a great success when RJ greeted his fans at Windrock Farm. Here he poses with admirers who had a chance to meet him after watching him perform many of his tricks. RJ is an intelligent kind horse, wonderful under saddle or working at liberty for the cameras. Due to the tremendous success there will be another opportunity to meet RJ on June 9. Check the web site for reservations and details– www.cariswanson.com
Posted on May 6, 2007
RJ, the star of the Hollywood film Hidalgo (2004)
What exactly is it about horses that attracts our imagination and attention? Anyone who has a horse or who connects to them knows there is a powerful magnetic pull toward the horse’s energy and being. They are healing animals who always ground us in times of turmoil. Think about how exhilerating a gallop across the countryside is at dawn, or the feeling of connecting to your horse after the perfect ride. The natural high from this experience is better than any drug and can carry you for a week. The magic of horses is profound.
Posted on May 6, 2007
RJ, the co-star of Viggo Mortensen and Omar Shariff from the Hollywood film “Hidalgo” demonstrated some of his tricks to an eager audience on May 5 at Windrock Farm. RJ is charismatic and funny, entertaining the crowd with his favorite tricks of pushing the ball around in an imaginary game of soccer or dancing on his hind legs. RJ was very patient meeting his fans, allowing some to be photographed up close and posing for the cameras. He will be performing again at the farm, so if you missed this special event be sure to check the web site for new dates. www.cariswanson.com
Posted on May 2, 2007
Working with RJ, the star trick horse from the hollywood film Hidalgo (2004) has made me more aware of how a horse pays attention to the footing. RJ is particularly aware of the earth under his feet. It seems the first thing he does when he steps out of his stall is to take a moment to assess the situation. He purposefully places his feet down and tests the ground. If it is muddy or wet he will not do any of his tricks. RJ is a very clever horse. This is something each rider should pay attention to as well, especially when preparing to jump fences across country or work a horse in tight circles. The rider should always consider the safety and well being of his horse.
Posted on May 2, 2007
Horses are extremely intuitive animals picking up on your mood and emotion each day. Take the time you have with your horse to pay attention to how he is feeling and if he is reacting to your energy. Set the tone for your ride by working with him on the ground before mounting. A calm horse on the ground generally translates to a good ride. However, if your horse is dancing in the cross ties and misbehaving, you are likely to have a lousy ride. Take the time while grooming to feel how your horse is doing. As herd animals, horses look for a leader and that should be you.
Posted on May 2, 2007
Last week I was judging a schooling show with many talented riders. For the most part each ride was accurate, however they all would have improved dramatically if the rider was more relaxed and had more feeling in their seat and hands. This elusive idea of being one with the horse is difficult to explain but magic to feel. It takes a lifetime to learn how to ride correctly and each hour in the saddle is an opportunity to shift to that goal. Simply relaxing the shoulders in transitions and within the gaits is highly effective. Try this simple excercise and see if you achieve a more connected and relaxed feel. My grandmother used to say a good ride would make her feel high for days, better than any drugs!
Posted on April 29, 2007
Will Faudree and his veteran partner Antigua, aka “Brad” suffered a tremendous blow yesterday after they blazed around the cross country course at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event in the fastest time posted. Brad pulled a shoe on course, stepping on a clip which caused him to be unable to jog sound for Show Jumping today. With a score of 54.4 and standing in fourth place at the most prestigious four star event in our country, they had to withdraw from completing. So close to victory and unable to finish. A devastating break in a stellar career. Ironically, a clear show jumping round would have placed them at the top of the leaderboard. Such is the fate of one of our top competive pairs. Not to worry though, this amazing team will be back at the Pan Am games competing for the USA. Luckily Brad only suffered a minor injury and he will be back in top form.
Posted on April 27, 2007
Rain will not dampen the spirit of the competitors or spectators of the most prestigious exciting 3 Day Event in the USA. Every Spring, thousands of fans descend upon Lexington Kentucky to witness the best rider and horse combinations compete over 4 days of dressage, cross country and show jumping. This year includes my favorite team of the uber talented Will Faudree and his mount Antigua, affectionately known as Brad. They are currently in 9th place after dressage and only 5 points from the leader. Anything can happen out on the cross country course reported as being the most complex ever. I am confident Will mounted on his veteran best friend will finish in the top three. Stay tuned by following the daily scores at www.3dke.org
Posted on April 27, 2007
Is your horse trying to tell you something? If you take the time to watch and listen, you will often find your horse is actually talking to you. I have one horse who is constantly moving his upper lip, no matter what we are doing. He can be standing in the cross ties or performing highly collected movements in the arena. It is important to know what is normal and what is unusual for your horse. They are expressive creatures who want to let you know how they feel. It is useful to keep a journal of your observations as well as your training program. Working with horses is fascinating. Being with these noble animals forces us to be in the moment which is the key to life. When you live in the present all fears of the past and future subside.
Here is RJ making funny faces while I work with him at liberty. He is an unusually “talkative horse” with his eye never leaving me. We rode out alone on a hack yesterday when suddenly he stopped on the trail. He would not budge, so I sat and waited. After a few minutes several deer appeared out of the forest in front of us. He was waiting for them to pass. Once they were out of sight he moved on with a purposeful walk looking for more wildlife. I think he is enjoying his move to the east coast.