Written for USDF by Area II Rider: Mara Santiz As riders, we are often so concerned with our horses’ wellbeing that we simply forget to take care of ourselves. We ensure our horses have top notch care; they are visited by vets, farriers, chiropractors, massage therapists and acupuncturists on a monthly basis. Meanwhile, you haven’t … Continue reading You Can’t Do It All
Choosing Your Next Dressage Horse
When choosing your next dressage partner, there are several factors to consider. Whether the horse is a weanling or already under saddle, it is important to look at his movement, conformation, and temperament. Both the walk and the canter are far more important than the trot. As Charlotte Dujardin says, “the trot can be manufactured … Continue reading Choosing Your Next Dressage Horse
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy, or the therapeutic use of cold, is a powerful technique that riders use for several reasons. Most riders think to use cryotherapy on their horses for new injuries, but don’t necessarily consider the therapy for old injuries or for faster athletic recovery. New injuries: When a horse is injured, whether it be a muscle … Continue reading Cryotherapy
Effects of Shock on the Horse
Although not often thought of, every time a horse takes a step a shock wave runs up his leg and through his body. By definition, shock is the effect on an object caused by the energy delivered to it by a force (typically an impact force) over a short period of time. The effect of … Continue reading Effects of Shock on the Horse
Competitive Rider Fitness
***This post is NOT an attempt to bash riders about their weight, it is only to suggest the importance of fitness in the competitive sport*** I believe most of us that compete aspire to be fit riders, however that is much easier said than done. It’s only been in the past year that I have … Continue reading Competitive Rider Fitness
To The Girl Who Goes Unnoticed: I See You, And Your Time Will Come
*Written for The Chronicle of The Horse* *Appeared in Heelsdown Magazine (online)* We’ve heard about all of the major stars in the equestrian world and read about their journeys to success, but what about those of us who haven’t made it yet? Maybe you don’t have lots of medals, and maybe you can’t compete because … Continue reading To The Girl Who Goes Unnoticed: I See You, And Your Time Will Come
Arena Footing and its Effects on Sport Horses
Written for KWPN-NA by YK Ambassador: Mara Santiz Arena footing has been a subject of contention for many years. New arenas with synthetic footing have become more common over the last few years, making them easier to maintain, but are they the best choice for the health of our athletes? There are three general phases … Continue reading Arena Footing and its Effects on Sport Horses
Riding Too Young
Many trainers in the United States start training and/ or riding their horses long before they are considered “mature”. The racing industry is a perfect example of this; as soon as the young horse’s cannon bones are finished growing, the trainers put them in work. Even though the cannon bones are finished developing, that does … Continue reading Riding Too Young
The Trot
According to the USEF rulebook, the trot is “a two-beat gait of alternate diagonal legs separated by a moment of suspension.” There are many different trots, but every type is expected to be elastic, regular, balanced, supple, and rhythmic. Each trot must express the horse’s natural cadence and must also have impulsion. For those that … Continue reading The Trot
Bridles: Good, Bad, and Ugly
Ever wonder what the purpose of a noseband is? Or a bit? The overall goal of any bridle is to help the rider communicate with his horse, whether flatting or jumping. A simple bridle consists of two cheek pieces, a crownpiece, a throatlatch, a browband, a bit, and a noseband. The noseband is an interesting … Continue reading Bridles: Good, Bad, and Ugly
Dressage Discussions 