How to Begin Your Journey by Michelle Binder-Zolezzi Every day I field calls from people wanting to know more about Western Dressage. What is it? How do I find out more about it? Can anyone do it? Is it hard? Who teaches western dressage? Are there shows? … Read More
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 … Read More
Answering Questions about a New Discipline by Michelle Binder, Relational Riding Academy Just what is “western dressage?” This developing discipline is very exciting to many riders, trainers, breeders and exhibitors, who choose horses of all breeds as partners, and who, for various reasons, prefer to sit in stock type saddles. Good … Read More
Four Logical, and Safe, Ways to Handle the Drama of a Wayward Horse by Raye Lochert Recently I was on a training ride with a client’s horse in my favorite park. The horse was exceptional and I felt very secure on him. He just needed time and miles. While walking up … Read More
How to Choose an Equine Partner by Raye Lochert Picking the right horse is a practice in realism. Too often people choose a horse based on color, breed, bloodlines, or just because “they’re so darn cute.” While I have been guilty of all these things in the past there is … Read More
How to Travel Safely with Horses by Raye Lochert Everyday untold numbers of tractor trailers motor down the road carrying materials from here to there. Before being entrusted with a rig weighing in the neighborhood of 80,000 pounds, truck drivers spend time in school learning about the working parts … Read More
To Win on the Trail, Prepare for the Worst by Raye Lochert There is a popular board game called “The Worst-Case Scenario.” The object of the game is to successfully navigate unexpected and dangerous scenarios. In one version, the winning player will not only finish with the most gold … Read More
Part 3: Top-to-Toe Awareness for the Rider by Jenny Rolfe The horse will mirror your mood and body language so it is essential for the rider to become self aware to communicate with the horse. The following postural techniques will show you how breathing will support the essence of … Read More
The Importance of Self Awareness by Jenny Rolfe Athletes can increase performance, mentally and physically, by using steady, deep and rhythmic core-breathing. When you can understand how to master your own body you will be much more effective as a rider. The rider has to focus, not only on … Read More
How Breathing Enhances Connection by Jenny Rolfe This series of articles will help to transform your relationship with your horse through techniques of core breathing. This journey of enlightenment for me began years ago as I was training Delfin my ex-bullfighting Spanish stallion. On one particular day, when we were working … Read More
