Saturday, August 6, 2011

Keeping Busy!

"Deepest, flat knee, low heel, and a seat that never left the saddle. Always elastically flexed abdominal and back muscles, and gently swinging hips with upright head carriage. Elastically absorbing shoulders, elbows, and wrists achieved a steady, closed contact between horse and rider." -Felix Burkner

     As a continuation from the last blog, this quote from Felix Burkner basically sums up the overall idea of correct riding. From the moment a rider sits on the back of a horse, much of the fine balance in movement is lost. To regain it, horse and rider must follow an understood program of training and development - often over years - in order to establish a new balance. Once established, a new grace will be found.

    It has been a very busy couple of weeks here at Blue Moon! On July 16th we took a few students and horses to Keller to participate in the KHOA jumping clinic with trainer Ellery Dewesse. Our riders were fabulous and a huge thank you goes out to Carrie Ferrer for organizing such a fun and educational event!

Here's a look at Laurel Burns and her mare, Gamble on Grace, at the KHOA jumping clinic.

On July 24, we took 6 horses and riders to the Fairfield Dressage Show at the Diamond T Arena in Denton, Texas. I am so proud to say that I have the BEST group of students anyone could ask for. They all rode beautifully and handled themselves like little professionals - makes my work worthwhile!


   
     Meanwhile, back at the farm - I am excited to welcome trainer Lindsay Slough (http://www.kismetsporthorses.com/) and her mare, Paisley, to the Blue Moon family. Lindsay is currently working on her Bronze Medal. Be sure to welcome her when you see her around the barn!