The Guiding Power of Horses

Anyone who has a love of and/or owned horses most likely has witnessed the emotional, physical and/or mental power horses have on the wellbeing of humans. The guiding power of horses has been carefully studied and become well known. Their impact and role in nurturing people has led to the establishment of programs that specialize in the healing power of horses. Research has shown equine therapy can help children and adults with physical disabilities, autism, PTSD, and sufferers of emotional trauma, substance abuse, and other types of psychiatric or physical struggles. Hippotherapy, which is a form of physical, occupational and speech therapy in which a therapist uses the characteristic movements of a horse to provide carefully graded motor and sensory input, has become more mainstream. Equine therapy and Hippotherapy programs provide added support to specific physical, mental, and emotional treatments and are more and more apart of wellness plans. Studies have shown that we, as humans, can benefit from the power of horses by just being in their presence through riding, handling or simply touching them.

The Science To Horses Helping Humans

Horses are often able to interrupt human moods, and being horses, they don't judge. Bonding with a horse helps develop self-awareness, self confidence, and promotes emotional healing.

Of course, all horse lovers know what an incredible healing power horses have with humans; it doesn’t take long to feel and experience it! Those who spend a lot of time around horses are not surprised to hear that this type of healing is not just spiritual but scientific as well.

Horses make great companions for psychotherapy because they can mirror and respond to human behavior. Being herd animals they rely on an acute stream of sensory data to interrupt safety or danger for survival. Their acute sensory perceptions help them to "read" humans centering on the human heartbeat which they can feel up to four feet away. Research on heart-rate variability indicates that horses have a profound ability to synchronize their own heartbeat with that of human beings. When people are introduced to horses for therapy, it has been shown that the horse reacts within the same spectrum of physical and emotional responses that govern their own behavior, allowing therapists an insight into the inner psychology of the client.

A horse's heart rate responds to the human heart rate after only a limited time together. A study showed time with horses can then lead to both heart rates syncing, resulting in a heart rate decline of someone who is stressed or anxious. Our heart rate is an involuntary stress response and the study was able to conclude that horse assisted therapy can produce a healthy response, particularly at-risk youths.

Similarly, horses have been found to have the ability to read human body language and a study by the University of Essex found that they can tell the difference between submissive and dominant stances even with people of which they are not familiar. As a result, the ability of horses to be perceptive and responsive to an individual with disabilities, challenges, or struggles has allowed them to be recognized as a valuable form of treatment. Without a doubt, spending time with horses provides a calming and healing power which often helps people. Experiencing a day roaming the hills and fields or passing a few hours grooming and feeding in the stables, or just petting a horse can create a bond that is therapeutic.

Without a doubt, spending time with horses has an incredible healing power that can help just about anyone. Whether it takes form in spending a day roaming the hills and fields or passing a few hours grooming and feeding in the stables, horse and human share an amazing bond, and can provide healing.

How Horses Have Helped Me

Me in Pony Club as a 12 year old

I have had horses in my life since I was a little girl when my grandmother had a horse on her farm. My love for horses started at a young age and progressed through horseback riding lessons, training, competing and riding for pleasure beginning at age 5. At age 11, my parents purchased my first horse and I joined Pony Club which provided me with some of the best memories and lessons during my preadolescent years. The exposure to social pressures and going through puberty was different and challenging and having a horse and community of horse people was grounding. As a teenager, I started competing which led to my passion of becoming a serious competitor in Three Day Eventing. Competing with horses helped my self esteem and provided me the self confidence to mature during very challenging teenage years. The responsibility of owning a horse and competing/training kept me busy, focused and out of trouble. I had to show up for my horse and the structure, responsibility, and stability helped me greatly. I needed to go through the challenging years of high school and finding my own identity, and my horse assisted me on the journey. As an adult, I transitioned to a dressage competitor and can never imagine life without a horse in it! I have been very privileged to always have access to a horse. They have been guiding forces through the struggles of growing up as a teenager and continue to be my therapy as an adult in my mid 30’s. As life has thrown me challenges, including unhealthy relationships and going through some traumatic life experiences, a horse has always been the best therapy. I give credit to horses for helping me grow, being my therapy through some of the toughest times in my life and guiding me into becoming a better person; they have always been my grounding force. I feel I am a true testimonial for how horses can provide guiding powers through life. I have become very passionate about this topic and believe in the healing power horses can provide people with disabilities or those who are struggling with life challenges.

My Goal

My husband and I recently purchased farm property in Northern California and are in the process of building accommodations to keep horses. I have seen the decline of horse facilities in our area that provide access to horses for youth especially those that cannot necessarily afford to own a horse and/or riding lessons. Because I know the benefits horses have given me, my goal is to provide kids and young teenagers with a safe environment on our property to interact with horses and be able to benefit from their guiding power. I will be dedicating my time to give the gift of horses to kids and young teens that would not otherwise be able to have the opportunity to be around horses. Hopefully, I will be able to help our local youth march through the challenges of growing up by providing horses and horse experiences. I look forward to sharing my journey over the course of the next few years of creating a pro bono equine program for youth. I am hopeful my program just might inspire other horse people to do the same and provide the gift of being guided through horses to young people.

Training A Young Horse Through The Levels

There are many reasons why equestrians decide to purchase a young horse. Some do it because they want the experience of training a horse themselves and enjoy the process, while others might end up with a young horse because of financial constraints that prevent them from purchasing a horse with more training. Whatever the case, it does not matter as long as you are ready to commit yourself to the journey, have passion for the young horse, and have experience either from your own background or others to provide the training tools needed to successfully give a young horse the foundation to grow and succeed in whichever discipline of riding you are pursuing.

A relationship with a horse from a young age to their senior years is possibly the best experience you can have as an equestrian:

Riding my eventing horse Hipius, who I purchased at 5 years old and trained through all the eventing levels

I personally have been on three journeys taking a young horse up the levels. The first experience was my first horse when I was a young rider in Pony Club. I purchased him at 4 years old and he taught me the ropes of how to deal with young horses while still learning to ride myself. The second experience was with my 3-day eventing horse who I purchased at 5 years old. I successfully competed with him up to the top levels in eventing over the course of eight years (who I still own to this day, is retired in pasture, and living the good life). The third experience is with my current dressage horse who I purchased at 4 years old at training level, and to date have him training at 4th level dressage at age 7. Each of these experiences have not only taught me valuable lessons on how to train a young horse, they have also helped me become a better rider. These three horses have taught me the valuable life lesson of perseverance, while testing me and my own dedication through many setbacks. The rewards of bringing a young horse through the levels, for me, have far outweighed the cons.

The baby years:

A photo when I first purchased my current dressage horse Iguazu at 4 years old

Just like raising a child, a young horse requires a lot of time, dedication, structure, love, and consistency, in order to give him the proper foundation to grow and give you the best odds of success in training. “The baby years”, as I like to call them, can sometimes be the hardest while also the most rewarding. A horse between the age of first saddle on their back through age 7 (maybe even longer depending on what age they started under saddle), are filled with many challenges. Like a child, a young horse is experiencing many things for the first time testing what they can get away with and learning what they are physically and mentally capable of. It is important that as their trainer/rider (or for my analogy of raising a kid “parental figure”), you have confidence when dealing with a young horse and don’t let them get away with bad behavior early on. It is important to take these years and go as slow as needed. One of the key mistakes is trying to rush to expose a young horse to too much too fast, both in the saddle and when handling them on the ground.

Strategies of training a young horse:

Me showing my horse Iguazu at his first dressage show at training level when he was 4 years old.

Ride young horses forward: It is so important to ride young horses forward! Many trainers say this should be the #1 focus when starting a horse under saddle as a forward horse is a much safer horse. The physical benefits of riding a horse forward builds up the correct muscles from the hind legs through the back. To set a young horse up for success it is so important that they have the strength and ability to move forward. Do not get forward riding confused with speed from impulsion.

Slowly introduce a young horse to bending: Once a young horse can move forward, it is time to include bending. Bending is so important as it gets the horse to soften around your leg, which will eventually lead to more softness in everything you do with the horse. I have found most success with my young horses in starting to teach them to bend by walking a small circle while bending my inside leg and softening my inside rein.

Be and stay in tune to a young horse: As I mentioned above, the biggest error that I have seen when training a young horse is rushing them. Some horses need extra time to even start under saddle while other horses are more gifted and can compete in the FEI Young Horse Tests. Listen and be aware how your horse responds to training and take it as slow as they need to.

Set boundaries on acceptable behavior: You are setting the ground rules for the rest of the horse’s riding career. Expect respectful behavior from your horse on the ground and under saddle from the very beginning of interacting with them. Examples can be their ground manners in the cross ties, standing still while mounting, or not getting mouthy with you while handling them. A young horse needs to learn quickly that you are in charge and trust you to guide them through their basic training.

Find a trainer that you connect with who has experience training younger horses: If you can, find a trainer whose training techniques and personality you agree with and relate to. Connect with them as a training partner and they will be of valuable assistance through your journey. Experienced trainers are seasoned and know how to deal with most problems you might encounter with a young horse. They can provide you with the benefit of their advise and experience, helping you through the challenging phases of working with a young horse.

Endless patience when you commit to training a young horse: An expression I often use when talking about training a young horse: four hooves forward, two hooves back. Some days you have to face up to your own insecurities as things do not go as you planned. Other days, you will feel amazing as you and your horse make progress. And, then there are dark days when you might feel like giving up and have no idea what you are doing. My best advise, try to focus on the progress and how you got there, even if it might be small.

Finding success - bringing a horse through the levels using the dressage pyramid of training:

When you are ready to start training your horse through the levels, I think the Dressage Pyramid of Training is the best model for dressage horses/riders which can also be applied to other disciplines. It was developed by the German cavalry and came into use in the 1950s. The Dressage Pyramid of Training is made up of six concepts—rhythm, relaxation, connection, impulsion, straightness and collection. Each of these steps can be developed at different stages depending on the horse, however, the scale is to be used as a reference for understanding the general progression and interactive development from the beginning of the training through assessment of how the training is progressing.

Dressage judges use the Pyramid of Training when evaluating the basics demonstrated in dressage tests. Experienced riders use it to make their rides more productive. Successful trainers use it to develop their horses in a harmonious and logical manner. All use it to solve problems. The Pyramid of Training can be used as a tool as part of your thinking when training a horse, and save a lot of time and frustration when bringing a young horse up the levels. Not knowing how to produce a confirmed horse is one of the most common reasons I see for riders getting stuck at one level for years on end.

Training process - six elements are divided into three overlapping training phases: 

USDF gold medalist, Bruno Greber explained in a article in Dressage Today about the training scale and how it is divided into three phases. https://dressagetoday.com/theory/origins-dressage-training-scale-bruno-greber

“Phase 1: Rhythm, relaxation and contact form the accustoming phase. In this part of the training, the horse is supposed to get accustomed to the rider and his aids. This phase is used for the warm-up in daily work.

Phase 2: Relaxation, contact, impulsion and straightness serve in the development of driving power (thrust) of the hind legs. In this phase, the horse is supposed to work more from behind and step diligently forward to the bit. This phase focuses on versatile gymnastic work to get a flexible and athletic horse.

Phase 3: Impulsion, straightness and collection aim to develop the carrying power of the hind legs. The horse is supposed to bear more weight over his hindquarters, which is mandatory for true collection and relative elevation. Both are necessary to reach higher goals in dressage training. Some older books mention elevation as a seventh element of the training scale. Since relative elevation (the head carriage and elevation of the withers are directly related to the degree of collection) is a direct consequence of correct collection, it is not considered in today’s version.”

Conclusion:

If you decide to take on the journey of training a young horse through the levels successfully, I would personally consider it getting your MBA in riding. Working diligently with a young horse is not for everyone, but you most likely will grow into a better rider, trainer, and maybe even better human being. It’s truly a journey of 10-20+ years that has it’s ups, downs, and all arounds. I feel, winning my first blue ribbons with those young horses that came into my life at the beginning of their training, were the most rewarding accomplishments of my equestrian life!

Buying A Horse In Europe and Importing to the USA

Many American equestrians dream of a purchasing a beautiful horse, with incredible bloodlines, and gates to die for. Although it is possible to find high quality competition horses in the US with breeding programs that keep getting better and better, many equestrians look much further to find their dream horse and choose to embark in purchasing and importing from offshore. While many horse buyers find importing a horse scary and full of risk, according to the US government in 2019 over 40,000 horses were imported into America which include many competition horses. So actually how hard is it for horses to be imported to America? Here is the step by step process and what to expect:

Exporting horses to the U.S. from Europe

Blood Work of Pre Purchase Vet Exam

When shopping internationally, your pre-purchase exam must include some essential blood work for export. Imported horses must test negative to official tests for the following in order to be released from quarantine: Dourine (a contagious bacterial disease that is transmitted almost exclusively through mating as it has a poor survival rate outside of its host. It is more common for the stallion to pass it to the mare, but it is also transferrable from the mare to the stallion). Glanders (an infectious disease that is caused by a bacterium. Horses get glanders by close contact with other infected horses, especially through shared water and feed troughs, oral as well as by nuzzling direct contact). Equine Piroplasmosis (a tick-borne protozoal disease that affects horses). Equine infectious anemia (EIA can be transmitted through blood, milk, and body secretions. Transmission is primarily through biting flies, such as the horse-fly).

As of January 25, 2021, The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), updated Equine Testing as follows: Under the updated VS Guidance 13407.2, horses with non-negative test results for dourine, glanders and equine piroplasmosis may extend quarantine up to twenty-eight (28) days to be retested accordingly. Extended stays are subject to the quarantine facilities’ space availability and all fees incurred will be at the expense of the importer of record. Any horse with confirmed non-negative test results after twenty-eight (28) days will be refused entry. Horses refused entry must be either exported out of the United States within ten (10) days of refusal notification or humanely euthanized.

Using a Reputable Transportation Company

Once you have purchased a horse in Europe, it is highly recommended that you use a reputable transportation company to handle all the logistics involved. Hiring a reputable full-service equine transportation company that handles everything from stable to stable is key to ensuring a good importing experience for the horse and the owner.

Generally the seller will buy all the travel equipment for the horse on the owner’s behalf, including travel boots, halter, etc. Also, it’s the seller’s job to make sure that all the necessary documentation, including the bill of sale and the horse’s passport, are in order and are released to the transportation company prior to the date of travel.

However, it’s your responsibility to arrange insurance for the horse (many of the high end transportation companies provide insurance options to their clients). Extra flight insurance is recommended, just in case the worst should happen while your horse is in transit.

As soon as a seller and a buyer have agreed on the sale of a horse, the seller should hire a transportation company who will then organize the full shipment, including all of the administrative details, testing, quarantine, road and air transport, customs and veterinary issues in the exporting country, the transit countries [if any] and the country of final destination. Although transportation companies are dependent on the routes offered by the airlines, good companies will always try to avoid unnecessary travel.

Quarantine Prior to Shipping

In some countries e.g., Spain, stallions and mares over two years old are required to spend a month in quarantine prior to shipping.

During the post-shipping quarantine period, you or someone you choose will be permitted to visit your horse, and, depending on the facilities at the quarantine center, that person will be able to ride them too.

European Ground Transportation

Just like a horse bought in the states has to make it to your barn, your new horse needs transportation to a facility before export. Your horse will be collected from its home stable two to four days before the scheduled flight. This allows for the government vet to make health and export papers prior to departure.

The Flight

A horse must fly out of a USDA approved airport. Big hubs include AMS (Netherlands), LGG (Belgium), FRA (Germany), and LUX (Luxembourg). The horses are accompanied by an attendant (flying groom) who makes sure that each horse is doing well and is comfortable. The number of attendants on board will depend on the total number of horses being shipped. Between one and 99 horses is possible, depending upon the type of shipment and the size of the aircraft. Usually we have one person per two or three horses, and two or three horses travel in air stalls classified as economy or business class. They are usually tied and standing the entire time and are given plenty of hay and water throughout the journey. Because of the monotonous sound during the flight, most of them sleep. The flight itself is much more comfortable for the horse. For example, there are no roundabouts to cope with, no traffic jams, or endless stopping and starting at junctions. Once the airplane has taken off, it’s pretty much smooth sailing all the way.

A lot of people want their horses tranquilized for their own peace of mind, which usually is not necessary. An experienced horse person traveling with the animals is the most important aspect of the flights. Essentially, the scenario of air transport is much the same as for moving horses by road. Unless the horse is particularly feisty and stressed or is known to be a poor traveler, tranquilizing him is usually unnecessary.

Arriving in the US

The majority of horses imported to the US arrive in New York, Florida, or LA. On arrival at the destination airport, the horse must clear international customs before being allowed to enter the country.

That should go smoothly, as long as the necessary documents have been arranged by the transportation company, including:

• Health certificate

• Passport

• Purchase invoice

The customs procedure usually goes quickly, although the process can take longer if additional items are accompanying the horse, such as riding equipment.

In the U.S., three days of import quarantine for are required prior to the horse’s onward transportation to his new home or to CEM (Contagious Equine Metritis) quarantine - explained below. During that time, the horse will be blood-tested again for dourine, glanders, equine piroplasmosis, and equine infectious anemia.

You should be aware that, if any horse in the same batch of imports displays anything abnormal or concerning in its blood results or appears unhealthy in any way, the whole flight of horses will be held in quarantine until the issues are resolved. You will have to pay for your horse’s extra quarantine time, even if your horse wasn’t the one causing the problem!

CEM Quarantine

If the horse is a mare or stallion two years or older, he or she must be relocated to a special second quarantine and testing farm called a CEM quarantine center. Geldings do not have and CEM requirements. Contagious Equine Metritis is a highly contagious venereal disease passable from stallion to mare or mare to stallion during mating or teasing. Even stallion to stallion infection can occur via the semen collection process. The mare or stallion is tested for CEM while in Europe just before the trip to the U.S. Any horse testing positive cannot be admitted to the U.S. Because of the elusive nature of the organism, further testing for CEM is mandated by the USDA once the horse arrives in the U.S. Mares undergo further culturing and stallions have to live breed two test mares. Mares spend 15 days in CEM Quarantine, while stallions stay for 33. During CEM Quarantine, mares are cultured and tested for CEM several times. Stallions are also cultured and tested.

Issues with importing stallions

When the stallion first arrives the veterinarian collects an initial culture specimen, and waits seven days for the CEM results. Culture alone is not the sole method of testing to determine if CEM is present. If the culture result is negative, the stallion is moved on to breeding two test mares via live cover. The stallion then waits while being cleaned and treated for the next five days. The two test mares will both be cultured on days three, six and nine, and then blood tested on days 15 and 20. Once all the results of these tests are negative the stallion can be released.

In Europe, many stallions are never gelded even when not being used for breeding. So there’s a fair amount of older stallions that come through the quarantine that have never had the breeding experience, either with live cover or with artificial insemination. The same is most likely true for the younger stallions. Things can get very exciting for these non-breeding stallions, and they take special care in their handling methods to minimize this new excitement. Besides regular exercise, handlers make certain the stallions are test-bred in a different location then the farm so they don’t think it’s breeding time every time they exit the stall.

Because the CEM stallion testing is so invasive of having stallions live cover, this can be very problematic for non breeding stallions. The virgin stallion that you rode in Europe will be coming back home to you with a sex drive, and might not be the same tamed stallion that you last saw. Although this is not always the case, it is important to keep in mind if you are importing a stallion that their behavior might change due to being forced to breed for the first time and the extensive quarantine period.

Arriving at home

After being released quarantine, the horse can go to it’s new home. Many horses that are imported from Europe adjust very well, but it’s best to keep things simple at first with a newly imported horses. The horse will need time to adjust to a new diet and an entirely new routine and way of life.

How can long-distance travel affect the horse

Whether they are transported by road or by air for a travel time of more than 12 hours, it’s estimated that around six percent of horses suffer some kind of transport-related illness.

Many horses arrive tired and drop weight quickly during their journey. Usually, once he’s rested, fed, and has enjoyed some freedom in a round pen or small paddock, the horse will recover quickly. However, during this time, it’s sensible not to ride the horse, as that could exacerbate any stress he’s suffered during his journey.

Be sure to monitor your new horse very carefully for the first few days that he’s with you in his new home. Take his temperature daily, and keep a close eye on his intake of water and feed. If you have any concerns, isolate the horse from others in your barn, and contact your vet right away.

Cost of importing a horse from Europe to America

As a ballpark figure of importing a horse from Europe to the U.S., you’re looking at the cost of between $7,000 and $10,000, although it’s worth noting that the cost comes down if several horses are traveling together. The cost of the import depends on the sex of the horse, and what county they are coming from. Importing a single horse to Los Angeles from Spain would cost roughly $9,000. Exporting geldings costs a lot less than mares and stallions as you are not having to pay for the CEM quarantine which is $3,400 for mares and $9,700 for stallions on top of the inicial importing fee. These are are rough numbers, and it’s important to remember that up-charges and issues can come up that will add to the expense, including extra insurance, extended quarantine if there is an infected horse traveling with your horse, and other care needed during the travel.

Coping With Covid As An Equestrian

COVID has taken it’s toll on everyone. The pandemic has challenged the world to find a new normal, and although there is light at the end of the tunnel with vaccines being distributed, it looks like the world that we knew a year ago is not coming back anytime soon. For athletes we have had to find new strategies to continue to advance in our training, and the majority of us have suffered from setbacks due to the effects and restrictions of COVID.

The Challenges COVID Has Had On Equestrians

Training with Iguazu at our facility in California

As equestrians, we are lucky as for the most part our sport is considered an outdoor activity where social distancing is a lot easier to achieve than with other sports. However, like all other sports, equestrians have had to deal with cancelled competitions because they are considered to be events that bring people together, and limitations to access outside training like clinics which are a huge contributor to advancing our training. Equestrians are also suffering from the lack of community to bounce ideas off of and receive feedback. I keep my horse at a small training facility where we wear masks when we are not on horseback and are encouraged to not engage with other riders and to keep social distance as soon as we dismount. Equestrians, like all athletes, are also having a harder time keeping fit with gym and fitness facility closures that our so helpful with our riding positions which is essential to our training. These restrictions have led to my personal setbacks in working through the dressage levels, but I have found coping skills to be able to keep progressing during the pandemic (maybe not at the rate that I would like to, but we are all doing the best we can).

How to progress in your training during the pandemic:

Virtual Lessons and Recording Training Sessions

At my training facility, my trainer invested in auto-follow cameras to provide us with the ability to receive instruction from outside trainers and record our rides. Through this technology, cameras such as the brands Pixio and Pixem (created by the company Move ‘N See which markets to the equestrian demographic), can be setup in a ring and track you as you ride at home while wearing a headset/earbuds to hear the instructor. These cameras offer riders and trainers the opportunity to have virtual lessons and receive instruction from trainers that we would normally receive from clinics that have been canceled due to travel restrictions and social distancing. The auto-follow camera technology is also great for providing instructors who are financially dependent upon giving clinics a revenue stream teaching lessons from their own home without having to travel. A win/win for both riders and trainers during COVID, and so effective that this might become the new normal after the pandemic instead of having to trailer your horse to clinics or bring in outside training. This camera technology also provides equestrians with the opportunity to video themselves in the ring which is an excellent tool to critique our own riding and use video to market ourselves.

Joining an Online Equine Community

The new social app Clubhouse

Because our social interaction with other people has become so limited with the need to social distance, it is important during this time to fill the void of community. As an equestrian I get so much out of bouncing ideas off other riders, and talking to other people about their training and issues they have/are experiencing. Because COVID has prevented us from being able to organically see and interact with other riders, I have found that I am able to fill this void from an online community. I recently joined the social app Clubhouse, which is a brand new social media networking platform. Clubhouse is an audio drop in social network, that provides a place for authentic conversations from people around the world that share topics of interest. I have joined a group called “Equestrian Connect” that currently has 1.5k members, and will take 30+ minutes a day to join a conversation related to horses that might be going on, or join the Equestrian Connect chatroom and have a conversation with other horse lovers about pretty much anything equine related. Clubhouse has been a great tool to give me a diverse, international community of like minded individuals to run ideas by and hear about other equestrians training/businesses and provide my own feedback. Clubhouse is currently in their beta phase and you need to be invited by a member to join. I currently have some invites, so if you are interested contact me under my Contact Page, and if I still have some invites I would be happy to invite you to be a member!

Staying Fit At Home

One of my ways of coping with the pandemic has been to create an at home gym. I realized that for my mental health and also to stay fit as an equestrian, I needed to create a space in my home to be able to workout. With gyms being closed because of COVID, creating a home gym has kept me active and in shape for riding. I have found equipment that is at home friendly and does not take up too much space. I purchased the Tonal for strength training, the Peloton bike for cardio, and the Peak Pilates Fit Reformer for pilates.

Training with the Tonal

The Tonal provides weight training workouts by using electromagnetism to create resistance and mounts to your wall in a remarkably small footprint for a personalized full body workout through their virtual classes.

Training with the Peloton Bike

The Peloton bike is an effective and fun solution for getting my cardio in. The Peloton virtual classes are great for motivation and really get your heart pumping with interval training.

Training with the Peak Pilates Fit Reformer

The Peak Pilates Fit Reformer is awesome for at home use because it incorporates space-saving vertical stacking. Now I can do Pilates from home which is so important for my core strength and riding posture.

If you do not have room to create your own home gym, and/or don’t want to spend the money buying exercise equipment, there are great options you can find online that require no money or equipment.

Pamela Reif’s Workout Videos

I am personally a huge fan of Pamela Reif who offers great fitness videos on her YouTube channel. One of my favorites is her 10 minute ab workout videos which are great for keeping a strong core for riding.

Using This Time To Fine Tune Your Training

As an equestrian each show season we are trying to move up another level. With the cancelled shows last season and the uncertainty of the next show season, COVID provides an opportunity to deal with the issues we tend to sometimes overlook because we are so focused on getting to the next level. As a dressage rider with a young horse, COVID has given me the time to work on my horse’s self carriage, obedience, and my riding position. These things are essential for me and my horse to be successful at the upper levels, and can sometimes be overlooked as priorities in training when riding in the lower levels because we are so focused on learning the new movements our horse needs to know for the upcoming show season. The pandemic is an opportunity to deal with training issues and work on the basics that are essential for having a horse and rider that will receive higher scores at the lower levels and have the proper foundation at the more advanced levels of the sport.

The Pros and Cons of Owning a Stallion

A question that I am asked constantly, “Why do you keep your horse a stallion?”. Because the answer to this question is complex and there is so much controversy when riding and competing a stallion in the United States, I wanted to take the time to explain why I have chosen to not castrate my horse.

Safety is always the Number One Priority

Before addressing this question and talking about the pros and cons of owning and competing a stallion, I think it is important to discuss my background and experience to provide some insight to why I have chosen to not geld my Lusitano, Iguazu. I have been riding horses since I was 4 years old, been competing since I was 12, and have trained with stallions in Spain for almost two years with some of the top trainers in my sport (a very important reason why I have not gelded my horse!). I would categorize myself as an experienced rider and horse owner. As a young rider going through Pony Club, I was taught before anything else, SAFELY COMES FIRST. When I refer to safety this means my personal safety around horses, my horse’s safety, and the responsibility of the safety for other people and horses around me. If you are not familiar with basic horse safety I recommend reading this article on Horse Safety Rules & Safety Manual Guidelines from the American Youth Horse Council, https://www.eqgroup.com/library/horse_safety/. For a more in depth explanation of horse and rider safety I highly recommend the book, “Start with Safety Guidelines” which can be purchased at this link or on Amazon https://www.ayhc.com/product-page/start-with-safety-guidelines.

Safety with Stallions

Horseback riding and handling horses is not something that should ever be taken lightly. Even if you do everything right, at the end of the day horses are unpredictable! You have to always be aware of your surroundings and be thinking ahead of time of all the things that can possibly go wrong. This mind frame is essential for riding and handling a horse on the ground, and even more important when you work with a stallion... a horse that is driven by hormones. A hormonal stallion can be one of the most dangerous horses to handle. Handling and riding a stallion should never be casual as even with the most skilled horsemanship things can go south quickly.

The European Mentality of Dealing With Stallions

Me riding a Lusitano Stallion in Andalusia Spain

So why is it that I take the extra risk to own and compete with a horse that has the potential to be most unpredictable? Part of my answer to this question has to do with my exposure to the European mentality of riding stallions. As I mentioned I had the privilege to ride and train in Andalusia Spain with some of the top trainers in the world. It was very rare to see a high level dressage horse in Spain gelded. Almost all the horses that I trained on were stallions. Very different to the American barns where it is almost unheard of to see a stallion at a training facility. The Spanish and Portuguese have a different mentality of raising their male horses than we do here in the United States. Based upon my experience and knowledge, here are some reasons why the Spanish and Portuguese choose not to geld their horses:

Physical Development of Iberian Horses

In Spain and Portugal the majority of the dressage riders work with Iberian horses who originated from the Iberian peninsula. The Iberian horses in modern day are categorized into 18 horse breeds that are officially recognized as Iberian horses. Two of the breeds have become very popular for dressage competition: the Andalusians (also known as PREs or Pura Raza Española) most communally found in Spain and the Lusitano (also known as PSL or Puro Sangue Lusitano) most commonly found in Portugal. The Iberian horses matures late, towards their sixth year. Because these horses physically develop much later then other breeds such as Warmbloods, Iberian horse breeders and trainers have found that not gelding their horses at the an early age has benefitted their horses to physically mature properly and does not stunt their growth.

Behavior and Socialization of Iberian Horses in Europe

It is known that the Iberian stallions tend to be calmer and more manageable than the warmblood stallions. If you talk to a trainer in Spain they will argue that the Iberian horses are more sensitive and have a better temperament than warmbloods making them easier to remain stallions. Although I find this statement to be a little biased, it proves credible when you go to a barn in Spain or Portugal and see 5 stallions tied up next to one another without behavioral issues (for the record I do not recommend doing this!). From my time training in Spain and the experience of working and owning Iberian horses, I do see how people claim Iberian horses have a good demeanor setting them up to be more manageable as stallions. But, I also witnessed how the Spanish and Portuguese raise and handle their stallions, which is very different then how we raise ours here in America. They are not isolated. They are well socialized and are around other stallions/geldings from a young age. In general, they are not treated as a liability, but simply a horse that requires extra precautions. However, most training barns I visited in Spain had at least one stallion that everyone told you to stay away from because they were too unpredictable. These stallions were only ridden by an advance trainer, and just like humans, I think both nature and nurture played a role in a stallion's behavior. Even if you do everything to raise and train them right, there are just some stallions that will always be just too risky and should not be handled by anyone but a professional.

Cultural Differences

I saw in Spain and Portugal cultural differences in the breeding and training of their horses. I believe these differences have an underlying role in determining whether a culture is oriented towards keeping and training stallions. In Spain and Portugal the equestrian culture is fit for handling and training stallions safely and successfully partially because they are hard on the horses and expect nothing less than good behavior. The training barns have very similar processes and requirements that include specific accommodations (example stalls, turnouts and stallion friendly barns), handling skills of the grooms, and training tactics that meet the needs and priorities of stallions. Not allowing the stallion to inch forward without being in control of the horse, correcting a stallion's behavior while engaging safely with the horse, correcting a stallion when he comes too close into the rider's space by asking him to step back and remain in that safe space, are all examples of critical training methods that stallions require to remain safe. These techniques are not administered casually and the Spanish and Portuguese do not raise stallions without a firm presence. Their horse training methods provide an environment to train stallions properly and they showed me how wonderful working with stallions can be. Americans might consider some of these tactics as a little too harsh, but the stallions need structure and more discipline then geldings and mares.

Treating Horses as Teammates versus Pets

While in Europe, I noticed there was a significant difference between how people treated and interacted with their horses and built their relationships. In Portugal and Spain, horses are viewed more as teammates for recreation and/or work. They are trained and expected to do a “job” together with their rider to achieve training goals.

In America, we often see our horses more as pets or companions. Many Americans are less structured horseback riders than their counterparts in Spain or Portugal and seem to focus on enjoying the horse as a pastime rather than training the horse in a firm systematic way. In my observation, the average amateur American equestrian seems to be less structured and strict with their horses, perhaps because they may seek more relaxation and companionship with their horses rather than achieving aggressive training goals. A more relaxed training schedule and environment is not ideal for most stallions which is partially why we have less success and interest in training them.

Why I have kept my horse a Stallion

After experiencing and working to understand the mentality and uniqueness of the Iberian horses, I can now answer the question of why I have not gelded my Lusitano stallion, Iguazu:

Temperament and Training Tactics

Training with Iguazu at home

I purchased Iguazu when he was 4 years old from a Portuguese breeder/trainer who only worked with Lusitano stallions. From the time Iguazu was born he was raised/trained with the European stallion mind frame which I explained above. He was in a barn with other stallions, turned out daily next to stallions and geldings (with proper fencing and accommodations built for stallion safety), and trained to be a teammate not a pet. This basic but stallion focused training provided me with a manageable young stallion when I purchased him. He understood boundaries and reacted well to his work under saddle. Although there were days when he would be hormonal and distracted, I continued with the European training techniques he was raised with to keep him progressing. This level of training and respect for one another has been beneficial to his growth and taming his hormonal moments to work to our advantage under saddle. The riding skills I learned and use with Iguazu include always being very confident, setting boundaries with my space, focus on the job at hand, and making decisions with conviction to provide my stallion with structured training and handling methods. I can transfer Iguazu’s stallion energy into the training at hand and keep him engaged. My goal with each ride is to have him participate and perform while training so together we can pursue our goal to advance in dressage levels. The best way I can explain it is, I have been successful in channeling his testosterone energy to remain focused and get the job done while training.

Future Breeding Opportunities

Iguazu’s Grandfather Riopele

Iguazu has amazing bloodlines and his grandfather was a world champion in Portugal. What this means for me is that Iguazu has potential to one day be studded out, and I might want to breed him and even keep one of his offspring. When I tell people that this is one of the reasons why I keep him a stallion, the question I am typically asked is, “if you are keeping him a stallion to breed him why don't you freeze his sperm and then geld him?” There are two reasons why I have not decided to just freeze his sperm and geld him if I one day want to breed him. The first is, Iguazu is still a virgin. Based upon stallion knowledge, I do not believe that a stallion who is training and competing should be breeding at the same time. Once you intentionally activate a stallions' sex drive most often the horse's behavior drastically changes. Once exposed to intentional ejaculation the stallion's energy, that I have worked so hard to channel into training, risks being directed towards the mares and engaging in the release of his hormones instead of getting his work done. The second reason... if I decided to freeze Iguazu's semen and then castrate him I would be at risk of losing the well behaved horse that I currently own. I would be releasing a sex drive that he has not yet tapped into only to then take away his testosterone by castrating him. In my opinion, this would change his temperament and create issues with his performance that jeopardize our good training. Now let me be clear, if Iguazu was not a well behaved stallion and I felt uncomfortable around him I would of course freeze his semen and castrate him. Fortunately, he shows no signs of needing to go down that road and is very manageable with the proficient stallion care I practice. When the day comes that I retire him or if he ever gets injured and can not compete, I know that I am preserving the gift of him becoming a stud horse and having a career change as a breeding stallion. From what I observed and learned, it is best not to confuse a stallion that is well behaved and on purpose. Right now, he knows his purpose and we are devoted to training and competition.

Facility and Trainer

Me taking Iquazu in from turnout at facility where I board him in Northern California

Lastly, the reason I want to keep Iguazu a stallion is I have found a wonderful training facility and trainer who understands and welcomes stallions. Iguazu is stabled in a barn with a gelding on either side of him. They really are his buddies and he is turned out safely everyday to socialize just like every other horse in the barn. He has proper fencing on both sides of his stall with electric shocks that provide a safe living situation. Safety measures and the appreciation of the stallion by my trainer and her staff have ensured Iguazu is not looked at as a liability. Often in the U.S. people have a perception that keeping a horse a stallion is cruel to the horse. Well, I will argue any day that if a stallion can live and train in a facility that provides him a good lifestyle in a healthy and safe environment, it can work out as the best scenario for both horse and rider. Iguazu is constantly stimulated, is not looked at as a liability, and receives outstanding care from the staff at my barn and me. I am very lucky to have a trainer that appreciates and embraces a well behaved stallion while understanding his needs and characteristics. She manages her training barn based upon the needs and personality of each horse and has herself extensive stallion experience. If I did not have the right accommodations and trainer for Iguazu, it would be very difficult for both of us to progress with our training and goals and I would constantly be torn with the anguish to geld him. Iguazu's care and well being is the first priority to me and I am very fortunate to have found the ideal environment for him to be a healthy and happy stallion in a dressage training facility. His living and training environment comes close to the successful stallions I was exposed to in Europe and does not isolate and label him as a liability. This only compliments his work and decreases the likelihood that he develop aggressive or dangerous behavioral traits.

The Challenges of Owning a Stallion: Liability of a Hormonal horse

The first and most important challenge to owning a stallion is the extra liability of having an unpredictable horse, and that’s why I started this post with the importance of safety. I always have to remember that Iguazu has the potential to be more aggressive than other horses because he is a hormonal stallion! I am constantly thinking ahead of time of everything that can go wrong! It is my job to prevent putting him or myself in risky situations where something might go wrong. An example, if a mare is being tacked up in the cross ties, I wait until she leaves before tacking up Iguazu or tack him up in his stall. Especially at shows where he is in a new environment, I go out of my way to make certain precautions are in place to not improperly engage him, myself, someone else, or another horse. When I lead him in a situation towards a potential issue, I always put a stud chain on his halter to give me more control over him and his movements. I never interact with him without the proper foot gear, always wear my helmet when I ride him, and carry a dressage crop as a training aid and as needed for discipline. He is never left unsupervised and I plan all my movements on and off the saddle ahead of time to help in risk management.

Respecting other’s Fear of Stallions

Owning a stallion comes with the responsibility to be extra respectful towards other people who might be nervous around a stallion. Practicing first rate barn etiquette and safety is my job. Taking on the responsibility of a stallion also means that I need to respect and be extra conscientious of how people perceive and receive him. I know that the lack of exposure and experience with a stallion can be intimating and others easily fear the unpredictability of a stallion's behavior. I make sure I never walk Iguazu up to someone or other horses unannounced or unchecked and go out of my way to make sure other people and horses feel safe having Iguazu around them. It takes time and patience and understanding as some people want no contact with a stallion. Although he is not an aggressive horse, I always give new comers the heads up he is a stallion and give them the opportunity to find their comfort zone. Taking responsibility for owning a stallion requires extra work and consideration for the boarders at my barn and when I take him to shows. Just because I am comfortable with handling and riding a stallion does not mean that others are or have to be.

Transporting and Showing

Planning ahead of time regarding transportation and accommodations is necessary when you compete with a stallion. When it comes to transporting Iguazu or taking him to shows, I have to go out of my way to make sure he is not close to the mares. This often requires arranging separate transportation and arrival time. Communication and alerting the show grounds ahead of time that I have a stallion is critical to safely boarding away from mares and in a barn that best suits us. . Taking a stallion off property is not an easy mission! I need to make all the necessary arrangements and notify the facility ahead of time to make sure Iguazu travels safely and is in a stall that can accommodate a stallion keeping him and other horses safe.

Conclusion

I want to be very clear, I did not write this post to encourage people to purchase stallions! What I intended was to bring to light some of the challenges and misnomers behind owning a stallion in the U.S. I can remember during my Pony Club and eventing years the discomfort I felt knowing a stallion was being stalled in my barn or at a show. My early horsemanship had me fearing stallions and believing that they were all dangerous. To my own unexpected delight, I have found so much of those early fears to be stereotypical and wrong. I am very grateful I had the privilege to experience the wonders and strengths of owning and training with stallions during my time in Spain for it was through the ancient European horse rearing culture of this country that I was honestly introduced to the stallions. They can be truly wonderful partners when worked with properly. At the end of the day, whether its a mare, gelding, or stallion, it’s essential to find the right horse that fits your experience, needs, personality, and riding goals. And in taking on this partner, It is also your job to provide them with the proper care and training that every horse deserves.

Horse Buying in Spain

I have begun the search to find my four legged Spanish teammate. The best way I can describe this process is it is like going on blind dates. You might know a little about the person, (or in this case the horse), but until you meet them you have no idea if you will have a connection or if what you "know" about them is even true. Horse sellers can give you very appealing descriptions about a horse as well as produce attractive pictures and/or videos, but it is not smart to trust the sellers descriptions.  You need to see, meet, and ride the horse in person. It is very rare that you hear of equestrians finding a high level competition horse easily.  High level, well trained horses with excellent health and conformation with the right mind for competitions are hard to come by. When I went to France to find my eventing horse, I rode over 10 prospective horses and was lucky to find my Hipius the last day of the trip.

I am very fortunate to have been connected with an incredible Spanish dressage competitor and trainer Cristina Duran, who is helping me search for my Spanish horse. Cristina is very well connected and respected in the Spanish dressage community, and is able to find horses that are just coming on the market. Last week, Cristina and I ventured out on a 12 hour journey through the Andalusian region of Spain to view the first two prospects. As I rode each horse, she provided me with instruction and feedback so I could test the horse's training and abilities.

Prospect #1

12 year old PRE Stallion

The first horse we visited was located in a stunning facility. He was ridden by a top notch trainer who trained and studied at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. The trainer mounted the horse first to give Cristina and me a demonstration. The horse preformed the majority of the upper level movements, but had not mastered his flying lead changes which are critical for upper level competition. The horse is 12 years old and at this age he should have his tempi changes down.  If the horse were younger this would not necessarily be a concern, but at 12 years old he should already know tempi changes in order to be an elite competitor in the dressage arena.  The horse had incredible collection at the canter, but when I asked him to do a piaffe he was always looking for a way out and did not want to go straight.

He is a sweet horse and willing to please, but because he started his dressage training later in life he did not develop the flexibility and knowledge of the movements typically acquired during early years of training. Another concern was that he has never competed. I need a horse that has been in competitions and is comfortable being in a show environment. The horse was fun to ride and if I were looking for a mount to train in the lower levels of dressage and for pleasure riding, he would be ideal.  But, I am looking for a horse with higher level training, and with the training he has at his age he would not be suited to be a successful high level competitor.

Prospect #2

12 year old PRE Stallion

Cristina and I continued on to see the second prospect which I was very excited about as I saw videos of him and he looked like he had mastered all the upper level movements. After about a three hour drive, we arrived at a small family owned facility. The horse’s owner had a wrist injury and had not been able to ride his horse for three weeks.  Cristina got on the horse first to test him out before I rode him. Cristina is an incredible rider and got the horse to preform the majority of the upper level movements, yet she was surprised how heavy he was in the mouth. She gave me the heads up before I mounted that he pulls. The horse was very heavy in the contact and was constantly bracing on my hands. At one point I had to take a break, as my hands were cramping up from him pulling so hard. The horse had amazing collection and a piaffe that would receive high scores in competition. I was hoping maybe the horse pulling so hard on his mount was a result of him just being rusty from not being ridden in three weeks. The deal breaker for me was not necessarily the pulling, but when I dismounted I noticed a lump on his side. It turns out the horse has melanoma, a type of skin tumor associated with the color of the horses coat, a very common problem in grey Spanish horses. Although these tumors are usually benign, the tumors can keep growing and cause the horse discomfort and more tumors can pop up throughout the horse's life. There is treatment for horses that suffer from melanoma, but the treatment is not available in Spain. The last thing I want is to purchase a horse with preexisting health problems. Finding out the horse has melanoma was a deal breaker for me.

Although I was not successful on my first go around, it was good to get an idea of what is on the market and what questions to ask before going to view more horses. I look forward to round two and know that my future horse is out there waiting for me!

Turning My Passion into My Career

Making my passion my career has always been my life goal. My dream has been to have my horses in my own backyard where I can fully dedicate myself to training, competing, breeding, and loving them. I have made the decision to make my dream a reality and start the process of looking for an equestrian property in Spain.  There, I can run my business and focus on my career as a full-time dressage competitor with the Spanish horses and trainers.

Having an equestrian property sounds glamorous, but is a huge commitment and takes a lot of work. The upkeep and responsibility of keeping horses at your residence can become overwhelming if you are not properly prepared. Unlike boarding your horse at a facility that feeds, mucks their stalls, handles all the maintenance, and deals with issues that can come up with running the facility, all of this now falls on you. Your horses become completely codependent upon you, and you need to make certain you have the right setup to provide the best possible care for your horses including the amenities on your facility needed for your training. As I begin the process of searching for my equestrian property, I need to keep reminding myself what is involved and what sacrifices I will be making choosing this lifestyle.

One of my challenges in searching for an equestrian property in Spain is understanding and complying with Spanish real estate laws. Because I do not speak Spanish fluently, it is important I find a realtor that is fluent in English and has a good reputation; I don't want to be taken advantage of because of the language barrier. I also need to find the right individuals to guide me through the process and understand the inspection process, contracts, and negotiations. Finding a knowledgeable and referable realtor, preferably one that deals mainly in equestrian properties, will ensure I see all listings that fit my criteria  and help me to become fully informed about each available property.  

The next step after finding the proper real estate professionals to work with in Spain, is to decide what I do and do not need. I don't want to get in over my head and have a facility that becomes a money pit and has more space then I  need. Many equestrian properties are set on large parcels that accommodate many horses. For me, the facility is  for personal use and will not be a boarding facility.  I do not need a huge barn, multiple arenas, and/or large pastures. Five horses is the maximum number that I can manage on my own without having to seek outside help. This means that I need to have accommodations for at least five horses which would include a barn that has minimum five stalls, land for paddocks so the horses can be turned out, a dry area to keep feed, and an appropriate area for waste. For me, having a regulation size dressage arena with all weather footing is critical. I need a regulation arena to train properly for competitions with footing that can handle heat and has excellent drainage so I can exercise and train the horses year round.

A Regulation Sized Dressage Arena

Finding a property that fits my space and facilities criteria is not necessarily the most difficult part.  Finding a property that is in good condition and is low maintenance is what will be challenging. Having a rundown facility that needs a lot of work can become a financial and time-consuming nightmare. Dealing with old plumbing, drainage issues, old footing, and broken fences is not something I am willing to take on, as remodeling a facility would be enormously costly and require permits, finding and hiring competent workmen, and managing the project.  All this would take time and money away from training. This is why it is crucial I get every inspection possible to make certain everything is up to code and any repairs that need to be done are disclosed ahead of time.

An Updated Five Stall Barn

I am so excited to find the perfect facility to start my full-time equestrian career in Spain, but knowing this is a huge decision, I need to be patient, do my homework, view all available options in order to set myself up for success. I look forward to sharing my journey of property searching as I embark upon this exciting new chapter.

My Equestrian Adventure in Mexico

Recently,  I ventured to Mexico to embark upon my next international equestrian adventure. I have been to Mexico many times for vacation but was never interested in horseback riding.  The majority of the tourist riding adventures are hack stables that offer limited experiences and often do not take good care of their horses.  Being Mexico is known for having beautiful Iberian horses, I was determined to find an authentic Mexican stable and experience the culture of the Mexican Iberian horse.

After doing a fair amount of research, I found the Cuadra San Francisco Equestrian Center located in Los Cabos. When I visited their website I could see right away that the facility did more then just cater to tourists. The equestrian center offered training and was a family owned and operated business. Francisco J. Barrena and his son Valence F. Barrena were both featured on their website as top champions and professional riders. The facility teaches dressage, bullfighting, reining, western pleasure and jumping. Based on my research, I made the decision to make the journey to Mexico to visit the Barrena family and to see their Iberian horses.

Francisco J Barrena riding one of his Iberian horses

I visited the facility a day early before my scheduled ride at Cuadra San Francisco Equestrian Center to checkout the stables.  When I arrived I was warmly greeted by Valence. I shared with him my riding abilities and was hoping that they had a horse that would be enjoyable to ride for someone at my level. Valence said, “We can accommodate any level and I will let you ride my horse!”, as he took me over to introduce me to his beautiful buckskin Lusitano stallion. His horse was gorgeous and was obviously receiving very good care.  Valence asked me a little bit about my riding history and then started telling me about his. It turns out that Valence used to compete in Jumping and was a very successful competitor in Mexico. He took me into his office and showed me beautiful pictures of his father competing on championship Spanish horses, and pictures of himself jumping. I was very impressed by both his and his father's accomplishments and could tell that they took great pride in their horses and their facility. Before leaving I went and looked around at the other horses in their barn. It turns out the Barrena family also breeds some of their horses. They had a beautiful Lippizan stud who in his heyday was quite the competitor. They have bred him many times including to one of their pure breed Lusitano mares (who was also at the facility).  I was able to see one of their offspring, an adorable 4 year old Lippizan/Lusitano cross gelding.

The next day I arrived a little early for my ride to observe the facility and spend sometime with the horses. I was trilled to have the opportunity to meet Valence’s father, Francisco. Francisco is not at the facility full time so it was an unexpected surprise to meet him. Francisco is a true gentleman and equestrian legend in Mexico. Valence was so kind to tack up his Lusitano with a dressage saddle for me, and then he sent me off with his guide, Juan, to go explore the beautiful Los Cabos canyons.  Juan let me lead the way and we galloped for miles in the desert hills. Valence’s Lusitano was a dream. He was so well behaved and comfortable to ride. After about two hours, Juan and I returned to the stables. I was about to dismount when Francisco came up to me and told me that the Lusitano knew upper level dressage movements and to go into the arena and try some. I was a little intimated preforming these movements, of which some are still new, in front of two accomplished riders. With some instruction from Valence, I was able to get his horse into a passage!  I then dismounted and Valence got up on his horse. The two proceeded to give me a five minute demo of several complex movements ending with a difficult but lovely horse bow.

With Valence F Barrena and his father Francisco J Barrena

My time with the Barrena family exceeded my expectations. It was an amazing experience to gain insight into how the Iberian horses are trained and bred in Mexico. It was also so much fun to ride such a quality horse in an incredible setting. I was beyond impressed with Cuadra San Francisco Equestrian Center and thankful I made the journey to experience the Mexican Iberian horses.

Finding The Right Trainer

There are three components to having a successful equestrian career, your ability to ride, the athletic capability of your horse, and the right trainer that can help you achieve your goals. The best riders in the world would not be where they are without the right trainer. It is critical to find the right person (persons) that understand your goals, and have the skills to help you achieve them. Finding the right trainer can be a process, and should not be taken lightly. If you start working with a trainer that is not right for you they can do you and your horse more harm then good. There are certain components that you need to take into consideration when finding the right trainer, their experience, their communication skills, their commitment to your success, and the facility in which they teach.

Experience
I have had training sessions with an abundant of instructors since I started riding at age five. When I started riding, I needed instructors that had experience in teaching kids/beginners the basic principles of riding including safety. At age twelve I started competing. I needed a trainer that could teach me how to train for three day eventing competitions, explain to me the rules, and understand my weaknesses while focusing on exercises and drills to improve my riding. When I switched over to competing in strictly dressage, I needed a dressage trainer who was an expert in the sport. Your trainer needs to have the experience to get you where you want to go as a rider, and is accomplished themselves.  It is also important they have a track record of success with other students. You also want your trainer to have experience in training with the breed of horse you ride, so they know how to work with your horse, as every breed requires different training methods. It is important to interview trainers before committing to a coach to understand their background and make sure it matches what you want for your future. Also remember that you don't have to have a monogamous relationship with your trainer. It is important to go to clinics or seek other instructors during your training to receive other perspectives and critiques on your riding.

Communication Skills
Just because someone is a good rider does not necessary mean they are a good coach. I have taken lessons with an Olympic medalist and left disappointed with the way she instructed me. She did not have the communication skills to properly explain to me what I was doing wrong. Sometimes trainers can get frustrated because they know how to ride, but can not articulate to someone else how to do something that comes naturally to them. A trainer needs to be patience with their students as it can take years to develop the skills you need to achieve your goals. Do not base your decision on hiring your coach upon their personal success. You need to make certain you understand the way they extend instructions and that they are providing you with the right information and tools to further train you.

Commitment to your Success
You want to find a trainer that is committed to you and wants you to succeed. Instructors are training riders to make money, but it works best if they have/develop an emotional investment in you and your riding.  Your relationship with your trainer should not be simply a source of income for them. Your trainer should view your success as a reflection upon them. I was very fortunate to find an amazing coach during my eventing career who truly cared about me, and took great pride in my achievements.  When times get challenging and you are not progressing at the rate you would like to, you need to have a trainer who works at keeping you motivated to work through your struggles and does not give up on you.

Trainer's Facility
The facility in which a trainer teaches should also play a significant factor in your decision-making. If you are a dressage rider, and your trainer does not have access to a regulation dressage arena, you will not be able to receive maximum benefits from your lessons. The trainer's facility needs to offer you the right accommodations for your riding discipline. Also make certain the facility is equipped  for the weather conditions of which it is located. If you live in an area that is susceptible to bad weather, an indoor arena is an necessity to ensure uninterrupted training.  Think ahead about what a facility needs to have in order for you to get the most out of your training and make sure that your potential coach can accommodate those needs.

As I venture to Spain to start my dressage career and search for a trainer,  I am taking all of these factors into consideration. I am researching trainers in the area and reaching out to other dressage competitors for referrals.  I have compiled a list of potential trainers that might be a good fit and setting up interviews to meet with them at their facility. It is a very important decision for me especially as I am new to the area.  I also need a trainer that can introduce me to the dressage community and help me find the right horses. I look forward to finding my coach and building a relationship with them to help make me the best dressage rider I can be.

The Equestrian Workout

Equestrians often times have a very organized plan for exercising and conditioning their horse, but forget they need to do the same for their own body. Like with any sport, it is important to engage in physical workouts to achieve maximum success in training with your horse.  Riding is a workout on its own, but equestrians should build strength in important muscle groups to help improve their skills and position. I discovered years ago that the only way for a 1,000+ pound animal to listen to my commands is to strengthen my body off of the horse. I have put together "The Equestrian Workout", which has brought me great success with my riding.

Posture is extremely important for equestrians. Talent in riding comes from symmetry, balance, stability and coordination in static posture, meaning there is little movement in many of the joints in the body. The muscle action is small range sustained contractions. Riding uses all of the body's main muscle groups, but specifically requires very strong and fit postural muscles. It takes a different fitness to stand or sit in one position for many hours than to move around continuously, because the body fatigues much faster in static postures than in dynamic postures.

Correct Riding Posture

Midsection

A vital part of the body that is so important for correct riding, is the abdominal muscles. Strong abdominals are needed to stabilize the spine and midsection when riding. If the rider is weak in the abdominals he/she will have poor core strength resulting in "bouncing" in the saddle. By using the abdominals the rider ensures his/her balance and center of control, and by shifting the hips to either side cues the horse to move in a certain direction. 

Upper Body

The flexibility of the back muscles is crucial in riding in order to create a deeper seat and suppleness of the pelvis, especially in the sitting trot. If the rider is stiff in the lower back, he/she will brace against the horse and cause him to react. Riders also need to be strong to extend the lower back in the canter and sit as if “glued” to the saddle. Alignment and correct posture are of importance in healthy shoulder mechanics. Sensitive, independent hands are the goal of all classical dressage riders. This is achieved through adequate strength that is evenly balanced as a result of a well-stabilized shoulder girdle and upright posture. Shoulder and back strength allow the upper arms to hang freely.

Lower Body

The thighs, hamstrings, glutes and calves all play an important roll in riding. In the correct thigh position, the thighs are fully rotated inward from the hip joint. To keep your thigh rotated in, you must engage your thigh muscles. Engaging these inner thigh muscles will achieve quietness of the hips and pelvis in the saddle, and help you stay on. The hamstrings are the key muscle to control the lower leg and the seat. The hamstrings are also used for stability, and balance. The glutes play a vital role in controlling not only the hips, but also help coordinate the trunk and leg movement. If the muscles of the glutes are weak, the hip area can become unstable. When riding, the calves rest against the horse's sides and are used for delivering aids by applying pressure to turn the horse or ask him to speed up. 

The Equestrian Workout

I have created "The Equestrian Workout", made up of specific exercises that I found work the muscles needed for riding. I have put together routines using simple props and strength training with my own body weight. There are 3 props that are needed for this workout: A Magic Circle, Gliders, and 5-10 pound free weights. You can do this workout at the gym or purchase the props for at home use. Try to do the workout 3-4 days a week to receive maximum results in your riding.

Part 1: Magic Circle and Glider Routine

Magic Circle Routine

1. Ab Curls: 40

2. Hip Bridges: 40

3. Leg lifts: 15

4. Lying Ring Pass: 15

5. Outer-Thigh Press: 20 each side

Repeat Magic Circle series 2-3 times

Click Here To Purchase the Ultra-Fit Circle® by Balanced Body

Gliding Disc Routine

1. Gliding Mountain Climber: 20

2. Gliding Leg Crossovers: 20

3. Gliding Arm: 20 (10 each arm)

4. Gliding Curtsy Lung: 20 (each leg)

Repeat Glider series 2-3 times

Click Here to Purchase Gliding Discs

Part 2 "Weight Routine"

Weight Routine 5-10 Pounds

1. Bicep Curl with Squat: 12-15 Reps

2. Upright Row with Sumo Squat: 12-15 Reps

3. Tricep Kickback: 12-15 Reps

4. Over-Head Shoulder Press: 12-15 Reps

5. Bent-Over Reverse Fly: 12-15 Reps

Repeat Weight series 2-3 times

Click Here to Purchase

Off to Find My Iberian Horse

As I discussed in my last post, through a series of events I have made the leap from an Eventer to a solo Dressage Competitor. It was a tough decision as I have been competing at the upper levels in Eventing for 10 years. Having made the change to the solo discipline of Dressage, I need an appropriate horse with which to compete. For the reasons below, I have decided on an Iberian Horse.

The Iberian horses ancestry dates back to 30,000 BC. Cave paintings as old as 20,000 BC have been discovered showing a profile of a horse that looks like the Andalusian. The Andalusians were recognized as an individual Spanish breed in the 15th century calling them the Pure Spanish Horse or PRE (Pura Raza Española). They were used as war horses for the Spanish royalty and kings across Europe rode and owned Andalusians. The breed is known for their strong build and compact yet elegant grace. The Andalusians have an energetic gait and are extremely athletic. Even though the breed is known for its strength, they are not tall horses averaging at 15.5 hands (61.5 inches, 156 cm). One of their distinguishing physical characteristics is having very thick and long manes and tails. Andalusian's personalities tend to be submissive while remaining intelligent and sensitive. They are very quick to learn, responsive, and cooperative in training. In Spain the Andalusian has long been used for bull-fighting. Their courage, agility, intelligence, and ability to turn quickly on the haunches make them ideal for dealing with an angry bull.

An Andalusian, Bull Fighting in Spain

The breed has grown popular in the international competition of dressage, especially over the last 15 years. At the 2002 World Equestrian Games two Andalusians were on the bronze-medal winning Spanish dressage team; a team that went on to take the silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics. These accomplishments earned the breed respect in the sport. For a long time Andalusians were controversial in the dressage arena. There was prejudice aimed at the breed by dressage judges creating a widespread lack of credibility.  The breed has a special talent for collection, which is needed in dressage and the ability to turn on their haunches which is required in upper level movements. Their natural collection and turning capabilities has worked against the Andalusian's Dressage image instead of enhancing it.  They have been viewed as an easy horse to ride and train, causing judges to have preconceived notions about the horses before they even begin to preform in the arena.

Spanish Olympic Dressage rider Rafael Soto, competing in the National Championship 2004

The Spanish horse is different from that of the Warmblood breeds (who have dominated the dressage sport) as they have the ability to attain more easily the highest collected movements. Even though the Andalusians could preform the high level movements, consistently they were not given as high scores as fellow Warmblood competitors.  Many judges felt that it came naturally for the breed to preform dressage movements and should therefore not be judged equivalently as dressage Warmbloods, who lacking this natural ability, had to be trained diligently to compete at the upper levels.  Today while prejudice towards the breed in dressage competitions still exists, thanks to the Spanish dressage success in the early 2000s it has greatly lessened.  Since the breed has become more popular and accepted as a top level dressage competitor, today breeders aim to develop their horses to have more of a dressage conformation. Breeders try to give their offspring longer gait extensions to increase their ability to extend their strides. The Andalusian's shortcoming in the sport is the suspension, where the Warmblood breeds excel.

Andalusians are shown and bred throughout the world, while the region of Andalusia in Spain is still the motherland of the breed producing the finest horses. Ancient bloodlines of the Andalusians have been preserved by the Spanish government to protect the breed using selective breeding. A very careful selection program and a very strict breeding code upheld by the Spanish Stud Book, has produced a top quality, sporty and safe dressage horse. The government has focused on breeding a strain of Carthusian Andalusian (also known as Cartujano), which is generally considered the purest Andalusian strain and has one of the oldest recorded pedigree lines in the world.

The Pure Cartujano stallion

I have had the opportunity to ride and train with some Andalusians in the United States, and have fallen in love with the breed. Soon, I will be going to Spain to find some of the best Andalusians, train, breed and compete. My goal is to find a horse that has the capability to compete at the Olympic Grand Prix Dressage level.  I am so excited to immerse myself in the Spanish equine community. I look forward to sharing my journeys as I look to find the hunt to find my Andalusians, and start my training and competing.

Transition from Eventing to Dressage

Three Day Eventing (“Eventing”), is the "Equestrian Triathlon". Eventing consists of three days of competition, in three different disciplines, with the same horse, and one aggregated score. The first day is Dressage, where the horse and rider perform a set series of movements in a specialized rectangular arena, with the goal for the rider to communicate to the horse when, how and where it shall preform a series of intricate and subtle movements. The horse and rider must demonstrate impeccable balance, rhythm, and form. The horse and rider must in effect dance together and are judged by how well they do so. The second day is Cross Country, where the horse and rider must have speed, endurance, and jumping ability over varied terrain and solid obstacles in an open country field setting. The third day is Show Jumping (also known as Stadium Jumping), a timed jumping test in an enclosed ring, where a course must be navigated through colored fences made up of lightweight rails that are easily knocked down at a high speed. 

Eventing is debatably one of the most challenging equestrian sports, as the horse and rider must train in these three completely different riding disciplines, and master each discipline despite their dramatic differences. Eventing can be one of the most dangerous equestrian sports, as the Cross Country event requires the horse to move at very high speeds over solid obstacles. If the horse and/or rider falls, it is on jumps that do not collapse, which has resulted in numerous causalities for both horses and riders.

I started in Eventing at 12 years old. One of my Pony School trainers was an Eventer and quickly immersed me in the sport which I took to immediately. Soon thereafter, I was taken on by a well known French Eventing trainer and my journey into the world of Eventing began. I competed successfully at the upper levels in the U.S, on my Selle Francais, Hipius, who I purchased and imported from France. Five years ago, Hipius was sadly diagnosed with Navicular, a degeneration of the navicular bone in horses hooves, causing me to have to retire him. I stopped Eventing not only because I did not have a horse to compete on, but I also had some serious falls and broken bones, that made me rethink if I still wanted to stay in the sport. I continued to take jumping lessons here and there, but was not committed to looking for my next Eventing horse, and restarting my Eventing career.

Competing with Hipius, in Cross Country 

Most Eventers will tell you that dressage is their least favorite day of competition. Honestly, I used to feel the same. Compared to the adrenaline, speed, and excitement of Cross County, and Stadium Jumping, Dressage can seem like a bore. I used to dread my Dressage lessons as they were the most challenging for me. The intricacies and technical nature of Dressage often left me frustrated.

Dressage is also well known and shown as a sport on its own. It is an extraordinarily complex and multifaceted discipline. The sport requires the horse and rider to perform high level movements that are not required in Eventing Dressage. In actuality, solo Dressage is a completely different discipline than Eventing Dressage.  Solo Dressage requires movements such as multifaceted Lead Changes, Pirouettes where the horse makes a circle with its front end around a smaller circle made by the hind end, Piaffes where it looks like the horse is trotting in place, and Passages where the horse suspends the leg for a longer period of time in the trot. None of these high level movements are required in Eventing Dressage.

An incredible example of a Dressage performance by Danish Olympic Dressage rider, ANDREAS HELGSTRAND, displaying high level Dressage movements.

Two years ago, through happenstance, I took a lesson with a famous Dressage instructor who had me ride a Dressage high level schooling master horse. Up until then I had only competed and trained in Eventing Dressage.  The instructor taught me to do Tempi Flying Changes in which I asked the horse for continuous lead changes at the canter, where it almost looks like the horse is skipping. This one lesson on this one horse had me hooked and was the instantaneous turning point for me from Eventing, to the discipline of solo Dressage. My ultimate goal became to compete in solo Dressage with the aspiration of competing at the Olympic Grand Prix level. 

After that lesson, I had a completely different outlook on Dressage. The sport is an art, and even though it might look to the common eye like it is easy, that is far from the case. The goal is for the rider and the horse to look like they are one being in complete harmony.  It must appear to the judges that the rider is not asking the horse to preform the very difficult movements that are required at the upper levels. The rider’s cues have to be phenomenally precise, and the horse must have the athletic ability and intelligence to move in ways that do not come naturally. I guess it is the absolute precision necessary to preform these high-level movements that got me addicted to the sport. In Cross County and Stadium Jumping I could make mistakes, and they would be overlooked as long as I completed the course in the necessary time. However, in solo Dressage, even the smallest mistake will not be tolerated by the judges. I have made the decision to focus on becoming a solo Dressage competitor. I have so much to learn, but am excited to go on my journey of trying to master the art of the “dancing horse”.

A Day with the Peruvian Paso

I recently traveled to Peru to explore one of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. On the fourth night of my trek, I stayed at the lodge Sol y Luna, located in the city of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. The hotel just so happened to have one of the top equestrian facilities in Peru. Instead of continuing on the trek the next day, I decided to go explore the beauty and culture of the Peruvian Paso Horse. 

Until then, I did not know much about the Peruvian Paso breed. Like many things in South America, the horse arrived in Peru during the Spanish Conquest, tracing their ancestry back to the famous Spanish Andalusian war horses. Originally the breed was used in Peru as a working horse to transport crops from plantations. The Peruvian Paso has a smooth gait and good endurance, making them ideal for long journeys. Over time, breeders in Peru started selectively breeding the horses for their gait, conformation, and temperament, to produce a strong sturdy horse for comfort. A unique trait of the Peruvian Paso gait is “termino” - an outward swinging leg action, originating from the shoulder, in which the front lower legs roll to the outside during the stride forward. Today the horses are shown in performances, demonstrating the elegance of their lifting and gentle gait to the rhythm of the Marinera, an emblematic Peruvian Dance.

Everyday the Sol y Luna has a 35 minute show on the greens outside of their restaurant, demonstrating the Marinera on four of their top Peruvian Paso stallions. The show is led by their star rider Felix, and three of his brothers. During the show the horses dance in formation to Peruvian music. I arrived at the show early, to get a front row seat to the incredible display of the horse's ability to preform, and showoff their gaits.  

Felix and his brothers preforming the Marinera dance

After the show, I visited the barn to introduce myself to Felix, and meet his beautiful stallions. Felix's English consisted of saying "hello", and my Spanish consisted of saying "buenos dias". Even with our language barrier, Felix and I hit it off, and he offered me to ride his prized stallion. Right from the start I could feel the difference in the gait of the Paso. They are not tall horses, but have a lot of spring to their stride. The Paso's trot was easy to sit, and their canter felt like I was floating. After about 5 minutes of riding the horse around in the field, Felix galloped up to me on one of the other stallions, halted, and had his horse rear straight up in the air. The rearing position is called a Pesade, a classical dressage movement where the horse stands on the hind legs with the forelegs in the air. Through demonstration, Felix showed me how to balance my horse with no resistance, and ask the horse to levitate off the ground. Within minutes I was preforming a Pesade. Although my Pesade was not quit at the caliber of a classical dressage movement, it was an amazing experience, and such an unexpected surprise to be able to ride the horse and preform a highlevel movement. Felix and I ended the day with a peaceful trail ride around the beautiful Urubana River.

Felix and I at the end of our ride!