Upon request I have created a video to demonstrate the rein sequence I created after years of fixing horses and their confidence issues with the bit. Ideally this sequence would be implemented when very first introducing contact with the bit! In the video you will see a horse who was conditioned to believe the bit was a barrier, and, something …
The Swing in Balance
~The Swing in Balance ~ By Marie Iserbyt There is a lot to say about balance. Micaela Love inspired me to think about it from the first day we met and it kept coming up during the time I studied with her. When I think about balance I think of harmony. There is no fight or struggle in true balance. …
Pre-Flight Checks for Every Horse & Rider (VIDEO)
If you have ever taken a lesson with me then you know the emphasis I put on going through a “pre-flight” list at the beginning of each riding session. The purpose first and foremost is to be SAFE and develop the muscle memory needed in your body to diffuse a dangerous situation. As the relationship grows, our pre-flight checks can …
The Sideways Dance (VIDEO)
Put your Seven Games to the test by incorporating them into this flowing pattern! The “Sideways Dance” is a great way to build connection, test your horse’s yields and most of of all, build YOUR leadership and tool savvy! Enjoy and forgive me for the poor audio quality:)
The Falling Leaf Pattern (On-Line)
Below you will find a video that shows one of my go-to patterns. The Falling Leaf Pattern is one I encourage my students to build as a rote skill. This pattern is a powerful arrow to have in your quiver should your horse becomes excitable and need to move his feet in a productive way you are playing with a …
LITTLE Difference = BIG Difference
This month enjoy a post written by Annemarie Meerkerk! Annemarie is a dedicated student of the Parelli program and is visiting from The Netherlands. She has been here for four weeks and goes home at the end of February. It has been such a treat to have an assistant with such a high skill set and character; making my days …
Giraffe Head Syndrome: Fixing Biomechanical Problems in the Foundation
A few weeks ago, Tessa and her horse Casper trailered from the Santa Cruz area to come into training for her winter break between semesters. Tessa’s goal is English pleasure, but despite hours of working on her freestyle skills and having a fairly nice foundation, she wanted her horse to carry himself well as she began to work on Level …
Partnering with Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center
When I moved back to California in February I made the decision to keep my horse, Quest, at a facility in Loomis which is approximately 30 minutes from where I live. Although inconvenient, there were several reasons why I made this decision. I knew the financial investment of boarding him somewhere else would hold me accountable to making him a …
A Clinic with the Master
Last weekend my Dad and I had the honor of riding in a two day Master Class with Pat Parelli! To be totally honest, my favorite part of the whole weekend was having quality time with both my Dad and Martini. My love of horses, and now career with them would never have taken off without his support and shared …
Putting The Fun in Performance!
I was recently asked by to write an article for Parelli Natural Horsemanship’s Blog on showing, and how to keep it fun and positive for both the horse and human. With that prompting, this article was created…..