-
Stepping Out of the Box: Being an Outsider in an Insider Sport
Since childhood, we like to understand things in relation to others. As young as elementary school I’ve started to see cliques. Those that fit into neat little groups, or “fit the mold” and those people that are slightly weird or don’t seem to really fit in. There is comfort in the expected. I see this with my daughters and remember my own childhood as the shy girl with glasses, who got made fun of for being too quiet, reading too much, or being a snob. Junior high brought social norms and peer pressure to a whole other level, high school in a different way. By then I was firmly in…
-
Ending On A Good Note- Training Challenge or Handy Excuse?
My trainer has always stressed ending on a good note with my horse when in lessons. It always made so much sense, when they get it right, stop and that is a positive reinforcement and reward. But if you are a timid rider like me, then often you use that cliche to stop before you challenge yourself or your horse. I was visiting a client and fellow timid rider who is struggling with a sensitive horse. She had a very scary experience in the arena with a new horse and has been reluctant to push him again even though it was likely pain-related and addressed. Knowing what may have caused…
-
Do you Ride a Horse? Congratulations You are a Horse Trainer
I don’t consider myself a professional but after taking even one lesson from a professional horse trainer; I realized how much I didn’t know about my communication with my horse. More, I realized that everything I do from the moment I enter the paddock is teaching my horse something positive, or negative. Like with dogs, my interactions are creating reactions and I AM a horse trainer in many ways.
-
Equestrienne: Mandee Flanders, The Leadline Podcast and Horse Family Magazine
Mandee Flanders is a woman on a mission to support equine entrepreneurs. I met her first at Equine Affaire in 2019, when she stopped by my author table to introduce herself and we chatted for awhile. I love her energy and enthusiasm, but I especially love her mission to create a community in the horse world. Mandee Flanders is a long-time marketing professional and even longer-time horsewoman. At the young age of 20, she was an ambitious entrepreneur looking for ways to get further involved in the horse industry without breaking the bank. Not one to be deterred by lack of funds, Mandee found a way to maximize her skills…
-
Addressing Toxic Positivity: Why Riding At Your Comfort Level Is Perfectly Acceptable
When it comes to performance, mindset is everything. There are a lot of memes out there and accounts perpetuating toxic positivity. Toxic positivity is the belief that no matter how dire or difficult a situation is, people should maintain a positive mindset. It’s a “good vibes only” approach to life. The trouble with that is, when you have anxiety, depression, or tend to be an overthinker, being positive is easier said than done. Sometimes you just can’t get out of your own way then feel like you are a failure because you think you should think positively. It’s a vicious circle. Truthfully, sometimes we feel nervous or we don’t want to…
-
Safely Trail Ride Alone With Your Horse With These 6 Tips
Trail rides or hacking is a favorite of mine. Still, it does cause a lot of nerves because anything can happen. Outside the arena is an environment that cannot and will not be controlled. Loose dogs, bicyclists, runners, and more. Still, a lovely walk or ride out on the trails has a way of bonding you and your horse and giving you a sense of freedom. Both Ferrous and Delight loves hacking out. Only one trailers well. The other gets so excited at the prospect of playing on the trail that he practically vibrates with excitement. Not the best for a timid rider and yet somehow we slowly but steadily…
-
Equestrienne: Christy Landwehr, Certified Horsemanship Association
Christy Landwehr has been active in the horse industry for over 35 years. Hunter/jumper, dressage, side saddle, western pleasure, hunter pleasure, barrel racing, endurance riding and saddle seat equitation are just some of the disciplines Christy has competed in at the local, regional and national levels in multiple breeds. She has been teaching children and adults how to ride for over 30 years. Christy is a Master Level Riding Instructor and Equine Facility Manager through the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) and has taught students in 4-H and Pony Club. She is Past President of the American Youth Horse Council and past board member for the Colorado Horse Council. She also…
-
Women Can Drive A Trailer, Too (Even the Timid Ones!)
Tips for Hauling Your Horse Safely A Little Background When I imagined hauling a horse in a trailer a few years ago, I immediately shot down the idea of ever doing it myself. I pictured driving like a Granny, with white knuckles and crawling along the road with people honking frustratedly behind me. Yet, I couldn’t deny my love of trail riding and the feeling that my horse and I always had to ask for a ride when moving barns or were limited to the trails nearby. One day a barn mate mentioned in passing her desire to sell her stock/slant combo for a very reasonable price. I was intrigued…
-
8 Equestrian Podcasts You Need to Subscribe To Today
If you are like me, you spend a lot of time driving. Sure, you can listen to music, but a long drive to the barn or even time spent mucking out is often better when listening to a podcast. There are many to choose from, but how do you know where to start? I’ve compiled a few of the horse-related podcasts on my phone. 1. Equestrian Pulse Podcast Perhaps I’m a little biased since I’m a co-host. Still, I love working with these ladies! Each episode is unique and depends on the co-host or co-hosts chatting together on a theme, or interviewing someone interesting. Who: Equestrian Pulse is hosted by…
-
Equestrienne: Danielle Shugard, Physical Therapist for Equestrians
What is your experience with horses? I started riding when I was eight and spent most of my teenage years riding in the hunter jumper world and volunteering at a therapeutic riding center. I took a small horse break to go to Northeastern University in Boston, to get my doctorate degree in physical therapy. I then returned to Monmouth County, working in a traditional PT setting and riding in my spare time. After having my two girls and my spare time going to zero, I wanted to combine physical therapy and horses. The pandemic shutdown in March 2020 gave me time to focus on what I wanted my business to…
Equestrian Author and Podcast Host
