My goal is to share how to look at horse training so that horses and their people will be happy together and successful in learning whatever they want to do together.
After studying in Europe and coming back to teach, I bought my first horse. My interest was first in eventing, then dressage, but for some reason I decided it'd be easier to drive (ha, first big misconception) I didn't find anyone who knew anything about driving, so I read all I could and arranged for driving trainers to come for clinics. (I also scouted around for others who would be interested in learning about driving, and we had ourselves a driving club.) It was one of those trainers to whom I owe the breakthrough in technique that has turned me into a successful trainer — and it's that technique that I especially want to share with you.
Sally Graburn, who was an exceptional dressage rider and driver, on the Dressage Committee of the American Driving Society, and a well-regarded judge and trainer, was the first person who made me understand some basic dressage principles (that ALL my previous instructors had tried to tell me). For that alone I would be eternally grateful, but the one little technique she demonstrated — in passing — has made all the difference in the world to a great many horses ever since. It is a technique that allows the horse to relax (only a relaxed horse can learn anything). But primarily it is a technique that allows the ordinary horse owner — who doesn't have perfect hands and perfect reflexes and a top-notch riding ability — to take the time to learn with his own horse.
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- When can you come back? - JF
- Thanks for the information and your insights. As a result, I understand that learning to drive is a serious undertaking. - GB
- Thanks for all your help with driving and for the great links you sent me. - MC
- The pot luck is on for Friday night and everyone is wanting you to talk about stuff you do. - MR
- One of the things I like about you is that you're unpretentious and down to earth. - RM
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