http://dressagerider.wordpress.com/2009/07/05/fourth-of-july-riding-lesson/ How an adult rider manages it all. Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:50:03 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 http://dressagerider.wordpress.com/2009/07/05/fourth-of-july-riding-lesson/#comment-189 dressage rider Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:37:37 +0000 http://dressagerider.wordpress.com/?p=315#comment-189 Thanks Anne! We really need to laugh at ourselves, our mounts and our situations. I know that if I didn't my frustration would be vented in misdirected anger or tears. My mantra for tonight's ride: be firm and assertive but keep empathy in my back pocket. Thanks Anne! We really need to laugh at ourselves, our mounts and our situations. I know that if I didn’t my frustration would be vented in misdirected anger or tears. My mantra for tonight’s ride: be firm and assertive but keep empathy in my back pocket.

]]> http://dressagerider.wordpress.com/2009/07/05/fourth-of-july-riding-lesson/#comment-187 Anne Coyle Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:14:27 +0000 http://dressagerider.wordpress.com/?p=315#comment-187 What a riot! How many times have we faced the psychoses, fears and phantom foibles of our mounts! Not only did you make it entertaining to read, your mantra is one we all should repeat on a regular basis…as if we didn't hear our instructor reminding us 500 times an hour! Having said all that, I think you pointed out something all riders should remember: horses have likes and dislikes, just as we do. The only way to get these over-sized, athletic toddlers to do what we ask of them is to use firm leadership and clear cues and lots and lots of practice! What a riot! How many times have we faced the psychoses, fears and phantom foibles of our mounts! Not only did you make it entertaining to read, your mantra is one we all should repeat on a regular basis…as if we didn’t hear our instructor reminding us 500 times an hour! Having said all that, I think you pointed out something all riders should remember: horses have likes and dislikes, just as we do. The only way to get these over-sized, athletic toddlers to do what we ask of them is to use firm leadership and clear cues and lots and lots of practice!

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