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Exceptional Horsemanship Newsletter
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Greetings!
The State of Horsemanship George Morris quotes former USET 3 day Coach, Jack LeGoff. Morris says, "When talking to Jack the other day about his new book, I asked him what was wrong. He hit the nail on the head, as usual: "The young trainers are teaching their students to compete. They are not, necessarily, teaching them to ride." George continued: "They are usurpers masquerading as instructors. The result of not educating our future riders in classical principals, of turning our sport into an industry that is motivated by money, and providing quick fixes and fast tracks, is that we have diluted US Horsemanship. US Horsemanship is no longer the envy of other countries. Unless instructors choose to develop depth in their own education and unless instructors are willing to slow down and teach the foundation to their students, US Horsemanship will continue on it's downward spiral."
George Morris is considered one of the most influential riders and trainers in
the equestrian sport. He has represented the United States in many international equestrian competitions as both a rider and coach. In 1959 his team won the gold medal in the Pan American Games. At the Olympic Games in Rome 1960 he was riding on the American team silver medal winning team consisting of Bill Steinkraus on Ksar d'Esprit, Frank Chapot on Trail Guide and George Morris on Sinjon.
 | | Morris on Sinjon |
From Show Jumping Nostalgia
Look at that lovely following hand instead of that dreadful crest hold while throwing themselves on the horse's neck bulls%&* (otherwise known as poor riding) we see all the time in the show ring now. Yes! I absolutely just said that! Notice that he doesn't have all sorts of gear on Sinjon either. This doesn't just apply to show-jumping or the Olympic equestrian sports. It applies to all the disciplines and styles.
I will add that it's hard for many instructors to teach these fundamentals when the paying student wants what is well above their skill level. I teach fundamentals of both riding and horsemanship (and there IS a difference) and if someone doesn't want to learn them, fine! There are others out there who will take your $$ and attempt to keep you from breaking your neck. I really can't fault them as much as I'd like. They need to put milk on the table and that's tough in the horse biz and particularly in the current economy. Besides that, it's what the person insists on. It just isn't something I can do.
You might enjoy this link of progressive pic's of Diana Gogan of Fire Horse Ranch learning with her horses Curbside Service. We had a great demo for the rescue.  This link takes you to my fb page where you can find the picture post and a link to her article on her learning experience with Curbside Service called "Too Focused on the Result." Really GOOD reading!. And it would be great if you took a look at her Fire Horse Ranch newsletter. If you're new to the newsletter, be sure to pop over to my archives button on the right side of the column below the book info on my home page. You can catch up on all the training ideas you've missed.
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So... Are You Horseman Material????
What, When, Where, How and Why...
Obviously, those six words are much too much for a segment in a newsletter. However, this is where you start thinking about them. Then, little by little and paragraph by paragraph, concept by concept, it all starts making sense. Then, you can apply it to your horsemanship and riding. If you already understand that horsemanship and riding aren't the same thing, you're ahead of the game.
A sadly large proportion of teaching is only the what - heels down, chin up, turn left. Now, I'm not saying you don't need the what, but the part I'm into deeply is the part that deals with the gray matter. Put the word IF in front of it for better results. What if...? What if I'm not clear? What if it would go better if I did it like this? What if my horse was pleasant about my request? What if I actually requested instead on demanded? What if I used less signal?
Why - why would I do it like this? Why is my horse responding like this? Why am I feeling this feeling? Where is the best spot for this? How can I do it better? When would be the best time to use this?
DEPTH.
It's not higher jumps or piaffe and such. Depth is exceptional movement. THAT step. And THAT one. THAT softness in the bend. THAT "Sure, you betcha!" from your horse when you ask something.
There's a difference between techniques and technique.
For exceptional results, think "how and how can I".
Please forward this newsletter to your friends and tell them to sign up for their own. Click the purple "Gimme" button on the website.
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| Upcoming stuff:
What does it take? What are you missing? If you're missing it, how do you know it?
Horse World Media and the DVD "Classical vs. Classique" - FN (National Equestrian Federation) vs. Légèreté - a discussion and exhibition of their styles and teaching.
A Shetland hitch - still hunting some pic's on this one I hope I can get. |
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Exceptionalize your horsemanship! Commit to Exceptional refinement, skills, fun and confidence on a whole new level. Call or email me to schedule a lesson, training session, phone or email lesson/consultation today.
Don't forget to check the blog for more training and put in your questions and comments!Sincerely,
ME
Lauren Woodard
ExceptionalHorsemanship.com |
Lauren Woodard
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
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