My current trainers can be found here:
I am currently riding with the owner and trainer at Cotton Meadows Farm, Debi Crowley. After having a few months off in January 2014 due to our cross-state move, Debi has been working with Ruby and I to help us with our jumping confidence. I finally feel that Ruby and I are getting our trust and confidence back, and I am excited to see where it takes us!
I take dressage lessons with Caroline Buchanan, an accomplished rider in her own right! Caroline's patient teach style is perfect for my high-anxiety personality, and she is working with Ruby and I as we lean the intricacies of effective dressage.
Both Debi and Caroline take lessons with their own trainers, a trait which I absolutely love! There is almost always someone out there "better" than you, and seeking education from others is a desire that is, unfortunately, missed in the majority of lesson-oriented trainers.
My past trainers (as of this blog beginning) can be found here:
CJ Weldon
I started taking lessons with CJ since my move to Heldergate in June 2013 until my move early 2014. Before then, I had about 8 years of experience riding hunters...which means my riding position was then completely torn apart and re-assembled! I never really thought about Eventing until I met CJ. Although different than what I am used to, I am already starting to feel more secure, confident, and better able to communicate with Ruby!
Connie Warner
I worked with Connie from October 2011 until my move early 2014 (though we keep in touch and visit!), and I can safely say that she was the one that really opened my eyes about riding vs. horsemanship. As a "hunter snob," I started out in riding sticking up my nose at the other disciplines because, of course, your way is always the best way. Connie has changed my philosophy on this, as she has forced Ruby and I (somewhat unwillingly at first) to branch out. I now encourage every single rider to dabble in dressage! The exercises Connie introduced to us have done wonders for our confidence, bending, rounding, and overall performance. Good trainers can be hard to find, and I consider myself very fortunate to have found such a wonderful teacher. She has school horses at her barn (Jimmy!) and I sometimes ride her horse Sully. Connie has been very supportive in my riding decisions and worked to teach me how to train greenies/babies- we even did some driving!
Harry de Leyer
Connie rides weekly with Harry, and has invited me on multiple occasions to ride with her in her lessons with Harry. He will push you outside (in my case WAY outside) your comfort zone, but he is extraordinarily patient and positive. Once I realized that his horses would literally jump anything, I relaxed and was able to just...ride. I promised I would visit him and ride despite my move, and I hope I can do that before he retires. The link above is for the HBO documentary. Harry's best trait (but sometimes worst) is his humility *cough*Morris*cough*. I have never once heard him brag, and it is one of the reasons I was so drawn to him.
Here is my "lesson Bible:" 101 Jumping Exercises.
Connie recommended this book to me, and Ruby and I have done every single exercise in here. Awesome resource to have!
Where are we now?
Ruby and I are located in Elkmont, AL.
To Shoe or Not to Shoe:
Thinking about putting shoes on your horse/pony? Look here first! Jason McClure
After battling hundreds of rocks in the riding arena, I decided (based on what fellow riders suggested) that I get Ruby some shoes. While researching the effectiveness of shoes, I came across this website. "Shoes do not protect a horse from stone bruises." WHAT? I immediately called him (despite being more than a few states away). He actually spent a few hours on the phone with me, and about a month of exchanging e-mails/calls/texts/pictures. I've opted to keep Ruby barefoot for now- since her feet pass the hoof hardness test with flying colors, and we aren't working too hard, I don't see a need for them, thanks to Jason.
Choosing a Bit
Here is a short article that explains a little about the different types of bits available: Types of Bits. After reading through some other articles and online posts where riders exclaim "I need a harsher bit, will a __(pelham, for example)___ be strong enough?", I've decided that many riders are, unfortunately, ignorant about how a bit works. Training a horse, if done properly, should not require the use of a super strong bit- I have only ever ridden horses in a snaffle (most often a D-ring, eggbutt, or a fullcheek on a young horse). If your horse is ignoring the bit, refusing the bit, evading, or throwing his/her head, this is more than likely a training issue (if there is no medical issue such as back pain, bit fit, or teeth hooks). Quit taking shortcuts and learn how to work with your horse!
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