A few years ago, in the midst of a spat with disaster-fatigue-induced depression, I had the word “grit” tattooed on my left wrist. I adore it, I adore the meaning behind it, and I look at it often for comfort. I don’t think it would surprise anyone to hear that I’ve needed a little grit […]
I don’t believe in editing my work. Or second drafts. If you’re reading a blog of mine, there’s an overwhelming possibility that it was a one-hit-wonder, something I banged out in one sitting, ran quickly through spell check, and sent off to my editors. Boom, done. But I’ve written and rewritten this blog about five […]
I don’t believe in editing my work. Or second drafts. If you’re reading a blog of mine, there’s an overwhelming possibility that it was a one-hit-wonder, something I banged out in one sitting, ran quickly through spell check, and sent off to my editors. Boom, done. But I’ve written and rewritten this blog about five […]
After the relative ease of running a schooling show at our own farm a few weeks ago, my team and I decided to brave the first recognized dressage show in Virginia: Dressage At Lexington, a big, long and prestigious show that normally marks the end of our summer competition season. This year it was the […]
Elvis came to me with an incomplete understanding of how to really bridge the hind legs to the bridle while keeping them quick. He also had a fair bit of anxiety about the piaffe. I did my homework, focusing on quickening those beautiful floaty hind legs of his, making him really connect his ends and […]
Results from our first schooling show, the Corona Lite I, are below. Congrats to all riders! Intro 1. Nikki Smith & Riverton, Intro C, 73 2. Nikki Smith & Riverton, Intro C, 72.25 3. Lauren Axselle & Velvet Alley, Intro B, 62.19 4. Lauren Axselle & Velvet Alley, Intro C, 60.75 5. Jodie Potts & […]
Here in Virginia, the governor’s plan had been to release us from the stay-at-home order on June 10. So with bated breath, we all watched to see what would happen to the show local to us scheduled for the weekend of June 13-14. It was canceled. The next available outing within a reasonable driving distance […]
Our Virtual Cocktail Party series continues! We’ve got some great up-and-coming meetings on the docket: click here to see them all! We’re talking to top competitors Emily Donaldson and Alice Tarjan about the decision to go pro versus staying an amateur; another great chat with Grand Prix dressage rider Lauren Chumley about teaching flying changes; […]
Hi everyone! Below are preliminary ride times for our show on Sunday, June 14. If you’ll be showing with us, PLEASE READ THE REST OF THIS and don’t just skip ahead to ride times, because a) this is our first show so bear with us, and b) um, coronavirus. SO. 1. Hey, the coronavirus is […]
Barns are reopening their doors, clinics are being scheduled, and shows are starting to creep back onto the calendar. But whether showing is a thing you’re going to participate in or not, and whether you’re a beginner or an international level rider, there’s a huge opportunity to make the most of time out of the […]
