Search this site

'The truth is, Nothing is really Something. When we let go of our doing and thinking, we are free to notice everything that IS. We are free to FEEL. The fear of what we can't do is replaced by the possibility of what can happen. We can start to be like the horses...' Karen Rohlf  Love this, we as humans are so much in the doing and achieving mode in general and also with our horses, that we completely underestimate the value, benefit, and opportunities just BEING can offer ... If you want to read the full blog article from Karen, here is the link: https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/nothing-is-something ...

Discover the power of setting goals and creating a vision for success. In the PIB Membership, we are now charting our individual paths for 2024 by creating personal Vision Boards.   Dive into your dreams, aspirations, and goals. Together, let's make 2024 an incredible journey of self-discovery and achievement! Does this sound interesting? Join us now! https://PIB-Membership-NEW.eventbrite.de #PIBCommunity  #VisionToPlan2024   #JoinUs

Just wanted to share a little nugget of wisdom that I've come to appreciate on my equestrian journey - "The beauty lies in the basics!" Polishing those foundational skills not only sets the stage for success but also makes tackling the advanced stuff a breeze. Teaching becomes a joyful dance when you've mastered the fundamentals. It's crucial to be present in the moment, closely observing our horses' feedback.  Those subtle cues reveal the blind spots and missing pieces that might be holding us back. It's like finding the puzzle pieces that complete the picture! Repetition is key, but mindless repetition won't cut it.  For example, repeating the still unbalanced and feeling awful canter over and over again, won't improve it. Or repeating laterals or more advanced exercises without essence over and over again, won't make them better and is just building a wrong understanding and wrong compensating musculature. So, pay attention! Most of the time, the missing ingredient is hidden in the basics. As Henry Ford wisely said, "If You Always Do What You've Always Done, You'll Always Get What You've Always Got."  So, let's dive into those basics, polish them with love, and watch our horizons expand! Happy riding!   #EquestrianLife   #BasicsMatter   #HenryFordWisdom   #InTuneWithMyHorse

Let's welcome 2024 with open hearts and a commitment to continuous learning, growing, and building a better training routine for ourselves and our beloved horses. In the coming year, join me in keeping my cup always empty, ready to be filled with new learnings, insights, and experiences to pass over to my beautiful horses and all my fantastic students. Living even more in the present moment with my horses will be my guiding principle, allowing me to cherish them as those magnificent beings they are, noticing and recognizing all their little gifts for me, continuing to observe them closely and take their feedback and opinions seriously, and last but not least spotting the little holes in the foundation and helping them to fill them with care and attention. Let's be aware of every nuance, detail, and opportunity to teach and learn together. In these small moments, we can strengthen the bond with our equine companions. As we embark on this journey of continuous growth and progress, let's keep a close eye on spending time very well together, having fun together, and making every moment together count. Let's build a solid foundation for body, mind, and heart by taking the time to focus on the little things we might have overlooked in the past, for they hold the key to a more effortless training routine together. Here's to a year filled with joy, connection, and a deepening understanding between us and our horses. May our shared experiences be the building blocks of a stronger, more harmonious partnership. Cheers to a New Year of endless possibilities!   #NewYearNewBeginnings  #EquestrianJourney   #BuildingBetterTogether

Let's talk about the difference between merely exercising our beloved four-legged friends and the profound impact of teaching them to move with balance, grace, and longevity in mind. Prioritizing Welfare as a Foundation Before we delve into the world of exercises, let's acknowledge that appropriate welfare is a non-negotiable precondition to effective teaching. A content and healthy horse is better positioned to learn and thrive.   Teaching: A Mutual Journey of Understanding and Consent The essence of teaching lies in fostering a mutual understanding between us and our equine companions. It's about gaining their consent and cooperation, creating a partnership built on trust and respect. The What, Why, and How of an Exercise Unlike mindless exercise routines, teaching involves delving into the intricacies of each movement. Understanding the 'what, why, and how' behind an exercise allows us to communicate effectively with our horses, addressing their unique needs and capabilities. Moving Beyond Exhaustion: Building a Better Body Teaching our horses isn't just about making them move until they're tired. It's a journey toward building a stronger, healthier, and more beautiful body that can carry a rider with ease well into old age. Let's prioritize their understanding, well-being, strength, and longevity over momentary fatigue. to help them build a better body while keeping their mind open, interested, and motivated to spend shared time well. Keep the Motivation Alive By focusing on teaching rather than simply exercising, we keep motivation alive in our equine partners. Engaging their minds, fostering a love for learning, and ensuring their active participation creates a fulfilling and enriching experience for both horse and rider. Let's champion the cause of teaching, ensuring that every stride our horses take contributes to their overall well-being mentally, physically, and emotionally and a lifetime of shared adventures!   #EquineWellness   #TeachDontJustExercise   #HealthyHorseHappyRider

Let's dive into the enchanting world of work on the ground and its transformative impact on our equine companions.  Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a curious newcomer, discovering the art of preparing your horse on the ground can create a harmonious partnership that extends beyond the saddle. Groundwork : Lay the foundation for trust and communication through gentle exercises on the ground. It's not just about leading; it's about creating a bond that transcends the physical realm. Furthermore, it helps to build a shared language which allows us to already build a better body from the ground by supporting the horse to find coordination and physical ability. This understanding and the physical ability we then can extend into the saddle to make it as easy as possible for the horse. Enabling the horse to first find the solution without the additional weight of the rider is also an important little fact. And, it gives us a comfortable position to observe each body part of the horse closely to be able to support, it where needed. Longeing : Explore the dance of connection and freedom as you guide your horse in circles. Longeing isn't just about exercise; it's a symphony of cues and responses that deepen your horse's understanding of your language. Educating a shared language in Groundwork and Liberty first will enable you to also tip your toes into advanced longeing by integrating the laterals and more collected work. Work in Hand : Elevate the connection further by refining your aids in a work-in-hand position. This practice fine-tunes responsiveness and prepares your equine friend for the subtleties of communication under the saddle. It also is a very valuable place to be to explain or refine things that are lacking a bit of understanding or quality in riding. Liberty : Ah, the dance of freedom! Liberty work is the ultimate litmus test for motivation and true ability. Watch as your horse moves with grace and willingness, showcasing a partnership built on trust and mutual understanding. The Transfer of Aids: By mastering these techniques on the ground, you're not just preparing your horse physically; you're teaching them the language of cues, creating a seamless transition to riding. The saddle becomes an extension of the bond you've cultivated on the ground. Embrace the journey of equine partnership, where work on the ground is not just a prelude but a symphony of connection, trust, and mutual respect. Share your experiences and tips below! Let's celebrate the incredible power of working our horses also on the ground to shape the heart-to-heart connection with our majestic four-legged friends.