Classical Dressage Art in Motion

There are lots of tricks to the trade when it comes to fitting and riding in the double bridle. The latest one is to address the new rule concerning the crank noseband issue. Take a glance around the Wellington showgrounds this winter and you'll see a lot of riders employing the nifty Equifit curb chance cover. Made of T-Foam , it is the perfect 'sane' solution to the new rule requiring finger wiggle room in the noseband. While it was designed for the curb, it works effectively on any part of the bridle. My plans to head to Florida for a little sojourn myself this month were cast in disarray by my inadvertent cracking of a couple of ribs. Bruised maybe, cracked more likely. Like most horse riders I have been through this experience before. So, while they heal, I am not interested in a plane ride no matter how short so no return to the sunshine of Naples and West Palm for me. Instead, like many of you, I have been enjoying an 'English/American' winter. Relatively...

Since living in New York, whenever The Oscars are coming up on T.V., it signals for me that Spring is just around the corner.  While actors, producers and directors are receiving the kudos for their achievements, I am in the process of producing and directing my own artistic endeavor. My horses and my students. Thus, I enter Spring mode. Years ago the schedule for the movie industry's most iconic event was closer to April. While 'The Oscars" might have changed their schedule, in my head it's time to focus on the next season for our horses and students. As a P.S. here, please bring back my favorite comedian Ricky Gervais next time and don't gag him. Above is a photo of one of our Grand Prix horses here at Willowview Hill Farm , Tiberio Lafite aka Tigger, taken in Spring a few years back. Whenever I am in the winter doldrums I post this as my desktop picture, and am immediately cheered up. Spring is a time of renewal for everything in nature, so naturally, ...