I’ve known many, many AOTs over the course of my life in horses, and there seems to be a common undercurrent that runs through the conversation whenever I talk to them, and that is that “trainers don’t like/respect us.” My own personal experiences and feelings couldn’t be further from that, and I want to share… Continue reading Trainers Are Our Friends (It’s Not Us vs. Them!)
Action Devices – Why and Why Not
The UPHA has provided guidelines to owners and trainers of Saddle Seat horses, requesting that any sale videos and photos be devoid of action devices. The reason is not because they are abusive or harmful, but rather that they are misunderstood by the general horse public, and that misunderstanding has led to many incorrect assumptions… Continue reading Action Devices – Why and Why Not
Trail Riding Your Show Horse
The thrill of the show ring is why one has a show horse, right? But trail riding can provide thrills and challenges as well, or just some quiet time with your equine partner, or sometimes a little bit of both! If your horse is not accustomed to being worked outside an indoor arena at all,… Continue reading Trail Riding Your Show Horse
The Flat Walk: Getting it Every Time
Oh the walk… it can be the difference between winning and being out of the ribbons in a tough pleasure class. Unlike Dressage, where the quality of the walk is perhaps as important as the quality of the trot is to Saddle Seat riders, in Saddle Seat, as long as the horse is doing a… Continue reading The Flat Walk: Getting it Every Time
AOT Rules – A Review
Many people don’t realize that the AOT/AOTS rules are different depending on what breed of horse you are showing. Arabian, Morgan and Saddlebred all have different rules in the USEF rulebook. For shows not governed by USEF, those organization can make up their own rules. The great disparity of rules found between breed and associations… Continue reading AOT Rules – A Review