Last quarter we took a brief look at the bio-mechanical foundation which dressage schooling is built upon for both horse and rider. Now we’ll begin to discuss aiding. Regardless of discipline, the basic goal in riding is for the rider to feel balanced and comfortable in the saddle, for the horse to feel balanced and comfortable under saddle, and for the horse to do what the rider asks with as little resistance as possible. Sometimes the demands can seem pretty daunting! It is important for the rider to understand what she is asking in order to expect her horse to understand well enough to offer an acceptable response.
>
-
Dressage: Understanding Aiding
-
Your Dog and Spring—5 Reminders—5 New Things to Know!
Spring! We love the arrival and want our dogs to enjoy the season. Along with the fresh air comes the opportunity to be aware of some dangers of the season. Don’t miss these timely tips that will encourage a safe spring for your best buddy! > -
GOOD OLD DOG–LIVING WITH A SENIOR DOG
There is nothing that I love more as a veterinarian than seeing a happy, healthy and comfortable senior pet. But I know very well that there is a lot of care and extra support that goes into keeping senior dogs healthy -- and pet owners who are able to take the added steps in supporting their pets as they age are rewarded greatly in sharing life with a senior canine citizen who is able to enjoy a wonderful quality of life. > -
Turmeric, or Curcumin for Your Dog?
As an astute pet parent, you may find yourself in a position of deciding whether or not to give your dog turmeric. You could also be confused because you’ve heard about curcumin, and wonder if they are the same thing. Taking just a few moments to understand the difference will allow you to make a wise choice for your best friend. > -
The Importance of Canine Heart Health
People love their dogs! From treats to toys to playtime, much attention is given to our furry friends. But, have you given thought to a dog’s heart health? The heart can easily be taken for granted. It can be overlooked amidst all the potty training, learning skills, and every fun aspect of having a best friend. Take a moment and consider how important it is to do preventative canine heart care. The rewards are priceless! > -
Ask me a Question About Your Dog
As a professional Dog Trainer, I’m often asked questions like the following: How do I make my dog listen? How do I make my dog stop barking? How do I stop my dog from pulling on the leash? All are great questions, and we need to look at each question a bit differently. Instead of focusing on what your dog is doing wrong, let’s look at it as how can I help my dog learn.
> -
HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG HAPPY THIS WINTER
There is no doubt that winter is upon us and now we have to find some creative ways to keep our canine companion from getting the dreaded “cabin fever”. When typically active dogs spend even a few days cooped up inside, they start to look for ways to release their pent up energy. Unfortunately they can take out that energy on your shoes, the kitchen trash can, your sofa, etc. So what do we do when the weather doesn’t allow for a good walk or jog around the neighborhood or a game of fetch in the yard? We get creative! > -
DRESSAGE
The word dressage often conjures up images of high level collection, fantastic lateral movements, and even airs above the ground. The truth is, dressage is a French word that simply means training. How do equestrians progress from the daily schooling of the basic paces – walk, trot, and canter – to training these advanced maneuvers? Dressage is built on a biomechanical foundation for both the horse and the rider. Understanding how both equine and human bodies work and how they work together is the first step to climbing the levels. > -
The Dog Lover’s Bookshelf
I’ve always loved dogs, and reading, and so it is no surprise that I started collecting books about dogs at a young age. I recently revisited my childhood book collection and looked over some of my favorites. Here, in no particular order, are a few that I remember reading and re-reading. How many are familiar to you? > -
3 Mistakes NOT to Make at the Dog Park
I love dog parks. Nothing burns off a dog’s energy like wrestling and running with a like-minded doggie friend. I’m fortunate in that I have three or four dog parks within easy access of my home, and my dog and I frequent all of them. However, I often see people make what I think are very risky choices at the dog park. Here are three I have seen and why they concern me: > -
No Paw, No Dog
Fresh snow can bring out the zoomies in even the staidest senior dog – until the dreaded ice balls build up between the toes. Hair on the feet traps snow, body heat melts it, and ice balls form. These can be painful for dogs. Long haired dogs seem to be particularly prone to this problem. I find keeping the feet trimmed helps a great deal. > -
Equine Massage: Insurance For Your Horse
Many horse owners purchase an insurance policy to provide monetary coverage for a loss sustained to an equine under certain conditions. They also may buy a policy for coverage on large veterinary bills in the event of an illness to their horse companion, but what if there was a way to purchase a service to help protect your horse from injury, or speed up recovery time on an existing trauma? These are two examples of what massage therapy can provide to your horse. In the following article, I will explain the benefits and importance of equine massage, which plays a critical role in the healthy maintenance of the horse. >