Susanslessons

07/11/2023

06/02/2023

11/14/2022

Ingrid Klimke tells us:
"My father always said, it must be between a genius and a little bit crazy – having a dressage horse who is full of himself, having the personality which really wants to do it. It shouldn’t be a horse that is forced to do it, who has given up thinking, I want a horse who knows, oh the piaffe is coming and I am ready for it, I’m waiting for it, when can I do the transition. When can I start my one tempis, they are coming. The horse should think too. That is why the blood horses, the little bit hotter, more sensitive horses – I choose them for dressage. It is similar for eventing, the Thoroughbred horses are waiting for what is coming, ready for the next adventure, they always have the spirit, I want to do something. Let them do it, and give them the confidence.”
https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2016/03/the-classical-principles-live-on-training-with-ingrid-klimke/

11/14/2022

Fun night with good friends painting pottery.

11/13/2022

4 days before Christmas when I was 13 my horse Shiloh's corral flooded and he was knee deep in mud. I called my Instructor and she said you got to get him to a dry place. I told my Dad and he said let's put him in the garage. I said yes ! We got some straw and then told my Mom. She protested but my Dad said yes. Every time he pooped she could smell it , she had a super noise. It was a big house with several doors shut. She was right everytime. Good times. He stayed there for about 10 days. That's my cousin April on his back.

04/11/2022

Hey Carrie Holden-Horner does this look familiar ?

12/28/2021

Maybe this is the place that I should share some wisdom on buying a horse. There are 2 types if sellers, one does it for a living and the other does not. Let's talk about the horse dealer, the one that does it for a living. They don't give a rats ass if the horse is bad and someone can get hurt. Let that sink in. Buyer beware , beware that no matter what they say or how nice they seem it's all a ploy to get you to buy the horse. Alright, you see a horse that peaks your interest from a horse dealer. Please go in to this with eyes wide open . Realize that most of what they are telling you are lies. Research their name , find reviews. Now you are going out to ride the horse. When you get there is the horse already out and saddled ? Red flag. Is the horse warm like it's been exercised? Red flag. Always have someone there ride the horse first. If they say they don't or can't walk away. DO NOT FALL IN LOVE WITH A HORSE. OK so someone rides the horse and it can walk trot and canter both directions, on the correct leads. But is it sound, watch carefully to the rhythm , is it picking up its feet or dragging them? Is there a giant dust storm under their feet. Now you get on, you walk trot and canter both directions, if they start rushing you and telling you to hurry, walk away. If they say someone is coming later to see the horse and you need to make a decision right now , walk away. Keep the horse out for as long as you can, take your time , ask to untack the horse, if they say no, walk away. If it's a gelding and he always is hanging out his p***s he has probably been drugged. OK so everything is good, no Red flags you like the horse. Say thank you , we have one more to look at and will call them later with your decision. Now is the true test, call say you like the horse but want to come out and ride one more time, they say great come tomorrow at 11. I want you there at 9:45. No call, just drive in the driveway. Say you got done early with your first appointment. If they start acting all weird and try to put you off , walk away !! Because the horse was drugged and they have not had time to drug him because you showed up early. OK so they say it's alright that your early, I want you to get that horse out and tack it up and ride it again. Then get a vet check with your Vet , not theirs and get ex rays. Good Luck ! Also please take a friend or Instructor because the more eyes looking around is better.