Photo by Lindsey Kahn
One of the perks of teaching riding lessons is that I can see students of all ages and experience levels fuel their insatiable and – dare I say it? – insane desire to learn everything they can about horses. I was (and still am) in their shoes, and I love sharing information and encouraging discussions on topics from horse breeds to training philosophies to serious health issues. Our lesson horses are excellent teachers themselves: we have the stolid old guys who lack enthusiasm but would carry a child safely through a war zone, as well as a number of more sensitive and athletic critters who help teach quiet aids and proper timing to students with more confidence and experience. It’s rewarding for all when new milestones are achieved, skills are gained, and partnerships are made between horse and rider.
It doesn’t hurt that occasionally, I receive wonderful things like the above drawing from one of my students. It reminds me of my enthusiasm when I attended my first riding lesson at age 5, and how my enthusiasm has only grown over the years.
Events Opening Today: Huntington Farm H.T. (Vermont, A-1), Steepleview Horse Trials (Minnesota, A-4), Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. II (California, A-6), Caber Farm Horse Trial (Washington, A-7), Richland Park H.T. (Michigan, A-8), Colorado Horse Park CCI2/1 & H.T. (Colorado, A-9)
Events Closing Today: Stoneleigh-Burnham Summer H.T. (Massachusetts, A-1), Valinor Farm Summer Horse Trials (Massachusetts, A-1), Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials II (New Jersey, A-2), Event at Rebecca Farm (Montana, A-7), Cobblestone Farms H.T. (Michigan, A-8)
News and Notes:
Could you be the CEO of 2018 WEG? Equine Canada is searching for a CEO of the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Bromont, Quebec. Check out their job listing to see if this could be the job of a lifetime for you! [Equine Canada]
Want to win a Tipperary T2 helmet to call your own? In honor of Riders4Helmets International Helmet Awareness Day, our awesome sponsor Tipperary is giving one of these helmets away! Send us the story of why you #mindyourmelon, every ride every time, along with a photo of you rocking your helmet to [email protected]. Please keep entries to 200 words or less and send them in no later thanMonday, July 14 at 5 pm EST. [Tipperary T2 Helmet Contest]
Cavalor Feed for Thought: Electrolytes are essential minerals that assist in muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, and other important body functions. Electrolytes are lost through sweat, but must be replaced in amounts that balance the horse’s water intake; giving an electrolyte supplement after exercise is the safest and most effective way to replace lost electrolytes. [Feed for Thought]
Florida court orders Chiacchia to wear GPS: Darren Chiacchia, having recently been arrested on an active warrant in New York, has been ordered to wear a GPS monitoring device. His pre-trial detention hearing is scheduled for today at 8:00am. [Rate My Horse Pro]
Best of the Blogs: Boyd Martin shoots an update on his and Silva’s turbulent and eventful year, including plans for his horses that will be representing at WEG. [Boyd and Silva Martin]
Lexington students to learn about equine industry: Equine Career Days will give students in Kentucky’s Summer Youth Employment Program a chance to see various aspects of the horse industry, from training to horse care. I wish I’d had an opportunity like this when I was in school! [Lane Report]
Video of the Day: Watch this adorable pair conquer arena jumps together, and try to suppress the “awws.”
