LaBarre Training Center

I learned a long time ago that Knowledge ends where Violence begins. Or you could easily replace "Knowledge" with "Art" I do not see how we can currently be proud of our riders as artists....Continue reading

Credit to Megan Nicole

Chilly morning- good day to stay in and watch Rolex [yes, I know they changed the name]. https://broadcast.usef.org/coverage/2021lrk3de/

Heavy rain in Ocala & now this in Ky. https://www.facebook.com/100044555524188/videos/200411024996640

Unwavering Purpose

Another show series we'll be at.

Mostly exercises for the OTTB, but can benefit all I love Thoroughbreds, so in my biased opinion, I am convinced that their suitability for dressage is underappreciated in today’s marketplace. Applying the Training Scale...Continue reading

Impulsion is best defined as the channeling and controlled release of the energy in the horse's body which is created by the engagement of the hind legs. A horse that moves with impulsion gives the impression of contained power, with steps that can be described as lively and expressive, while maintaining total relaxation and softness through the body for overall elasticity. Impulsion is the desire to move forward with more energy than is required to just ‘go forward. It’s an ...Continue reading

S.M.A.R.T. goals specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound. Your mind is a powerful tool that can work for you or against you. Much of what goes on in our minds happens unconsciously. Have you considered what you want to be doing with your horse in five years’ time? Or settled on your primary goals for the coming year? Or thought about the progress you want to make before your next riding lesson?...Continue reading

Relaunch @ Fox Quarter farm in Union Bridge, Md June 27. Currently looking for Clinicians and Lecturers'. If you are or if you have a suggestion please contact. Vendors indoor space is limited @ $25. Also, would love to have Pony clubs, 4-H groups, shows circuits and and other local organizations included, please pass along to all of your connections. ... Thanks Ginger See more

Changes of Lead and Flying Change of Lead Definitions Change of Lead Through Trot...Continue reading

HEY LADIES ! The final day of the Grand National 2021 saw history made, as Rachael Blackmore became the first female rider to win the Grand National. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFJixs6FW9o

A lot of you show unrecognized. But, if you show at all you deserve to have knowledge of what is actually happening.

As human beings, we all love being in control. Riders seem to enjoy it even more. But analysis does have a dark side. It can lead to the thinking too much syndrome. Most riders have experienced this trap. You start out with the best of intentions, trying so hard, but then your poor overloaded brain just shuts down on you. You stop riding. You freeze, choke, avoid or get that famous glazed over look your coach hates to see. Why does this happen? What can be done about it? J...Continue reading

- When my instructor repeats me: ' Straighten your shoulders and open your chest!" He doesn't just teach me how to have a good position. It teaches me that in life you always have to walk straight and face problems with your head high. - When my instructor asks me to put my legs down and keep them close to the horse, he teaches me that in life you don't admit distractions and that it takes little to deflect your way. - When my instructor tells me ' Too much hands, don't hol...d on to the reins!"-He teaches me how to give and not take, in the utmost respect of others. - When he makes the big voice and repeats me infinitely, "Look forward in the direction you want to go!" He teaches me the importance of setting goals and never losing sight of them. - When I ask to move on or up and my instructor says I'm not ready, he teaches me that in life you always have to stick to your pace and never burn the steps. - When I fall and go back up, I learn that there are always setbacks, moments when we get excited, but the important thing is to get up more determined than before. - If I hold my breath during a recovery and he says jokingly ' breathe! You're purple!" I understand letting emotions flow to get rid of it. - When at the end of the course I'm happy with the work done and my instructor says ' Bravo, thank your teacher ' ' I know he doesn't refer to him but to my horse. - Now you, you who watch a horseman in the saddle, keep saying riding is not a sport because it's the horse that does everything. I agree with you! Riding is not a sport. This is a great life lesson ! Text by Maria Grazia Pispico See more

Timing Rider aids We communicate with a horse by using pressures that suggest the shape, pace, and direction we want the horse to take. Removing a pressure is the horse's "reward." It is the way we communicate to the horse, "Yes! That's right." If your timing is off when you either apply a pressure or remove it, your communication becomes garbled. The horse will not make a clear connection between a particular pressure or passageway of pressures and the response you expect f...Continue reading

Lay a 12-foot ground rail on a flat surface. Walk alongside the rail in four, even three-foot steps several times to memorize what that feels like. The average horse has a 12-foot stride, so this gives you a sense of how much ground your horse will cover in one stride. Maybe this is your scenario; If we understand that a horses canter stride is ideally 12 feet. No one has been able to explain to me a gymnastic line distance of 9-18-21 feet for placement of jumps other than,...Continue reading

Beach [Show season] body Correct utilization of core muscles will make a huge difference to your riding... How many times have you heard your coach telling you to use your core, or riders talking about how core strength is key in sitting the trot or riding over bigger fences with good form? ...Continue reading

Horses like all athletes should have time off to rest and recuperate. Mine are completely let down from their last Fall competition until Jan 1, then brought back into work thoughtfully and carefully. What worked in the 80's during my time with team riders still works today....Continue reading