Equitation

"They did not know who we were. They did not know that we were horseboys. That we looked for hazard through the large, dark eyes of horses. That we scented the earth and the wind that moved acorss the earth, with wide, open nostrils. That we felt the gravity in river water against our legs and stomachs, that our feet became hooves that skated for balance on the round and moss-covered rocks of streambeds. They did not know that we nibbled at the world with blunt, soft lips."
(Mark Spragg, from "Where Rivers Change Direction)

First about me, then, links and book suggestions:

It is odd to be a biologist running around the west, and an equestrian. Most people tell me so. Quite surprised that my horse comes with me at all times. But he is my companion, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I have been riding since I was 10. For the most part, I am riding dressage (though I don't show), and currently am working on second level. I taught balanced seat equitation for three years at Serendipity stable in Salt Lake City, and also spent a lot of time trail riding (Joshua Tree NP, Olympic NP, the Sierras, wherever we are, we trail ride).

I own a 14 year old Appendix Quarter horse, named Charger He's 16.2 hands, sorrel, and the most curious, playful horse I have found. He frequently gives me that innocent "Oh, you mean you wanted me to leave all the hoses, buckets, halters, chairs, and leadropes where they were?"

Halloween - pictures from the Indian Hills halloween costume contest.

Summer Fun - pictures from some jumping and the 4th of July parade.

Babe was my first horse

Show Report from 1998.
We have had a few more shows,. . .but I am not partial to them (nor does my lifestyle, and all of its moving lend to getting into the show circuit).

Organizations:

USDF

USDF-Region 6

Tack:

Dover Saddlery
my favorite. reasonable prices and great overall and English selection

Stateline Tack
High prices, decent selection

SS Tack
better prices, lower selection

Tack in the Box
I've no experience, but they come well recomended.

Dressage Extension
No more wading through western pleasure,. . . .and they have a nice selection of videos.

Libertyville English

Stables:

I have been working up and down the West Coast. These are some of the stables I have stayed or worked at. Each have their advantages, and if you have any questions, I’ll tell you what I can. In addition, I can also recommend some places to stopover along the west (number one suggestion is to look for fairgrounds and call them. They are often cheap and allow stopovers).

Blue Chip Farms
Tedi is a very good and respected trainer, Maria is awesome, and the facilities are quality and the horses well taken care of (I should know, I was a stable hand the winter/spring of 2001)

Indian Hills Ranch
Love it here. Can access an extensive trail system, there's a full size indoor arena, an outdoor arena, and another small dressage arena on the way. It's huge, so there is always someone to talk horse with.

Osierlea
This is where J. Ashton Moore teaches from, and I'm currently training with him once a month. I personally think he's a great instructor.

Vaccinations & West Nile Virus

(links sent to me from a Dr. Wittkopf, a vet friend):

AVMA Principles of Vaccination

Vaccinations?
Vaccination in Animals Testamonials from dozens of veterinarians, about what they are seeing in their own practices, regarding vaccines.

Map of where WNV has spread to.

Natural ways
Using Nutrition, Homeopathy and Aromatherapy to Combat West Nile Virus in Horses by Nancy Stephens

Adverse WNV reactions
West Nile Vaccine - Adverse Reaction, Horse Owner Speaks OutIncludes information on where to report adverse vaccine reactions

Books:

I’m an English minor in college,. . .yet I have a hard time applying horse books to my own riding. None-the-less,. . . here is my book list for horse riders:

“Balanced Seat” (Sally O’Conner)
Everyone recommends this it seems. I find it usefull, but so many trainers have encorporated it into their teachings, that I actually have never finished reading it,. . .having been taught so much of it that there are few new ideas for me.

“Complete Training of Horse and Rider” (Alois Podhajsky)
My number one recommendation. Explains how to train a young horse, and how to ride - basic riding and then up into dressage. If you’re new,. . .it may be too technical. Otherwise, I’d get it. I keep rereading it as I go along and as I don’t have a regular trainer, this is my reminder on what on earth I’m doing out there.

“That Winning Feeling” (Jane Savoy)
If you’re timid about showing (that’s me),. . .or about riding, . . .get this book. More than that, so many people are focusing (nicely I might add) on getting into the horses mind, but how many books help you learn how to use your own mind for riding??

“Of Women and Horses” (Gwani Pony Boy)
My best suggestion for your coffe table book. Exquisite artwork, thought provoking essays.

“Where Rivers Change Directions” (Mark Spragg)
So, when we’re done reading the Black Stallion and our childhood horse stories,. . .where to we go for real horse books? This has been one of the best I’ve read, and it’s nonfiction. A collection of essays about Marks’ life growing up on a dude ranch near Yellowstone. Not for the squeemish,. . .but for the real horse people, you will find yourself in its pages.

Last updated November 11, 2005. Back to my homepage