Strangles!

For the last few days I have been thinking about how to do this blog. This Farm was a huge part of my life, it taught me more then should ever be allotted into four years! When I think back over those four and half years, my head spins. The things I saw from a medical stand point. Well I have seen and done things that some Vet haven't had to handle!
The first thing to understand is this was a riding school that housed between 70 to 100 horses. And taught up to 700 students a week, with up to seven instructors. When I started there where three barn Managers. One head Manager and two Assistants, but with in one year there was only me!
During this time I  had the chance to work very closely with a amazing Vet, Dr Roger Scullin who is like a grandfather to me. He was a great influence on my life. He helped me develpoe my love of all things medical and a deep love for Fox hunting and hounds. He did more for me then words can say, including helping to give John and I an amazing Wedding! But that is a story for another day.
While working at this Stable I had to learn how to deal with a lot of illness and lameness problems on my own, with the help of Dr. Scullin on the phone. We where on a  very tight budget and part of my job was to stay with in our means.
At one point we had a out-break of strangles. We had this little chestnut TB mare, she was as bright as brass and could run! But she had blown out a tendon, so my boss had picked her up cheaply, to see if she could make a lesson horse. My top guy in the barn brought her to me one day and was pointing to her jaw, with out thinking I stuck my hand under her cheeck, and pulled away and hand covered in horrible puss. I stared in shock, my first thought was "No S*&t!!". I called Dr Scullin and said with out even saying hello "Her glands blew, we have strangles!!". The barn was shut down and about 30 horses come down with it. During that time I was moving horses left and right, trying to get the sick away from the healthy while giving shots in the flank. I only got kicked twice! After about two months every thing cleared up and all was well.
 It turned out that little mare was a carrier, when blood titters are pulled on her she would always show positive. As will many other horses that have been exposed to strangles.
I did not go into a real medical details in this post but if you have any questions about  Strangles and what I mean by a carrier, feel free to contact us or your vet.
Stay tuned for stories of maggots coming out of hooves! And what its like to deal with a full blown case of Potomac Fever, and the lose of a healthy horse with in 24 hours!
Sincerely,
Petra

My own Vet school! Coming soon.

Since I spent four and half years at one very large stable. A stable that i was very involved in, I am going to break a very long story into four different posts. I started as a Assistant, then became a Jr. Instructor as well as the Assistant barn Manager. After a very trying time I became the Barn Manager along with teaching 20 hours a week. Later on a become the head instructor, along with me being the barn Manager. During that time I was working seven days a week from 8:00am to 9:00 pm! Talk about burn out!
One thing I do have to say is a learned so much at this Barn. More then most people will ever learn in a life time. From training to Medical care. (ever run a IV Line, or tube a horse your self? I have!)
Tune back on Thrusday for my account of being the Barn Manager for what I like to call my very own hands on Vet school.
Good Night All!
Petra

A intro to a big part of my life!

  After collage I moved to Maryland in order to become a working student. I spent a wonderful year at Bascule Farm, where I started my career in jumping. After deciding that Eventing was not for me I took a Job as a Assistant Barn Manager at a very large Lesson barn, were I went on to serve as Barn Manager and Head Instructor, sometimes at the same time lol.This lesson barn had up to 100 horses at a time and well over five hundred students per week. I learned more about the medical care of horses then most people will learn in a life time. Ranging from out breaks of Strangles, Flue/Rhino and herpes, and diagnosing every lameness known to man!. I also developed teaching skills that included starting a five year old child on there first pony and up to 4ft hunter/jumpers and 3rd level Dressage. Think of about ten years being shoved into four! This was a very important time in my life, a place of many tears and frustration but also joy. Its where I met John! Please stay tuned for my next story!
Sincerely,
Petra

A topical days menu

  Hi, we are having a busy day, and I was hoping Petra was going to make a post about what she calls her science experiment! No not me, even though sometimes I wonder? It has to do with managing 70+ horses for 4 years. I think she will get to it tomorrow, so look forward to it! It will be marvelous! I promise.
  Ok, so back to today. I thought since it is bussy and I don't have something 100% prepared, I would give you a topical days menu for me, and it might inspire you in some way or not lol, but its better than nothing right? Please consult a doctor or nutritionist before making any changes to your diet. I am neither and just sharing what works for me, what you do is your choice.
  I get up and have a vanilla organic yogurt and two glass's of water. feed the dog and put him out, start the laundry,bring leo back in, exercise, facebook. By then Emma Grace is ready to get up, so I get her some milk and give her a few minutes to stretch. I put on some water to boil and when it has begun boiling I add two eggs.Then get Emma Grace and put her in her chair. We share a banana and each have a small glass of apple juice.When the eggs are ready I peal them and we share the whites. I have a very small drink- 3 ounces of coffee and 3 ounces of milk with one spoon of sugar and a glass of water.After breakfast we do the dishes, and then  we might go for a walk or play for a bit.We mix in laundry , necessary phone calls, and other chores throughout the day as best we can.
  Mid mourning snack is usually an apple or orange and some all natural cheese. There is usually roughly 3 hours between when we eat. Lunch varies of course, but a typical one would be a salad, with a small amount of chicken 3-5 ounces,.with balsamic vinaigrette.In the middle of the afternoon I might have some hummus and  carrots or fresh broccoli.I usually give Emma Grace some of everything I am having chopped well enough she can eat it, but I do also give her some servings of healthy age appropriate Gerber foods,.as needed.
  Diner is usually a portion the size of your palm of a protein ( fish, chicken ,beef,lamb ex. local and organic when possible) a vegetable as much as you want, but at-least a palm size portion, and fresh when possible, and a starch the palm size only! Petra and I split yams or have small serving of new potato's or corn ex.
  In the evening we do not always have a desert, but we do have some sweet fruit and maybe some all natural cheese or nuts or a little serving of *potato chips*You have to be careful here! and get the ones that are cooked in Sunflower oil or something similar that is not too bad for you. (read the label) also not too many.
  Well that's about it, for now. I hope this has helped you in some small way.
                                            Sincerely,
                                                              John
***P.S. I usually exercise  a second time in the PM and we do a variety of other things throughout the day. This is life at the moment, it changes, and I hope it will include more riding , teaching and other things- I can do to support my family again soon. Hopefully better than I have in the past.

Geesteren The Netherlands!!!

   Many years ago I was afforded an amazing opportunity to work in Holland. I want to take a moment to share this story briefly.I apologize for bouncing back and fourth through time, but I am a bit eccentric to say the least, so please bear with me. We have some ideas for interesting topics that are from our more resent past, the present, and hopes for the future, they are just still cooking and not quite ready to be offered for you to taste yet!
   Holland is a beautiful yet small county.  But big in intellectual minds, ingenuity, and heart !!! The people are very warm, generous and kind.They have Fantastic beaches. They grow stunning flowers. They have an amazing night life and cultural extravaganza.They have marvelous restaurants with everything very fresh and delicious.They also breed raise and train sport horses of the highest quality! Partly due to necessity and partly due to their immense pride they are incredibly efficient, organized, and clean, in every aspect of their culture.They put families first and have excellent social, educational, and environmental systems in place that are always improving.They apply this to the horses as well. The selection of breeding stock is as strict if not the strictest in the world, and the results from the world young horse classes all the way to Hickstead, and Totilas, and the WBF rankings give proof it is working well.
   I guess you can tell I liked it. I even considered making it my home at one point. The horses are fantastic, and horse sports are on TV all the time. The horse competitions are extremely well run and affordable, with great audiences, prize money and sponsorship.When there is a competition the whole town comes, and there are vendors, music, and great competition.
  I worked at a jumper sales farm that was the most active in the country at the time. I was able to ride some amazing horses, most of whom went very well for me. I was able to attend some incredible shows. Everything was done first class. Why did I leave? you ask, well the owner of the farm and I agreed that I had the riding talent needed to ride at the highest levels, and all I needed was time, the horses, and experience. I was too nice and too soft and did not like the quick fixes sometimes they felt were necessary at that barn. I will just leave it at that, but I will also say, I am very thankful for the time I spent there. I learned a great deal.
   What was the most amazing thing I saw? An international rider from Canada was trying a young potential GP horse and went through a one stride vertical to oxer at the top of the standards, and was still not sure they were ready to pay the incredible top price for the horse. So another fantastic young rider Michael and I were told to pick up the standards- holding up the back  rail of the oxer to our knees! We did which made it well over 2 meters or well over 7 feet!!! The horses jumped it cleanly and the rider shouted SOLD! on they way down.
   What was the biggest realization for me jumping 2 meters on a horse I had never ridden before and realizing how much the sport is about horse power, and there is probably a lot of truth to the saying "a great horse with a good rider- will always beat a great rider on a good horse"
   What did I like best? The people I am only sorry I have not been able to stay in touch with Michael and so many other truly marvelous, fascinating, and kind people I worked with and was fortunate enough to meet!
  I hope this has helped you in some small way.
                                                              Sincerely,
                                                                              John
P.S. Am I Dutch? well yes and no. If you go back in my family tree you will find Dutch, German, English, French, Irish, Scottish, and possibly a few other origins that can't be verified, BUT I was BORN in the USA so in the end I am an American first, but also a citizen of the planet earth who hopes to find a way to get along and live peacefully with everyone! I hope you can respect that even if you don't agree with it!

The Challenge of Trading Places

  Many times in life we need to be willing to trade places with others. I am doing it again, in one of my favorite ways. Petra has started a new position, and I am taking care of Emma and things at home.I have done this before and I want to talk about the challenges it poses for me and the rewards.
  The challenges, the biggest one has to be being apart. Petra and I are extremely close. I value her opinion on everything. I take great joy in sharing life's experiences with her, laughing at the funny stuff, asking her what she thinks about this horse or that ride, or something like- what shall we have for dinner or  holding hands.
 I feel we work best together but this isn't always possible. When I am working it is a little easier,because I am being kept busy by people and tasks. I still miss her input on everything. She has a unique take on things, which I love, even when we don't always agree.I just love doing things with her no, matter what it is. It is hard to put into words, but if I can't be with her, it is easier to be busy.
  When she is working and I am home its harder in many ways, but not the ones you might think. I don't mind the house work, even cleaning the bathroom. This is partly due to the fact that Petra is very appreciative of my efforts and very rarely critical.Also I find it easier and get joy from doing something that I know will make someone else happy, than I do from doing something for my benefit. I am working on that. Examples like making time to study, work out, or get something I truly need to make my work better.
  Taking care of children is both a challenge and a joy. On the one hand you have to keep them fed, clean, happy, and safe! On the other it is fantastic to watch them grow and learn and laugh! I have been fortunate to have had a lot of time with all three of my kids when they were very young. I must admit, that is one of my greatest challenges now is that I am far away from Grant and Joshua.I mis that time. Not being able to be there for their games, other competitions, boy scouts and ever changing activities is very hard. I just try and be thankful for the time I can be with them, and hope they know how badly I wish I was there always. I really try and make the time I do get count. This has also motivated me to be sure and put things aside for Emma Grace, because they grow up so fast. So I just sit and play or read or walk with her whenever I can. I try focus on how lucky I am to have her in my life, and that she is only this age once. Which is true for all of us everyday!!! WE ONLY GET TO LIVE TODAY ONCE, SO HOW DO YOU WANT TO LIVE IT? That is really the big question, don't you think?
  I hope this has helped you in some small way.
                                                        Sincerely,
                                                                          John

My continued search for a balanced life

   I want to tell a story with a few metaphors about how sometimes people can offer us opportunities and knowledge and yet knowing how to take advantage of this can be hard and complicated.
 I once worked for a very wealthy man. He made his fortune in real estate, banking, and hospitality.He is now diseased so I will call him Mr. B since he is not around to put in his words.We were sitting at a bar alone in a restaurant I was helping run for him and discussing the meaning of life so to speak. Things like turning lemons into lemonade ex. He had 10 small business that were separate from his big ones and he wanted to train me to be able to take them over upon his death, which was very faltering. His reasoning was everyone liked me, I was eager, and I looked like his favorite dead uncle! He told me everything that would happen over the next 8 years as far as the economy, and he was 100% right. I feel stupid I did not find a way to use this knowledge to do some good. He told me how everything in life was like a bell cure, and some people made money when things were on the way up, and others when things were down, but a few really smart people knew how to shift and change with the times and make money all the time.I turned him down, because I was working 7 days a week already, and I  hardly saw my family, and everyone who dedicated themselves to him while financially successful, were unhappy from what I could see as people. I also was not making enough to keep my farm, which I did have to sell anyway.
  I feel badly I didn't get to say goodbye to him though. He was a good guy and only wanted to teach people what he thought would work for them. He had four wives, many children, and grand children who I hope benefited from his hard work, and are using what he left them to make a positive impact on the world he so dearly loved. He told me how he loves them all very much and worried about them all them time. He felt badly when ever he couldn't be there for something that was important to them or he disappointed them in some way, but he also fealt very blessed to have had the life he had.
  For me I would like to use a riding metaphor to illustrate this concept I am still trying to apply to my life, to help achieve my goals. When jumping the landing and strides after a jump are just as important as the approach and take off, and technique while airborne, because there may be another fence to jump and if the course is over you want to be sound and in good health to face the next course. The same principle could be applied to dressage just replace the jump with a movement!
  I am still trying to create the life I hope for myself and those I love. I also feel horrible when I can't be there for any of them in any way and any time I disappoint them in any way.I am thankful for the chance to try and the life I have had even though I have failed many times. I have succeeded a few,and its NOT OVER!!!
***THANK YOU MR B!!! YOU ARE MISSED AND REMEMBERED!!!
  I hope this has helped you in some small way.
                                                                 Sincerely,
                                                                                   John
P.S If I can help you in any way, please let me know,and I will try to do what I can.

Continueing My Exercise Journey!!!

I tried some of the things I talked about before and a few new ones that worked well for me. Let me say again you should consult a doctor before starting a new exercise program. I would also like to say I am developing my own program that I hope will not only help me, but others. I am studying personal training concepts put fourth by NASM, but have not completed it yet. (http://www.nasm.com/). The program I am sharing with you is my own design! I have done numerous programs over the years and the best ones for me were Body For Life http://bodyforlife.com and the power half hour, p90, and p90x which can all be found at http://www.beachbody.com,and the www.gaiam.com yoga series I still use BUT none were quite perfect. Especially for riding, I need something that is even better so I am going to make it. All of the ones I have mentioned are good. But I must say there nutrional porgams were good and bad. The good are the portions and regularity and all natural organic menu. The bad for me was the nutritional supplements and bars,  they gave me all kinds of problems with digestion, sleep, and emotions. Remember I said me. I can only speak for myself, but remember this does not mean they won't work for someone else! We are all different.
Onto what I learned today. I want to take as few a breaks as possible, but as many as necessary, because I want to be as cardio fit as possible, and have my workouts take as little of my time as they can while getting the best results.  Its very important to be able to be able to keep going as long as you need with ease.With all that in mind I came up with three things that can be used in an unlimited number of ways. One use one arm or leg at a time and go form a set on the left than the right doing the same exercise and back again without any breaks. Number Two do three or four exercises for the same muscle group-one set doing max reps each-with no breaks. Number Three go back and fourth between two complimentary muscle groups with no breaks-a set of curls for your biceps and Triceps extensions for your triceps . Important Note I am always using fairly light weights doing high reps of every exercise never less then 11, while focus on good form. I want my program to work while keeping it as pain free as possible.
  My workout went FANTASTIC! I hope sharing this journey of mine searching for the best program I can creat helps you in some small way.
                                                         Sincerely,
                                                                         John

Florida!!!

 The Florida circuit is a very important part of our equestrian culture. Riders from not only the entire US, but the world come to compete and buy or sell horses!
  Many years ago I was very fortunate to have worked for two of the worlds top warmblood breeding farms Catherston Stud http://www.catherstonstud.com/history.php, and Irons Spring Farm http://www.ironspringfarm.com/. While at Catherston Stud I bought a wonderful young horse Deep Decision (Ivor) by Dutch Courage Jennies Olympic Bronze Medal horse( one of her 5 olympics representing Great Britain!), and brought him home, to the USA with me. I had him at Iron Spring and wanted to show him. Mary Alice was very nice and allowed me to go to Florida with Tod Flettrich .She was taking lessons from Jessica Ransenhousen  two time Olympian and the USA's Chef d'Equipe at the time,and Tod was her assistant trainer and had his own string of horses in training. It was a tremendous privilege and honor or which I am eternally thankful for- to all of them.
  We had a great time, and I learned so much. Tod and I watched numerous FEI trainers, to learn everything we could. He gave me a great deal of his time helping me with my horse.I learned a great deal from Tod, but I am sure only a small portion of what he has to share.
   Three things I would like to highlight about this trip that became clear to me.
  One the horse business is very hard even for our team riders. I am not just talking about the hard work and long days, but the financial end.Which is a subject that could fill several books, and I wish our top trainers and farms would share appropriate information, so we could all have a more realistic picture of the business and do a better job sustaining our wonderful sport.
  Two we need to find ways to show more people what we are doing, so they can enjoy it too. This will help us gain participants, sponsors, and grow the sport. We have to make what we do understandable and fun to watch, for this to be successful.
  Three Tod was getting help from many time Olympian (6or7) and Canada's current coach Robert Dover who was very gracious and spoke a great deal with me while I stood by the ring and watched. While there where numerous trainers who impressed me, Robert system was very clear and fair. I also believe learn-able! What do I mean by learn-able? Some trainers use styles that are so difficult for the riders and horses, that while it works out for them 98% of the riders make a bigger mess when they try and copy them, than they do good. Robert's way is simple to understand and fair to both horse and rider and by the book! (UDSF instructors manual) This was very inspiring for me!You can get some of this inspiration by going to http://doversworld.com and/or by tuning into his radio program nightly at 6 pm EST .
  I could go on and on about this amazing trip, but I am going to stop for now. I hope this has helped you in some small way.
                                                   Sincerely,
                                                                     John

A Quick Easy Healthy Inexpensive Meal!

Last nights dinner worked out well, so I thought I would share it. I took one large Yam and rubbed some olive oil on it and put it in tin foil, and put in in the oven at 375. Then I put some chicken in some Stub's original BBQ sauce in a baking dish and stuck it in the fridge will I continued to prepare the rest. I took one large head of fresh broccoli and  rinsed it off then chopped it and put it in a pot of cool water. Then I set the table and did a few other little things took out the trash ex. Once 30 min had gone buy I put the chicken in with the Yam. After another 30 minutes I flipped the chicken and added a little BBQ sauce, and put the broccoli on high until it boiled and then turned it back to medium. I checked some things on the computer and 15 minutes later I served dinner! This was enough for Petra Emma Grace and I. I did also use  small amount if organic real butter and sea salt for flavor on the yam and broccoli.
 Later in the evening I served small bowls of Haagen Dazs Vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries.
 If you try it I hope you enjoy it we did.
                                                      Sincerely,
                                                                    John

OK, A Few Necessary Refinements To The Workout!!!

 I tried the lifting portion of my workout program and decided it needed some tweaks.Here are my notes about what I am changing and also what equipment I currently use.
* 3 sets of each exercise is enough, except the muscle group I am highlighting and ab/core work is its own thing.(I will explain  ab/core later)
* between sets if I don't have an equipment change it is probably a good idea to take a moment to catch my breath, if I nee too.. About 30 seconds should be enough.
* I don't need to change the weight every set, only when it seems to make sense.
* It is a good idea to highlight a different muscle group each workout by doing 3 different exercises just for that group of muscles and or super sets.
*I only use dumb bells and push up bars ( I like the Perfect Push-up by Body Rev because they can swivel) I use dumb bells to stay as ambidextrous as possible!
* For my ab/core work I do a variety of exercises and change it up a lot. Sometimes I only do one set of each with as many reps as I can , one exercise after another for the last 3-5 minutes.
* I start with the biggest muscles and go to the smallest with my exercises- back-shoulder-chest-trice;ts,biceps-for-arms and the same with my legs.
* It may take a little longer some days and in the beginning as I am still getting fit so I need to go a little slower than I will in 3 weeks.
* I do not need to and should not feel much pain for this to work. Fatigue yes a little soar yes real pain no.
* The goals FIT-LEAN-SUPPLE!!!
I hope by sharing this it has helped you in some small way.
                                                    Sincerely,
                                                                  John

My next step!

Ok its been 3 weeks and time to take the next step in my exercise program. Please, remember I am sharing what works for me, and you should consult a Doctor before trying a new exercise program.
So there are going to be three parts now.
 *Part one- walking/running everyday, now that I have added things to the program, I am going with once a day for 18 minutes, keeping a good pace.. I stretch before and after as needed. Most days I walk briskly, and only run once or twice a week at this point.
**Part two - yoga 3 days a week- upper body once, lower body once, and abs once. I will mix up the workouts and do more difficult ones as the program progress's, but for now I am sticking with the same 3 for another 3 weeks.
 ***Part three- lifting light weights actively 3 days a week for 18 minutes..Ok, here's the new part. I am warming up with running in place, jumping jacks, knee raises ex. for 3 minutes then I am stretching for 6 minutes ,  then lifting for 18 minutes, and finally stretching and cooling down for 3 minutes or as much as necessary. Then I lift, I am using a weight I can do 11- 30 rep's on each exercise at least. I am not taking a break between exercises except to take a sip of water as needed. I am keeping a good steady pace and rhythm.I do at least one exercise per muscle group, and 4 sets with the weight increasing a little each set. I never use so much weight that I can't keep good form. Keeping good form is VERY important. I also like to go at a pace were I can count 1-2-3 on the extension then hold for a 1-1,000 and a count of 1-2-3 on the way back, steady smooth and controlled at all times. I do different exercises each workout. I find this style makes me be more well balanced strength and have less soreness, and I mentally more positively aware.
 I am not trying to be BIG, instead I am going for healthy, lean, and fit! This routine will continue to evolve, but this is what I will do for the next 3 weeks.
  Finally a week looks like this yoga Monday-Wednesday-Friday usually in the AM. Lifting on Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday also usually in the AM. Walking everyday usually in the evening.
  I hope by sharing this it helps you in some small way.
                                                    Sincerely,
                                                                    John

The difference the acceptance and friendship we offer can make!!!

  Some times this happens when you least expect it! I would like to tell you a story about how one person's friendship and acceptance impacted my life tremendously! I believe we all are capable of helping others this way. First I would like to say by acceptance I do NOT mean condoning or supporting bad behavior, which leaves a lot of gray area I know! Rather when I made a mistake this friend for example would tell me, but I always knew they still cared and were acting with love and friendship.
  I am not going to bore you with too many details or mention their name, because they now how thankful I am and they don't like to flaunt their good deeds. They, as I do, believe instead that good deeds should be done solely because they are the right thing to do, and not because of what they might gain.At the end I will give you a few hints though.
  I was living in Newport Beach California in 1986 with my brother and I had almost lost hope of keeping horses a part of my life. Someone who heard I liked them told me about a barn that was looking for an assistant trainer so I went and checked it out. The trainer there said I must have been from the East Coast my equitation was so good and said I should see someone at the Orange County Fairgrounds for a position, so off I went. The first trainer I met with didn't even see me ride and only needed stable help, but he referred me to another couple who were also running a lesson business there.They did see me ride and offered to have me teach some beginner lessons in exchange for lessons and possibly a little pay. After a short time the young woman I was supposed to be replacing decided to stay which meant while they wanted me to stay they could not afford to pay me. I understood this happens in the horse business, but I was unable to continue without pay. I was very frustrated. Then my father had his first heart attack and was told he had Cardiomyopathy which is a heart condition that his doctors felt along with other factors only give him a short time to live. Their best guess was 2 years, he lived 4 1/2 and if you have been following our blog you have already read about his last day. Upon hearing this news I decided to move back to Monkton, Maryland, my parents home.
  I was reading The Chronicle of the Horse and there was an ad for a working student position with an FEI Grand Prix Dressage trainer as a working student in Monkton! I thought wow this might be great! I had never ridden a Dressage test, but thought this might be fate telling me something. So I gave it a try. My dad went into a special program at Johns Hopkins where they were doing research on new medications for his disease and he was doing well.
  The horses were amazing and the trainer a very gifted and knowledgeable rider, but the day to day atmosphere was very negative. They were always yelling 24/7 about everything, and with everyone, even family. They must have been very unhappy about something? One day someone was coming to see a horse for sale. I was told they were very important. I had no idea how important they would be to my future as a rider and a person. It was a man who was a vet and a husband of an Olympic Dressage rider and Trainer. A working student of him and his wife's accompanied  him... I was asked to ride the horse a little. It was embarrassing for me, because the trainer put the horse in long side reins. I felt I could have ridden the horse perfectly well without the reins, but no one seemed to care and our esteemed visitors were quite complimentary, and they stayed for lunch.I was quite taken with the positive energy the working student had. I had never met someone who brightened up every thing in this way. After they left I got in touch with the working student I asked her a million questions. We quickly became friends and she helped me decide to go to Westmoreland Davis Equestrian Institute and helped open numerous doors for me, but most of all she offered a rare friendship, acceptance, and emotional support. The mere sound of her voice ignites a warm and wonderful fire in me to this day, and the belief that you never know what each day may bring. What seems impossible just may be possible! She married another great friend of mine who has a quieter more relaxed demeanor, but is also very special in this same way. If you haven't guessed who I am referring I give these 3 hints. She was a young rider national champion, she won the AHSA now USEF Sports person of the year award as a junior! (an award given for good sportsmanship!) and her Birthday was yesterday!!!
   If she reads this I do want to say one million times Thank You for all you have done for me and just being you!!!
  I hope this has brightened your day and helped you in some small way.
                                                                      Sincerely,
                                                                                       John

My thoughts on correctly starting young horses!!!

  A three old horse is sent to me for training. He was well handled as a foal and does not just like people, but looks for them. He wanted our attention, waiting for us to spend time with him. For generations this animal has been bred to be our willing partner. He has also been bred to be a outstanding athlete. His breeder many even have dreams of him being some ones Olympic partner in one of the eight equestrian disciplines. 
  The horses first few years under saddle are a very critical time period. The trainer will help shape for kind of riding horse you will have as the horses career advances. As I trainer I take this very seriously. To be able to mold a talented young horse is a gift and privilege. For me this is the first thing that all trainers need to remember when dealing with a young horse. Keeping the horse first is always a priority, and its intended purpose. For example event horses are taught to go through water were jumpers are taught. to jump even the widest water obstacle.
  Horsemanship  in a form that can be applied today has been around since 400BC. And has evolved as our needs for the horse has changed. We no longer need a War Horse,or a plow horse or one to take us to town but a athletic  partner and a friend. As well has training has evolved so have our horses. A Dressage horse from thirty years ago is a different animal then is being produced today. At the heart of matter remains the simple fact that our civilizations would not be the same with out the horse. They deserve our respect and compassion when concerning any thing we ask of them. 
   The first horse I started was a bay Arabian gelding named Josiah. I started working with him when he not one year old. I was no more then 14, with out any real time under my belt starting horses. That horse and had bond that went beyond words. He would do any thing for me, he was my little War Horse. I could free longe him in a open field, send him off in a canter and then call him back. He laid down on command, bowed and would do Spanish walk. Because of his up bringing and our relationship the first day I sat on his back. He acted liked I had been up there all a long. Its rare but that first day we walked, trotted and cantered with in 25 minute session. A few months later I was riding him briddless and bareback.
   Know that I am a professional in the Horse industry my goals are very different. My main focuss is on FEI Dressage and Foxhunting. Most horses I do not teach such things because I do feel that it can interfere with there progressive training, and is not necessary in the training of a show horse or field hunter. But that relationship I had with that little Arab is always in my mind, and I try to transfer that to all the horses I work with. This thought process has helped me build some amazing bonds with my horses. I have had some amazing times in the Hunt field with a big Irish Sport horse that often gave people a wild ride. Now he is the Huntsmen top horse, and is as steady as a Mountain.
    The moral of the story is take care how you start your horse, or who you send him to. A real trainer does not use force or gadgets, nor do theny considering flipping or tieing a horse or are naive enough to think it can be done in a session or two, Or that it is ok to work a young horse at this stage for longer 45 minutes or turn the process into some sort of competition.

   We have many national associations with which we can look for guidance The USEF, USDF, USHJA, USEA, FN, BHSI, and many more. Great Schools of riding like Hanover, Samuer , The Spainish Riding School of Viena, and many more offer excellent examples.
                                             Sincerely,
                                                               Petra