Fun dressage outing with TWO indoors to stay out of the cold! Flexible scheduling possible, so let us know if you have to be done by a certain time (or need to start at a certain time!)
JAN 26th: We have ONE private 45 min lesson spot still available. Signup on StriderPro if you're ready to up your skills with a talented instructor who can bring out the best in you and your horse! ... See MoreSee Less
Join Lillian Heard Wood, one of US Eventing’s most sought after instructors is coming to Bascule Farm for a one day clinic. Lillian has completed competitions throughout the US and Europe at all lev...
Saturday Dressage Show: we are watching the forecast and will make a go-no go decision by Thursday! Watch the forecast and your emails! ... See MoreSee Less
Never forget we want Happy Horses…A RECAP ON AACHEN 1995. THE BEGINING OF THE SLIPPERY SLOPE TO WHERE WE ARE AT NOW. Susan’s Interview with Dr. Reiner Klimke At the Aachen CHIO July 1995 Susan: I was watching you as you schooled Biotop in the indoor arena this morning, and it was wonderful. I noticed you were working him in a fat snaffle, and I wondered if you could talk about the importance of working in the snaffle for upper level horses. Klimke: I ride at home only once a week on the double bridle. Susan: Do you mean for most of your Grand Prix horses, or for this one especially? Klimke: All. I want to have them very light in my hand. It is easier when they are really "through", and they take the bit and take your hands. Then they are not afraid to come out to the double bridle. Susan: Biotop seems to be very "out" to the bridle--there is not a lot of overflexing. Klimke: And when he goes in extensions, the neck and frame extend too. And yet there are horses who make their extensions with overflexed necks and they score just as well... Susan: Can you explain that? Klimke: Well, when I tell you this, I don't want to sound jealous, but I live for classical riding. Classical riding means that the horse must go: that is, the energy must come through and the horse reaches forward. But the judges don't always mark accordingly. I don't mind; I know what is right. I have been in this sport for nearly 40 years. Susan: I also saw today that you were doing a lot of work on the basic paces, and simple transitions. Klimke: Yes. The horse must go forward and he must be happy. If the horse is happy and he trusts you, then you can teach him. If you punish him, that is wrong. Susan: They never forget. Is there any place for punishment in riding? Klimke: I hate to punish a horse. It must not be. It can happen to anybody. Sometimes you lose your patience, you try to make the horse a slave. But it is not right. Sometimes you see riders blowing up, even here, with top riders. I say to myself, "Poor horse, I wouldn't like to be in your stable." Susan: Why does it happen? A lot of these riders will teach and talk about riding classically, and mean to do it, but then it is different here. Is it the pressure? Klimke: I think everybody wants to win. Perhaps they think if they make a horse tired it will be submissive. Sometimes it may work, but if you really look you can see what is wrong. Some judges don't have a really good eye, and they judge by punishing mistakes, like too many or too few strides in a pirouette, for example. Susan: Too much counting and not enough... Klimke: Yes. The principle is: how is the walk, how is the trot, how is the canter, how is the acceptance of the bridle, how does the back work--all of these things. And in addition, the figures. But they deduct too much if a figure is not 100% okay. You see? If you make a pirouette and the horse really uses his hindquarters, and maybe the pirouette is a little big, you should not be given a 5. Susan: That's a little extreme. Klimke: Yes. It can be at least a 6, can also be a 7, when the horse really canters classically. Even if the circle was too large, remember that you must deduct from 10. The judge must be able to see the main achievement of a horse and rider, in a movement. Susan: This brings up another question, and that is--there are some amazing equine athletes here, and some of them get a lot of points because of that. Where are the places in the Grand Prix test where the talent can't cover up the problems with the training? Klimke: I look only at the way that the horse moves, in all three gaits. He must come from behind, with a swinging back. The head and neck must seek the bit. I hate it if the horse comes behind the vertical and stays there. When the horse is really "through", you must be able to open and close the frame, and keep him reaching into the bit. And right now, in the judging, in my opinion, this doesn't count for enough. But sooner or later, good riding will be rewarded. You must not lose your patience, you see. And don't give up. Susan: I know that an international horse must have talent for piaffe and passage. At what point in a horse's life can you tell if that talent is there? Can you tell at the very beginning of training? Klimke: No. But when you can easily do transitions with the horse--when he shows the ability to sit back--and the half halts go through, I like to see that. And there must be the desire to do the piaffe. Susan: Whose riding do you admire? Klimke: Right now? Susan: Past or present--anybody. Klimke: Okay. Nicole in her best time was very good. Of course, now her horse (Rembrant) is 18. But look back to Stockholm (World Equestrian Games, 1990) or Barcelona (Olympics, 1992). It was just the right, wonderful picture. Nice hands. Coming to nearly invisible aids. There are some other riders who are very good in a test--it is fantastic. And when you see the same person training...well if somebody else would do this, then the vet would probably say, "Come on, not here." But they laugh and say, "So what. We're winning." Riders who ride for medals must try to be an example for classical riding. It is their duty. You cannot talk one way and ride another. Either you talk as you ride, or you explain why you don't. Susan: Do you allow people to watch you school your horses at home? Klimke: Absolutely. I have nothing to hide. I have seen riders make a fuss about spectators being allowed to watch the schooling at the World Cup Finals. This is wrong. The best thing for the horse is the open door. Susan: What's wonderful is that you have demonstrated that classical riding can win. Klimke: And I will not stay away from it. ... See MoreSee Less
When clients come help the crew on holidays, it’s way more fun! Thank you Adrienne, Martin, Mom, Miles and Mary for coming in to help us finish in half the time! Merry Christmas! 📸 Bella and Snoop (the new viral equestrian!) ... See MoreSee Less
Why you MUST snap everything INWARDS!A very important reminder courtesy of the horse doctors at Miamitown Equine Veterinary Services:
"When securing blankets, make sure that the snaps/clips are facing inward, toward the horse! If they are facing out, they can easily become stuck on something, like the hay net in the picture." ... See MoreSee Less
There’s no short cut to the Doing of it. No one gets there from watching, listening and dreaming. Action is always required. Let the kids struggle and figure it out…it’s the only way to build self sufficiency. Our trainers are guides, and the head of your positive support team!It’s so easy to talk about the lack of horsemanship stemming from the suburban sprawl that puts young riders miles away from actually spending hours dealing with horses . It is also easy to complain about how those same non-horsemen have poor riding skills, also because of the suburbia that didn’t allow them to grow up spending the necessary hours wandering around the countryside learning what it feels like to be sitting on a moving horse.
Those are realities, and they are not likely to change, and will probably intensify as population grows.
Complaining won’t make someone into a horseman/horsewoman, and it won’t make that person learn how to ride better. But neither will pretending that someone can be a good horse person or a good rider without spending LOTS of time both dealing with horses and riding horses, because that strategy isn’t working either. It needs to be told like it is.
"It" being the unvarnished, unpopular truth that the horse magazines avoid, the horse associations avoid, the horse industry avoids, probably because there is so much money invested in hiding the truth.
And what is that truth?
It is that right now, about to be 2025, it is absolutely possible for someone to become a great horse person and a great rider, just as it was possible in 1955 or in 1855, but the realities haven’t changed one effin iota from back then. The reality is that great horsemen/horsewomen, great riders have spent minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades IMMERSED in dealing with horses and riding horses.
They didn’t wish it. They didn’t hope it. They didn’t dream it. They didn’t fantasize about it. They didn’t have a Black Stallion/Walt Disney mythological concept of horses. They LIVED it. They DID it. They roderoderode, and they took care of the ponies and horses they had riddenriddenridden, and suddenly---not suddenly at all---they were horse people and horse riders.
Meanwhile the wishers and hopers and dreamers who did NOT spend the care time and the riding time remained less adept. IT-IS-THAT-SIMPLE. And all the denial in the world won’t make it different. There are a hell of a lot of Egyptians out there. They live in DE NILE.
(It will be interesting to see if this post gets shared) ... See MoreSee Less
Mystic Marvel is a stunning black gelding standing 16.3hh. Marvel was born in 2020 and is almost 5 years old. Sired by Herald 111 out of a Soprano mare. He has an incredible talent with quality to win on the international stage. Marvel is a complete package with super movement, jump and trainable character. He is very brave XC and is perfect to hack out with company or alone. He would suit professional who wants to go up the levels and be in the top of the leaderboard or amateur who also likes to win. Priced mid 5s Located Unionville PA Contact Ryan 📞 6108361011
We are having another Schooling Dressage Show on February 8th! Come inside with us and have some fun! ENTRIES OPEN! ... See MoreSee Less
Feb 8 Indoor Dressage Schooling Show
www.striderpro.com
Fun dressage outing with TWO indoors to stay out of the cold! Flexible scheduling possible, so let us know if you have to be done by a certain time (or need to start at a certain time!)1 CommentComment on Facebook
Who will be the judge this show? !
JAN 26th: We have ONE private 45 min lesson spot still available. Signup on StriderPro if you're ready to up your skills with a talented instructor who can bring out the best in you and your horse! ... See MoreSee Less
LILLIAN HEARD WOOD Clinic - 5 STAR RIDER is a wonderful teacher! Come join in the fun & learn a ton!
www.striderpro.com
Join Lillian Heard Wood, one of US Eventing’s most sought after instructors is coming to Bascule Farm for a one day clinic. Lillian has completed competitions throughout the US and Europe at all lev...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Almost 100% applicable…another day that proves our staff is amazing! ... See MoreSee Less
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.2 CommentsComment on Facebook
I wish mine would close! 😂
We dearly love and appreciate all caregivers ❤️❤️
Please join us virtually for AHS's annual membership meeting Saturday February 22nd at 12 PM ET. More information available here: hanoverian.org/annual-meeting/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Saturday Dressage Show: we are watching the forecast and will make a go-no go decision by Thursday! Watch the forecast and your emails! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Holly is selling their 15.75 seat jump saddle! Great price if anyone in the barn is looking to have their own!
Pessoa Jump Saddle ... See MoreSee Less
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Never forget we want Happy Horses…A RECAP ON AACHEN 1995. THE BEGINING OF THE SLIPPERY SLOPE TO WHERE WE ARE AT NOW.
Susan’s Interview with Dr. Reiner Klimke At the Aachen CHIO
July 1995
Susan: I was watching you as you schooled Biotop in the indoor arena this morning, and it was wonderful. I noticed you were working him in a fat snaffle, and I wondered if you could talk about the importance of working in the snaffle for upper level horses.
Klimke: I ride at home only once a week on the double bridle.
Susan: Do you mean for most of your Grand Prix horses, or for this one especially?
Klimke: All. I want to have them very light in my hand. It is easier when they are really "through", and they take the bit and take your hands. Then they are not afraid to come out to the double bridle.
Susan: Biotop seems to be very "out" to the bridle--there is not a lot of overflexing. Klimke: And when he goes in extensions, the neck and frame extend too. And yet there are
horses who make their extensions with overflexed necks and they score just as well... Susan: Can you explain that?
Klimke: Well, when I tell you this, I don't want to sound jealous, but I live for classical riding. Classical riding means that the horse must go: that is, the energy must come through and the horse reaches forward. But the judges don't always mark accordingly. I don't mind; I know what is right. I have been in this sport for nearly 40 years.
Susan: I also saw today that you were doing a lot of work on the basic paces, and simple transitions.
Klimke: Yes. The horse must go forward and he must be happy. If the horse is happy and he trusts you, then you can teach him. If you punish him, that is wrong.
Susan: They never forget. Is there any place for punishment in riding?
Klimke: I hate to punish a horse. It must not be. It can happen to anybody. Sometimes you lose your patience, you try to make the horse a slave. But it is not right. Sometimes you see riders blowing up, even here, with top riders. I say to myself, "Poor horse, I wouldn't like to be in your stable."
Susan: Why does it happen? A lot of these riders will teach and talk about riding classically, and mean to do it, but then it is different here. Is it the pressure?
Klimke: I think everybody wants to win. Perhaps they think if they make a horse tired it will be submissive. Sometimes it may work, but if you really look you can see what is wrong. Some judges don't have a really good eye, and they judge by punishing mistakes, like too many or too few strides in a pirouette, for example.
Susan: Too much counting and not enough...
Klimke: Yes. The principle is: how is the walk, how is the trot, how is the canter, how is the acceptance of the bridle, how does the back work--all of these things. And in addition, the figures. But they deduct too much if a figure is not 100% okay. You see? If you make a pirouette and the horse really uses his hindquarters, and maybe the pirouette is a little big, you should not be given a 5.
Susan: That's a little extreme.
Klimke: Yes. It can be at least a 6, can also be a 7, when the horse really canters classically. Even if the circle was too large, remember that you must deduct from 10. The judge must be able to see the main achievement of a horse and rider, in a movement.
Susan: This brings up another question, and that is--there are some amazing equine athletes here, and some of them get a lot of points because of that. Where are the places in the Grand Prix test where the talent can't cover up the problems with the training?
Klimke: I look only at the way that the horse moves, in all three gaits. He must come from behind, with a swinging back. The head and neck must seek the bit. I hate it if the horse comes behind the vertical and stays there. When the horse is really "through", you must be able to open and close the frame, and keep him reaching into the bit. And right now, in the judging, in my opinion, this doesn't count for enough. But sooner or later, good riding will be rewarded. You must not lose your patience, you see. And don't give up.
Susan: I know that an international horse must have talent for piaffe and passage. At what point in a horse's life can you tell if that talent is there? Can you tell at the very beginning of training?
Klimke: No. But when you can easily do transitions with the horse--when he shows the ability to sit back--and the half halts go through, I like to see that. And there must be the desire to do the piaffe.
Susan: Whose riding do you admire? Klimke: Right now?
Susan: Past or present--anybody.
Klimke: Okay. Nicole in her best time was very good. Of course, now
her horse (Rembrant) is 18. But look back to Stockholm (World
Equestrian Games, 1990) or Barcelona (Olympics, 1992). It was just the
right, wonderful picture. Nice hands. Coming to nearly invisible aids.
There are some other riders who are very good in a test--it is fantastic.
And when you see the same person training...well if somebody else
would do this, then the vet would probably say, "Come on, not here."
But they laugh and say, "So what. We're winning." Riders who ride for medals must try to be an example for classical riding. It is their duty. You cannot talk one way and ride another. Either you talk as you ride, or you explain why you don't.
Susan: Do you allow people to watch you school your horses at home? Klimke: Absolutely. I have nothing to hide. I have seen riders make a fuss about spectators being allowed to watch the schooling at the World Cup Finals. This is wrong. The best thing for the horse is the open door.
Susan: What's wonderful is that you have demonstrated that classical riding can win. Klimke: And I will not stay away from it. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
When clients come help the crew on holidays, it’s way more fun! Thank you Adrienne, Martin, Mom, Miles and Mary for coming in to help us finish in half the time! Merry Christmas! 📸 Bella and Snoop (the new viral equestrian!) ... See MoreSee Less
12 CommentsComment on Facebook
Why isn't Tess wearing a coat?
You are lucky. I was the only boarder that helped out this morning at my stable. Merry Christmas!
Thank you for helping them! Merry Christmas from Cassie’s momma!
View more comments
Why you MUST snap everything INWARDS!A very important reminder courtesy of the horse doctors at Miamitown Equine Veterinary Services:
"When securing blankets, make sure that the snaps/clips are facing inward, toward the horse! If they are facing out, they can easily become stuck on something, like the hay net in the picture." ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Yep
There’s no short cut to the Doing of it. No one gets there from watching, listening and dreaming. Action is always required. Let the kids struggle and figure it out…it’s the only way to build self sufficiency.
Our trainers are guides, and the head of your positive support team!It’s so easy to talk about the lack of horsemanship stemming from the suburban sprawl that puts young riders miles away from actually spending hours dealing with horses . It is also easy to complain about how those same non-horsemen have poor riding skills, also because of the suburbia that didn’t allow them to grow up spending the necessary hours wandering around the countryside learning what it feels like to be sitting on a moving horse.
Those are realities, and they are not likely to change, and will probably intensify as population grows.
Complaining won’t make someone into a horseman/horsewoman, and it won’t make that person learn how to ride better. But neither will pretending that someone can be a good horse person or a good rider without spending LOTS of time both dealing with horses and riding horses, because that strategy isn’t working either.
It needs to be told like it is.
"It" being the unvarnished, unpopular truth that the horse magazines avoid, the horse associations avoid, the horse industry avoids, probably because there is so much money invested in hiding the truth.
And what is that truth?
It is that right now, about to be 2025, it is absolutely possible for someone to become a great horse person and a great rider, just as it was possible in 1955 or in 1855, but the realities haven’t changed one effin iota from back then. The reality is that great horsemen/horsewomen, great riders have spent minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades IMMERSED in dealing with horses and riding horses.
They didn’t wish it. They didn’t hope it. They didn’t dream it. They didn’t fantasize about it. They didn’t have a Black Stallion/Walt Disney mythological concept of horses. They LIVED it. They DID it. They roderoderode, and they took care of the ponies and horses they had riddenriddenridden, and suddenly---not suddenly at all---they were horse people and horse riders.
Meanwhile the wishers and hopers and dreamers who did NOT spend the care time and the riding time remained less adept. IT-IS-THAT-SIMPLE. And all the denial in the world won’t make it different. There are a hell of a lot of Egyptians out there. They live in DE NILE.
(It will be interesting to see if this post gets shared) ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Mystic Marvel is a stunning black gelding standing 16.3hh.
Marvel was born in 2020 and is almost 5 years old. Sired by Herald 111 out of a Soprano mare.
He has an incredible talent with quality to win on the international stage.
Marvel is a complete package with super movement, jump and trainable character. He is very brave XC and is perfect to hack out with company or alone.
He would suit professional who wants to go up the levels and be in the top of the leaderboard or amateur who also likes to win.
Priced mid 5s
Located Unionville PA
Contact Ryan 📞 6108361011
youtu.be/zF1Xu-3GEvI ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook