The Rider Mechanic

Anyone else reading this recently released translation of Baucher? I just started but am already getting a sense this was money well spent!

I just read an article that really hit home for me. It basically said,
'if you want to get good at horsemanship and riding, having a coach who only strokes your ego, will NOT get you there!'
Find a coach who balances praise with hard and honest feedback. That's the coach who will get you to good!!❤️

Do you incorporate 'play' into your training plan? Horses are curious creatures and using that curiosity to stimulate and increase confidence can be a game changer. I only bring out the ball to play, so it remains a novelty.
Share your favorite horse play pictures in the comments below!

Hi Jen. Sending an email now😊

Love my pedestal for building balance and confidence in my horses. Took a while for Abby to realize he could organize his body to put all 4 feet up. Slow and steady repetition with lots of reward for the slightest try.❤️

Fun project to have both horses stand on the pedestal and be comfortable sharing the space. We aren't there just yet, but getting both up there is progress!

What an inspiring weekend spent helping riders be their best selves for their horses. Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities was the well deserved recipient of this benefit clinic organized by Val Mica.
Thank you to everyone who came out in support of such an excellent cause!!

This is my big, beautiful, personality plus mare, Gracie. When dinner is late being served to her highness, she's very quick to demonstrate her displeasure by dismantling anything within reach🤦‍♀️

Nice to see Anna Blake here on BlueSky. Anna never fails to equate life with our horses and she is well worth a follow.❤️

Thank you for saying what so many of us are feeling. Well written as always❤️

Hi there! Due to the current world climate with so much uncertainty, myself in consultation with my clinic hostess's have decided to cancel my spring clinics. I hope riders will understand this was a difficult decision for all involved.

Taking the opportunity of this wintery weather to practice walking all three horses together. I like to exercise my horses occasionally by riding and leading one. My goal this summer is to ride and lead 2. I think we got this!❤️

Look what just arrived!! I had the opportunity to try these Equisk Bands while working with friend and colleague, Del Cruikshank, owner of the Interactive Simulator. I knew I had to have a pair! Anyone attending one of my clinics this year will get to try them!!❤️

A second article of mine was published on Chaff Chat, the official magazine of The Horse Riding Clubs Assoc. of Victoria, Australian in October 2024. I just received my copy of the magazine due to our postal strike. ❤️

Finding connection with my horses in ground work pays off in spades in the saddle. ❤️

I feel ya!

Love that! "Balance is stability in motion!"❤️

In my next clinic, I will get some video to show how I organize a rider at halt, so this makes more sense. Please feel free to ask for clarity!

Absolutely correct observations on the surface. Underneath is the opposite. Higher tone and tensegrity which, when learning, requires significantly more effort. The ramrod straight back is deceiving in the before as she is actually loose like a rag-doll and easily dislodged, not so in the after.

Excellent observation! Isn't it remarkable how much a horse will mirror us? The organized rider really can organize the disorganized horse!❤️

These were changes made within a 45 minute lesson. What are some of the differences you notice in the before vs. the after?

Helping riders find correct alignment so they are able to be responsible for their own body weight is likely the most rewarding part of my work. Seeing the horse 's posture change when the rider's does is the proof in the pudding!!❤️

Welcome Anne!

A little bit about me. I live on Vancouver Island with my husband, 2 dogs, 2 cats and three horses. Besides riding and coaching I love to garden, draw, paint and go on long motorcycle rides with my husband to explore our beautiful island. I'd love to hear about you and your horses and hobbies.❤️

What Inspires you?

Welcome Annie! It takes some getting used to but I think you will like it here!❤️

Love this!! Me too. ❤️

What strategies do you use to find focus and stay present when with your horse?

Good point. It is so much easier on our horses mouth when the bit is lifted into the soft corners rather than in the first photo where the bit would be pulled down into the bars. The lack of soft elbows means the horse is getting 'checked' with each natural extension of their neck (walk and canter).

Sam's tack shop is a must visit if you live here or visit our beautiful Vancouver Island. She always carries a great selection for all riding disciplines and has tons of great gift ideas for the horsey person in your life!!❤️