A word from Peggy
Dear Connected Riders,
Happy Springtime, Everyone!
Spring is here with its range of weather moods; horses are fresh, and we riders are “chomping at the bit” to get back into more consistent riding again!
I began my Spring riding by going to Spain and working with our instructor, Melin Farriols and her students. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to ride and play with horses I have known over the years.
Spring tune-up
It’s always critical to begin by toning your horse’s back, giving each animal a chance to prepare for weight-bearing under saddle. Using Connected Groundwork exercises that lift the base, shift forehand weight backwards, and engage the hind legs will serve to make for a much more effective beginning for both you and your horse. Whether it’s a hack on the trail or arena work just like us, horses need to ease into the riding season. It’s important pay attention to how they are starting out and what their needs are. Do they need standing still exercises to warm up, work in hand? When are they ready for Connected work on the line (Connected lunging)? Start off easy, consistently, and build over the weeks, noticing their respiration, soreness or stiffness, and readiness for work. It won’t be long before you’re both back in the swing!
New projects
I’m completing 2 new CR clinic notebooks for work that will be taught by our CR instructors. We’re getting great feedback about our SCR 100. I am also beginning a new project of translating the CR method for upper-level horses and more advanced riders.
If you are in this category, please send me a note, and tell me what your needs and interests are as I create this booklet and riding clinics at 2nd level and above. This has been a long-standing wish of mine to serve the folks who have horses who are further along in their training level and support riders to stay connected as they do more advanced movements. Many times, these are the movements and the opportunities that get sacrificed by conventional methods, and horses and their riders begin losing the brilliance and ease of movement they once had– hard work and bracing seep in. Contact me with your wish lists at info@connectedriding.com - subject heading: advanced CR wishes
I am focusing on riding clinics and instructor training over the next 2 months and would love to meet up with you during this riding season. Let us know how we can help you have the best riding season ever!
Peggy
