About Heather Carlson… A lifelong horse lover! I began with horses in the 4-H program and High School Rodeo. As an adult I moved into showing in open and Arabian Breed shows. I have enjoyed the opportunity to show in all of the disciplines. I have participated in Judge training for Arabians, 4-H, Dressage ‘L’ training, and USDF Sporthorse Breeding judging. I currently train and show Dressage and Sporthorse in Hand in USDF and breed [...]
Minnesota Horse Expo has it all – including Western Dressage!
The Minnesota Horse Expo, now in its 31st year, has something for anyone with an interest in horses. The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Horse Council and is held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds over three days, April 26-28, 2013. All three days are packed with horse-related education and entertainment, and there are over 800 booths with products and information. Over 50 breeds are showcased. The Expo hosts a PRCA rodeo each day. New [...]
Pyramid of Training Series: More on Impulsion
The foundation for the Pyramid of Training is rhythm, with energy and tempo, and relaxation, with elasticity and suppleness. The rider brings rhythm and relaxation together through connection, which is evident by the acceptance of the bit through the acceptance of the rider’s aids. You will observe fluid movement between horse and rider when rhythm, relaxation and connection are evident and, as the horse progresses through his training, you will also start to see impulsion, [...]
Tradition
A recent poll published in Horse & Rider magazine, a publication geared toward western riders, showed that 61% of their readers who responded said they always wear a helmet when riding. Another 13% said they sometimes wear one, 9% said they rarely do, and 17% said they never wear a helmet. Those percentages may sound surprising to some, considering that western riders haven’t traditionally worn helmets. Western tradition, as far as attire, tack, and training [...]
March News from the Drifter
“Riding is a partnership. The horse lends you his strength, speed and grace, which are greater than yours. For your part, you give him guidance, intelligence and understanding which are greater than his. Together you can achieve a richness that neither can alone. ” ~ Lucy Rees From so many people we hear that part of why they love Western Dressage is an appreciation of our mission statement. Our mission is about honoring the horse [...]
Bring on Spring!
We are definitely starting to see signs that spring is on its way. The days are starting to get longer, horses are starting to shed, and the weather… Well, it’s Minnesota. Who knows what to expect with the weather! The good thing about early spring in Minnesota is it gives us plenty of time to plan ahead for the upcoming riding season. Here are some reminders and suggestions to help make 2013 your best season [...]
February News from the Drifter
Do you have the time? Daylight savings is just around the corner and is on everyone’s mind to set those clocks ahead and spend more time with the horses. I know I’m looking forward to longer evenings and looking for that shorter coat I know is under the long winter one on Brannigan. Be sure to leave a hand full or two of the hairy stuff outside the barn for the birds to pick through [...]
How to Get the Most From Your Next Horse Training Clinic
Looking for ways to escape the clutches of cabin fever? Start by planning what you would like to accomplish with your equine partner during the upcoming riding season and attend a local horse training clinic. Attending a clinic, either with or without your horse, is a great way to expand your knowledge, gain experience, as well as make progress in your training program. A horse training clinic is typically an event where an out-of-area instructor [...]
January News from the Drifter
News from the Drifter Spring is around the corner…. Minnesota in winter is not the place to be. I always tell my horse friends, by the time we peel off the outer layers of clothes, we should be 10-15 pounds lighter come spring. Frozen waters, tank heaters, blankets, -20 and then some for temperatures. Spring can’t get here fast enough for us horse owners. Speaking of spring, we are looking to be VERY busy here [...]
Welcome to Guy Brown…WDAA’s Newly Elected President
Guy E. Brown, a former research scientist and international quality assurance officer now retired from Eli Lilly & Co. and Dow AgroSciences is also a 4th generation horseman who, along with his wife, Karen, owns and operates Brown’s Hoss-Pitality Services, Inc.; a horse auction, horse show management and equine enterprise business consulting firm. Read Guy E. Brown’s full Bio