Big House Stables

Want another "inside leg to outside rein visual/analogy? An oxbow river, as pictured in this aerial photo, is similar in concept to the mixing bowl in the prior... post. Thee water is the horse, the river banks are the inside and outside aids of the rider, As the flowing water (forward moving horse) comes into a curve in the river, the inside bank directs, and the outside bank redirects the flow, just as the inside and outside reins, thighs, calves of the rider do to the moving horse, thus creating engagement of the inside hind. So much of riding and training is a mind game, and by changing our visual concepts from hard to flowing, we can change our methods to accommodate and mitigate the nervous responses that stronger aids might create in the learning horse.

Words to live by...which resonate with you? "No. 1. Get your tack and equipment just right, and then forget about it and concentrate on the horse. No. 2. The ho...rse is bigger than you are, and it should carry you. The quieter you sit, the easier this will be for the horse. No. 3. The horse's engine is in the rear. Thus, you must ride your horse from behind, and not focus on the forehand simply because you can see it. No. 4. It takes two to pull. Don't pull. Push. No. 5. For your horse to be keen but submissive, it must be calm, straight and forward. No. 6. When the horse isn`t straight, the hollow side is the difficult side. No. 7. The inside rein controls the bending, the outside rein controls the speed. No. 8. Never rest your hands on the horse's mouth. You make a contract with it: "You carry your head and I'll carry my hands." No. 9. If the horse can't learn to accept what you're doing, it isn't any good. No. 10. Once you've used an aid, put it back. No. 11. You can exaggerate every virtue into a defect. No. 12. Always carry a stick, then you will seldom need it. No. 13. If you`ve given something a fair trial, and it still doesn't work, try something elseeven the opposite. No. 14. Know when to start and when to stop. Know when to resist and when to reward. No. 15. If you're going to have a fight, you pick the time and place. No. 16. What you can't accomplish in an hour should usually be put off until tomorrow. No. 17. You can think your way out of many problems faster than you can ride your way out of them. No. 18. When the horse jumps, you go with it, not the other way around. No. 19. Don`t let over-jumping or dull routine erode the horse's desire to jump cleanly. It's hard to jump clear rounds if the horse isn't trying. No. 20. Never give up until the rail hits the ground. No. 21. Young horses are like childrengive them a lot of love, but don't let them get away with anything. No. 22. In practice, do things as perfectly as you can; in competition, do what you have to do. No. 23. Never fight the oats. No. 24. The harder you work, the luckier you get." ~Bill Steinkraus (Charlie Weaver on Ruxton pictured)

Quoted from Sally Swift's 2008 acceptance speech when receiving the Equine Industry Vision Award ... "I believe for each of us, our greatest accomplishments spring from our own determination to overcome personal struggles. Our greatest vision springs from looking past ourselves and the difficulties we face and using these in a quest to help others. So back to that question I was asked "What is it like to be 95?" As the founder of Centered Riding and one who has been blessed... to realize more than all my dreams come true, I say GREAT! Though I struggle from time to time with health issues and failing eyesight, thanks to a growing world-wide group of two-legged and four-legged friends, I live each day with a vision of the future. My vision extends past the days of my life and looks upon a day when riders of all countries, economic circumstances and backgrounds will benefit from Centered Riding." Posted 04-12-2020

Julian's first time trotting off my lunge line with Spirit Hawk, our great beginner lesson horse today !

19 County Innovation Saddle. Medium Tree close contact jumping saddle, great condition and nicely broken in used saddle. $2000.firm County Saddles now sells the comparable Solution for $4000-$5000! This saddle has always been stored in a heated tack room and kept clean and well conditioned. Light wear from boots at bottom of the right flap, (see photo) No tears, or scratches.... The Spring tree on this 2012 model is known for enhancing the horses shoulder comfort. Wool flocked so that the flocking can be adjusted to best suit your horse. Very comfortable saddle, hard to find 19 in such excellent condition. Contact Info [email protected] Or message me

Good Posture must be practiced all the time on and off the horse.