How we met...

A little background...

I came back to riding after a L-O-N-G break. Despite an intense passion for horses, my childhood experiences involved a lot of fear and "unanticipated dismounts." Five years ago, on a dare, I rode a very feisty Banker mare and was hooked (again).

After catching rides here and there, and a stint as a trail guide, I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of learning dressage. This video of Andreas Helgstrand and Blu Hors Matine was what did it for me.

A lucky break led me to a wonderful dressage trainer, Erin Martin / Lighthorse Farm, located a mere 3 1/2 hours away - thank goodness we clicked. When my local practice mounts either got too old or were taken away from me, the time came for a decision... was I ready for my own horse?! I spent the next several months, researching, rounding up a suitable boarding situation and working out the budget and logistics.

In September I brought home my new partner Valentino, found for me by Erin (and the first horse I test drove!) He's a seven year old, 16.2 hand thoroughbred gelding who is way too laid back to be race horse. He's new to dressage just like me. His former owners took fabulous care of him and as a result he is a healthy, happy, sane horse.

The purpose of this blog is to document our journey through the world of horsemanship and classical dressage. I'm thinking it will help me absorb the lessons I'm learning in the barn and arena... and I hope you find it entertaining + informative. Thanks for visiting! 10/30/09