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My approach to training and instructing has been developed over many years, riding many horses, and by observing or working with a variety of trainers. I've made a lot of mistakes and suffered a lot of falls along the way. But there isn't one horse that I haven't learned from. I've witnessed a top dressage rider spur a horse while keeping him in place to "encourage" him to move forward, the animal getting the "point" and practically digging a trench in an effort to reply. I've heard a top well-respected event rider, whose mount had soundly hit some natural obstacles during x- country, interviewed after the course. The horse had sustained some injury and when this rider was asked why he continued, he responded, "To see what the horse was made of." I've known hunters and jumpers whose riders or trainers discard their flatwork in favor of almost exclusively jumping, resulting in non symmetrical muscling and lack of strength to do their job properly, one result of which is the inability for the horse to execute what once were easy flying changes. And some of us have seen horses who do their work mechanically, choosing to keep themselves inward, because their spirit and respect has been denied them. If this last sentence resonates with you, then it is you I wish to speak with.
Regardless of any horses' chosen sport, all need a solid foundation both mentally and physically, from which they can further develop their talent. I train the "next step" the horse needs---the obvious "hole" preventing further advancement. This step is obvious. If you look and listen, the horse will tell you what needs to be done.
 With Tanzy, an off the track thoroughbred mare, her inability to turn her head without shifting her entire body told me she had no idea she could move her body parts separately. The stiffness within her, along with anxiety and over reaction to stimuli, resulted in jarring, quick, stabbing gaits. She was certainly not viewed as a good mover, even when jogged in hand. Once she was shown she could stretch and move, since it was more comfortable to her, SHE willingly stretched and suppled as a participant. The owner put in all the time Tanzy needed to be exposed to activity to minimize her anxiety. After a year and a half, Tanzy went on to compete in the first year green hunters at Fairfield where she was Reserve Champion. It turned out she was an elegant flowing mover after all.
 For Armani, it was a different story. Bred by the owner, this amiable well handled colt was gangly and leggy. The owner's goal was to compete in the amateur adult divisions. At age three, however, his physical ability was simply not there. So "Reno" was encouraged to practice and develop his walk, trot, and canter. He needed to gain strength, mass, and learn how to coordinate his long limbs. This three year old thoroughbred gelding was New England Dressage Association Zone 6 Champion with an average score of 81% and third in the country. The following year, the owner realized his goal and competed in the adult equitation division at an A show.
Cat in the Hat, a Welsh/Thoroughbred large pony gelding, was purchased by me, after only being able to see him trot in hand over 2 feet of snow.
My first ride on the 5 year old showed me he wanted to please, but was extremely confused about what it was he was supposed to do. He just knew he was supposed to do "it". He had tons of physically ability, but was apprehensive mentally. He was frightened and frustrated. "Cat" started at the beginning again. He received daily handling and simple rides in order to get him to relax enough to listen and not anticipate. He needed "something" to do at the beginning. So we did a little basic dressage---he had been told to "do" so he was given simple stretching to help bridge the gap. It was a great day when he yawned on the lunge line while doing a "western jog." Patient and non-reactive work with Cat, showed him there were no repercussions if he performed "wrong." This allowed Cat the mental freedom to relax, listen, and eventually understand what was being asked of him, so he could answer. He was TOO willing to please! Cat has gone on to show in the Marshall and Sterling, Equitation, and Green Pony Hunter divisions on the "A" circuit.
My way of working with horses and ponies takes into consideration the animal's mental and emotional state, conformation, as well as what the particular individual LIKES TO DO. This may be different from what the rider enjoys and is capable of doing. Sometimes it is necessary for the owner/rider to compromise in the best interest of their horse. How would you like it if you loved one thing, but were made to do another? Even if you have the physical capability, your heart would not be in it. The contrary is also true. Equines are able to transcend their physical limitations, simply because they love to do something. A famous horse that has proven this is Seabiscuit. Less famous, but a perfect example nonetheless, comes from personal experience with my jumper, Classic Spirit.
"Spock," as he is known, had conformation (WHAT comformation????) that truly did not lend itself toward jumping. Actually, his build didn't lend itself to much of anything, and he was unsuccessful as a racehorse. Still, when I tried him, his ears pointed and he intently focused as he made his way through the triple combination of cross rails. He simply loved to jump. Spock went on to be one of 140 horses to step foot on the Derby field in 1988 the last year this great event was held in Newport, RI. Spock had practiced a high degree of work on the flat (only after he had been enticed with a few jumps!) in order to have the strength, stamina, balance, and adjustability to handle some of the more demanding jumper courses. Later in his career, Stephanie Clark of Houston, Texas, enhanced his dressage basics. While still not a great mover, (conformation strikes again!) Spock was shown through 3rd level with Stephanie's guidance and enthusiasm. Not bad for a small bay 16 hand thoroughbred, who was plain except for the flash in his eye when he saw the jumps or a crowd of spectators.
I seldom have a truly "bad" ride. In my work, my goal is to develop a method for each horse and rider that results in the horse or pony looking forward to being ridden. Our horses should be happy in their work, and interested in the next lesson to be learned. Many people seem to agree. How about you?
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