Travel:  Matt, Coral, Pecos, and Enamorado successfully completed their early 2010 away trip for the Pennsylvania and Nebraska Horse Exhibitions as well as a clinic or two between expos.  Enamorado actually appeared to enjoy his first experience of life on the road.  Both Pecos and Enamorado had the opportunity to get in touch with their Andalusian cow horse roots during this trip.  Matt held a clinic at Chance Ridge Equestrian facility in Nebraska, which also has a cutting program.  While initially unsure why they were sharing an area with small black critters, Pecos and Enamorado soon showed that despite their dressage upbringing, their instinct to herd cattle is alive and well.

Competition:  In March and April, Pecos successfully competed at PSG and Intermediare I on the Florida circuit and has qualified for USDF Championships.
        
Education:  In April and June, Matt and Heather attended their first sessions of the USDF “L” education program.  Although adjusting to the concept of homework again has been somewhat of a challenge, the opportunity to learn about dressage from the perspective of a judge will be invaluable to our training program.  Our most recent favorite from the L program reading list is “The Gymnasium of the Horse” written by Gustav Steinbrecht.  This comprehensive book provides a well rounded description of dressage training including confirmation, rider position, aides, ground work, gaits, and dressage movements.  Although first published in 1885, the methods and issues discussed continue to be relevant to today’s competitive world.  Steinbrecht’s dry wit and blunt commentary when discussing his disagreement with other training methods keep the read entertaining as well as educational.