I don't think it's a lost cause at all. Horses are very perceptive to their riders. When she establishes you as YOU, she knows what to expect. So if other riders are yanking her mouth, turning to a bit she doesn't need, etc, she'll respond to them. It may take a little reminder in the beginning of each ride, but she will know that it's you up there. I also still ride school horses since Lily is young and I want to retain my feel for what our goal as a team is. I think riding lots

SS, thanks for posting that. I hadn't seen it (almost wish I still hadn't.) Yes, we should keep this thread up towards the top. Somehow I get the feeling the FEI isn't getting the message.

Are they made to be horseback riding boots? I worked in a shoe store all last year, and we sold Naturalizer riding boots that were fashion's take on riding boots, but wouldn't have been practical for actually riding in.

I'm sure there are lots of people on here that will be of much more help, but I'll answer with the run through I'd do myself in this situation: 1) Evaluate his history - was he trained to canter properly under saddle? Is he used to a different cue, or the canter being ridden in two point? 2) Is his canter fine naturally and on the lunge? 3) Evaluate him right now - does he have the muscle and mentality to do what you're asking of him? It sounds like you're introducing the canter

Does it initially fit tight enough and then slip over time? Make sure that you check your girth after you walk your horse for a bit, that will help a little. If you can't get the girth tight enough to begin with, the girth itself is probably just not the right size. But if it's slipping when you're riding even after it's been tightened and checked, I'd look at the saddle - what shape are the billets in, does the saddle fit your horse properly, etc.

[quote user="txspots"] [quote user="madel_equestrian"]2. had a BAD attitude and was aggressive and dangerous towards people so as soon as she started to rear I would dismount and literally beat the heck out of her with a whip, stick, my boot, etc. until she thought she was going to die and since I was on the ground I was much safer than in the saddle. This method should only be used with help from a good trainer however as this method is NOT appropriate for every horse. [/quote

[quote user="Heather"] I was looking on Colorado State's website and their PhD programs say that in order to be accepted you need at least a B.S. [/quote] Isn't SIU's program for a BA? I can't remember, so don't quote me. Either way, I'd talk directly to someone in the program about that. When I started looking into grad schools most of them listed a B.A. as the requirement for application, but when I looked at the profiles of their current students, they all had

Do you know how closely the credits you're getting now match what you need for SIU? I had a friend graduate from there in Equine Science, and they have a pretty specific curriculum. Transferring is a pain, especially with really specific programs. Also look into the specific requirements for the grad programs you want. My boyfriend is applying to vet schools after undergrad, and they are all very specific as to what classes you must take, vet hours, etc. And I would seriously consider a solid

As Solaris said, animals don't make the decision to go to war, people do. That's your difference.

Megan, isn't it banned from competition, but not warm-up? Either way, it needs to be abolished entirely. I watched that video a few days ago, and it just made me sick to my stomach. I'm so sick of that trend of horses forced into a headset. They're clearly not in harmony with their riders - and who can blame them? I can't believe this has been allowed to go on for so long.