Fallbrook Hills Riding Club

Behind every great rider is an exceptional instructor. Meet our BHS Certified 7-time USDF National Champion—a true leader in dressage education. With decades of experience, proven success, and a passion for empowering riders, our instructor brings unparalleled expertise to every lesson. Discover how championship-level insights and personalized coaching can transform your riding journey. Learn from a legacy of excellence and elevate your equestrian goals today. Kimberlymonk.com

CONSIDER ENTERING THE CDS YOUNG HORSE FUTURITY
All Nomination Fees Go into the Purse! Total Purse can exceed $9,000

Bring your Young Horse to the CDS Championships, September 17-20 2026
at the Murieta Equestrian Center, Rancho Murieta, CA

Join in the competition and show off your Young Horse! Nomination is only$150 and no qualifying scores needed

Your Young Horse will only be competing against Young Horses of the same age. 4-year-olds will compete in a Materiale-like Class and Training Level Test 3; 5-year-olds will compete in a Materiale-like Class and at First Level Test 2; and 6-year-olds will compete at Second Level Test 1 and Second Level Test 2. The final percentage determines the placings.

Was Your Young Horse Foaled in California or Nevada?
Cal Bred Horses in the Futurity have even more opportunity to win money.
Total Purse can exceed $5,000. Add the Cal Bred Purse for no additional rides.
Placing based on Futurity scores.

For rules and forms go to the CDS website: https://www.california-dressage.org/programs

Ready to elevate your equestrian journey? Explore expert dressage coaching at Kimberly Monk Dressage, where personalized training programs are designed to support riders at every level. Whether you're building confidence, refining technique, or preparing for competition, our proven methods and dedicated guidance provide the foundation for lasting success. Visit your website to discover how our unique approach can transform your riding experience and help you achieve excellence in the saddle. Begin your path forward today!

Ready to advance your equestrian goals? Discover dedicated dressage coaching at Kimberly Monk Dressage, where personalized programs support riders at every stage. Whether you're building confidence or refining advanced skills, our proven methods and expert guidance create a clear path forward. Visit your website to explore how our empowering approach can elevate your riding journey and help you achieve success in the saddle. Begin your transformation today!

Hidden lameness sometimes are diagnosed with laziness or bad behaviour.

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Des and his gammy neck.

As a few readers have asked about Des's neck issue and I know a number of horses who have problems with their neck; maybe sharing our story might be useful.

Des was ridden for 9 months in Portugal before he came here. I met him when he had been under saddle for 6 weeks, then it took a while to muster the (huge for me) funds, and he had problems having his jewels removed. Hence, a delay from love at first sight to his actual arrival.

The first year in the U.K was a huge change for him, and he exhibited some unusual things which I put down to this. He seemed to trip a lot. He fell over things, and out of things, and into things. He was young and spunky, so I attributed his frantic walk and canter to this.

Over the course of the second year things got worse. He had some significant accidents and stumbled so much I didn't want to ride on the moor anymore; I worried he would go base over apex. He began to struggle to stand for the farrier. Under saddle we were always running (which I put down to my shoddy riding). He 'sounded' different to other horses in walk, a kind of 1.2-1.2, rather than 1,2,3,4. I now understand this to be pacing, at the time I thought it was 'just him'.

Then one day, he came in from the field and I could not work out which leg he was lame on. My vet arrived and told me this was ataxic movement (something I knew nothing of) and that Des was exhibiting neurological symptoms. One neck x ray later and the diagnosis was compression of the cervical spine - C5/C6. The neck specialist visited and told me some statistics. I don't exactly remember but something along the lines of 50% of horses respond positively to a steroid injection, and then 60% of those return to full work. You can expect to re-inject regularly.

Des and I got lucky. He did respond well to the steroids and several months later I got back on board.

It then took me another decade to work out how to ride and train in a way that gave him the support he needed to manage this part of this body. It has been a long and challenging road (more so for Des) He has only been reinjected once in all these years and I put that down to what I have learned with Philippe Karl's School of Légèreté UK. I will share more of that in subsequent posts.

He still finds some things hard. Neck extension in canter is never going to be the easiest ( I am not sure it is valuable to him). If you see him standing around - he is not a picture of a glorious Lusitano. His neck is set very low and without movement he carries it dropped - he does not look sparkly. However, movement is his friend. With it he finds ways to manage his body despite his issues and he can be extraordinary.

He is also a horse with a huge generosity of spirit who always tries, and while he may not have been 'easy' he has never said no. A trait of the Lusitano I believe.

In the next few posts I will share a little more about how I have also changed his grazing (as he had many, many digestive issues) and what riding and training we have done to slowly improve things for him (and me!).

Mental focus and resilience aren't just traits—they're trained disciplines, especially in dressage. As a national champion, I've learned that the deepest progress happens not in perfect moments, but through steady effort, setbacks overcome, and unwavering commitment to growth. This mindset transforms not only performance, but the entire rider-horse connection. Let your determination pave the way forward. Visit your website to explore how personalized coaching strengthens both skill and spirit in every ride. kimberlymonk.com