Valley View Equestrian

For those asking about camps, unfortunately Valley View will not be holding them this year. However, Boldly Forward is a wonderful alternative!

Have a nice day 🤩
credits: Pinterest

I had a great time teaching these lovely ladies at Taylor Ranch Arabians today! We worked on all sorts of fun things and I was able to discuss the training pyramid, connection, rhythm and relaxation, forward vs fast etc.! We also worked on everyone’s body mechanics and how their bodies influence their horses in various ways. It was a fun and productive afternoon with some beautiful horses and skilled riders.

🫶🏼💛🖤🐴

The importance of moving around horses and handling your equipment with feel and intention cannot be overstated. Many horses don’t need new equipment, new training protocols, new feed or new solutions outside of better handling from their owner.

It can be a tough pill to swallow- it’s not just you, it’s me, it’s all of us- our energy is driving the horse insane. But look at it from the horses eye- many don’t know what we want, they are bombarded with confusing and overwhelming messages, they are frustrated, pushed and pulled at the same time, and struggling. They tune us out, they pin their ears, bite, kick, go dormant inside - they are begging us to wake up.

It’s time to take note of where your feet are, how fast you’re talking, what you’re saying. How you’re handling the rope, notice how much it jiggles and swings- that means something to your horse, even if you don’t notice it.

It’s time to notice how fast and unpredictability you move around them. Notice how it unsettles them. Time to learn to move smoothly and with flow and intention. Time to be in your body, quiet the mind. Time to take ownership of you and your movements, for your horse. They deserve it, and you deserve it too- you’ll feel much better.

Photo by Jasmine cope

This Thanksgiving, we have much to be grateful for at Valley View Equestrian.

We are grateful for students who are grateful. For people who truly love horses and are thankful for the opportunity to have them in their lives, never taking these animals for granted but instead putting their own egos aside for the good of the animal, every time.

We are grateful for supportive, realistic parents who help their kids learn and grow through life lessons taught by horses and competition. Who don’t push their own agendas or put pressure on kids, horses, or coaches, but instead create a support system where everyone can grow and benefit.

We are grateful for the small or big successes, the goals that are met, the challenges that are overcome and yes, the setbacks. We are grateful for mistakes that humble us and problems we can learn from. We are grateful for a chance to try again another day.

We are grateful for friendships and community and the empathy we feel from others who have been in our shoes in the bad times or the good.

Most of all, we are grateful for the horses and their unending patience, willingness, and quiet strength. We are blessed.

Perfect ponies, perfect weather, awesome costumes and lots of fun had at our EQ team Halloween party yesterday!