So these are some things that I have picked up along the way. I have found myself back in the ring after another 2 year hiatus, this one due to pregnancy and the big move to the west coast. Preparation for this show was pretty heated with me since I was out of the ring for so long and it was under 8 judges over 2 weekends. My client-family were all backing me up and cheering for us, making me commit to go to this show with this horse. As we stepped up to the in-gate, I looked around at my client-family, at all the people, at my very rambunctious stallion showing for the first time and smiled. That demon was finally gone.

Biography:

Becki Cook of B and B Training Stables trains and teaches at neighboring stable of Skydance Ranch and Rancho Alegre. With over 20 years experience with horses of all breeds with numerous accolades to include competition to the mini-prix level in show jumping, to 2nd level dressage, a national title in performance Paso Finos and multiple halter wins Becki can help get you on the right track to fun and success for you and your mount. Becki is also available for judging English & Western Horse shows.

To find out more about what B and B Training Stables has to offer visit www.BandBTrainingStables.com.

Most horses appreciate being ridden aside, because they are not held in the vise-grip of human legs. Many difficult horses actually go better aside, and they actually seem to enjoy the challenge of helping you keep your balance up there!

In the United States we tended to keep Grandma's saddles in our attics and barns, but a mystique about riding aside grew up, as well as a myth that riding aside is dangerous.

Nothing could be further from the truth, if the saddle has the proper safety features and fits the horse. Remember that the sidesaddle was at its peak at a time when women were considered the fair, fragile sex. The sidesaddle enabled them to compete with men on equal footing in the hunt field and in cross country riding.

Her right toe should be relaxed and point downward, and she should be sure that her right foot is not flexed. Her primary grip in the sidesaddle will be the action of the right leg against the upright pommel and the shoulder of the horse.

The left leg hangs naturally in the stirrup, with the heel slightly down. Her hands should be held in a natural position, with her elbows close to her sides. There is another, lower hand position, which is commonly taught to sidesaddle riders, but owners of gaited horses should be aware that the lower hand position is not appropriate to the head carriage of most gaited breeds. Above all, the rider should sit straight in the saddle, not leaning right or left. Her back should be slightly hollowed, and she should carry her head proudly.

The proper leg position for the leaping horn is the subject of many questions. The left leg should be carried about 1 inch below the underside of the horn - close enough to grip it easily in an emergency, but not in constant contact with it. Riding with a continuous "grip seat" may cause the rider's upper body to pivot in the saddle, making her sit dangerously sideways, and liable to lose her balance easily.

Biography:
Darcy began riding horses 18 years ago with hunter pleasure training with Collette McMillan of Mystic Plains Arabians, and was competing in Class A shows 4 months later. Since then, her show record has grown quite impressively.

She is a three time National Champion in Half-Arabian Working Hunter Over Fences in both the Open and Amateur Owner divisions; and Reserve National Champion in Arabian Hunter Pleasure for Adult Amateur Owners.

Darcy has been awarded a total of 25 National Top Ten Awards in Dressage First Level, Half-Arabian Sport Horse Show Hack, Arabian Hunter Pleasure, Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure, Arabian English Show Hack, Half-Arabian English Show Hack, Arabian Jumpers, Half-Arabian Side Saddle, Arabian Country English Pleasure, Hunter Seat Equitation Over Fences, Hunter Seat Equitation Flat, Saddle Seat Equitation, Horsemanship, and Half-Arabian English Pleasure.

Darcy's Regional Wins include: 14 Championships, 16 Reserve Championships, and 53 Top Five Awards.

Darcy Edwards is a home grown San Diegan. She has been a member of the Tierra Del Norte Arabian Horse Association, Southern Arizona Arabian Horse Association, and Greater San Diego Hunter Jumper Association. Darcy is also a Certified Equine Appraiser.
She graduated the University of Arizona in May 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Chemistry, and has also completed the University of San Diego Paralegal Program with high honors.

After completing her schooling at U of A, Darcy accepted the position of Farm Supervisor for the University's Horse Farm. There, her responsibilities included supervising staff and student employees, monitoring and keeping records for herd health, assisting with teaching and extension activities, routine maintenance of facilities, interaction with private horse owners, and ordering feed and other supplies.

She returned home to San Diego and was soon hired as Manager of the Poway Valley Stock Farm. She claimed Professional status in the fall of 2003 and began training and teaching soon after. In 2004, she took her first students to the Arabian Youth Nationals where they claimed 3 National Top Ten Awards. Since then, she has qualified 5 other students for the Nationals, and led many others to Achievement Award status in the more local Greater San Diego Hunter Jumper Association arena.

In July 2005 Darcy and her parents purchased the El Capitan Equestrian Center located in Lakeside, CA. With earnest effort and a great deal of horse sense, they have brought together their knowledge and expertise to provide a beautiful boarding and training facility open to the public. Darcy now manages all her training & lessons at ECEC, as well as oversees the ranch.!

How did you learn to ride? Are your skills built on a solid foundation of correct posture and seat? Building blocks that have been with you for years since your childhood summer camp or did you just wing it and say forget the lessons I can do this just fine by myself, hopped on, and went! Everyone... can benefit from lessons. Today’s horseback riding techniques and skills have greatly improved. There is a visible difference between a “True horseman/woman” and just someone that rides. Today’s horsemen and woman have learned to embellish the fundamentals of classical Dressage and incorporate them into just about every riding discipline there is within the equine community. There are so many things “You” can do to help your horse’s balance and drive from the rear by learning how to properly ride your horse’s gaits. Posture, proper hand and leg contact and lightness will make every ride more comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your horse. Have you ever thought to ask someone riding behind you, am I sitting up straight? Heavier to the left or right? Is it my hip? shoulder?, or am I collapsed in the rib cage! Do you know enough about your self- carriage while riding to pinpoint which of theses areas have issues? More than likely you are unaware of these common riding faults within yourself unless a more educated person is overseeing your riding. Why should I spend the money and take riding lessons? I haven’t fallen off yet and don’t intend to! One can certainly entertain that train of thought and logic, however, why not invest in yourself and your horse. Let advancement and enhancement of your existing skills carry you to the next level. Wouldn’t it be nice to communicate with “Old Dobber” in such a manner that he is so willing to do what you want he gladly does it and quickly! Do you think your horse has a rent string mentality and doesn’t listen to your commands? Well then, it sounds to me like you could benefit from some lessons. Here are some simple guidelines to follow: What to look for in a riding instructor? First and foremost, someone that practices and preaches SAFETY AROUND HORSES! You are dealing with 800-1200 lbs sometimes more, of raw power so you better learn how to posture yourself for safety around that. Does that person have to be a “certified instructor” by an accredited school or program to be a good instructor? Not necessarily. Word of mouth reputation speaks volumes because those people that can readily recommend someone are already satisfied customers. Watch and ask people with riding skills and techniques you admire where they learned what they know and see if it is a local instructor. Set up a meeting with that individual and ask for references from them. Most instructors will gladly give you names of satisfied customers they are either currently helping or have helped. Find out what the instructor’s accomplishments and disciplines are and how long they have been instructing. Does that instructor need to have World Champion accolades to be a good instructor? Not necessarily. After meeting this instructor what is your gut feeling about your meeting.

What constitutes a “Good” Riding Instructor? Someone that has the ability to clearly and concisely explain to you, a specific point, process, or technique, in such a manner that it easily shows how that point, process, or technique should be applied effectively, & how it benefits you and your horse as the end result! This instructor should have the ability to watch the horse you are riding, read their body language and notify you when to accurately apply and execute a specific technique to either eliminate a bad situation (buck or spin) or enhance the horses performance. With horses, getting what you want is all about good timing on the rider’s behalf. Any riding instructor you choose should have the patience, patience, patience, to work with both horse and rider as each learns at different levels for different applications A forthright instructor will educate you and your horse to the best of their ability and be honest enough to tell you when you have gone as far as they can help and when it’s time to move on..
Secondly, you need to be able to identify your problem areas. What it is that you would like to learn for yourself, or learn how to teach your horse. Not everyone or horse learns at the same speed and your instructor must be flexible enough to find a comfort zone at which you can learn new skills and have patience with the horse you own. If you are happy with your horse and he is suited to you for what you want to do with him (show, pleasure, trail) then don’t be pressured into buying a horse that your riding instructor has because he is “trained”. Your horse is not disposable like tissue after you blow your nose! Give him or her a chance. You chose him for a reason so stick with it unless it becomes too dangerous! Any good instructor should be able to develop a foundation of building blocks for you & your horse that challenges you to continually grow & succeed. They should be able to help you pinpoint a starting, mid-point, and graduation from that goal. Foremost, remember that your horse could be learning new things as well so expect that you will both have ups and downs but the end result will benefit both from taking lessons and just have fun with it!