Thinking of my next book

[Heather]

Well folks, I hope perhaps, if I can find the time next winter, to write another book.

I am trying to gauge opinion, but I feel that a book of case histories covering various problems, and solving them with lots of photos, would be of interest.

When I have written up case histories for magazines, these have been very popular, and I think it is a good way of getting teaching/info across in a format that readers can identify with, if only with the problems!!

What do you all think? Your opinions are valued.


Heather

[mikka]

Heather, I think the idea of looking at case histories is an excellent one, especially if accompanied by high quality pictures. I guess the trick will be in making sure that the "cases" have universal interest and are theoretically rich enough to command a reader's attention even when a particular problem doesn't. Personally, I think this would be a great natural follow up to your current book.

As an educator, it seems to me that the learning cycle involves not just teaching how-to, but answering all the ensuing questions that arise when folk try to practice what they've learned. What you propose would offer a solid format for that kind of tuition.

[Heather]

Thanks Mikka,

Yeah, I thought that it would be a natural follow-up. There a re certain topics that I would like to expand on in a second book, look at more in depth perhaps,l and I think that to do it within case history situations, can make them more interesting, rather than just dry facts. I have done a few case history articles and they have always been popular in the magazines.

Heather

[CT]

Hi Heather

A new book, what a good idea.

Mmm, case histories sounds interesting. R U thinking of taking classic rider/horse problems, and ask the riders to apply EE principles to solve them or something else?

Caron

[Monty]

Heather, can you make your book disabled rider-friendly?? I don't mean by that , that your previous book wasn't. What I mean is that most riding instructors and/or their books ( and look at all the horsey magazines, for proof of this) don't use disabled riders as their models, and I honestly think it gives them hang-ups and we feel that they need specialist disabled riding help, when a lot of our problems, (especially those of us who are not severely disabled) are basically the same as those encountered by able bodied riders, except that theirs are maybe more frequently caused by bad habits or bad previous instruction, rather an inability to develop a certain position, for example??
Occasionally the horsey press features a rider from an ethnic minority, (in fact I think there was even a letter about it about 12 months ago in one of the magazines, complaining that all the riders featured were white).
Enlightened Equitation has deeply affected my relationship with horses, and their way of going. I can't always perform what is required...but that's what I like about EE! It isn't cast in stone. You simply find another way.
But I have never seen a disabled rider featured in any of the master classes. The lack of interest is not from lack of opportunity, I've applied for all of those, which don't involve jumping, but not a dickie bird. Are all the authors of these articles or holders of these master classes scared that we might show up the able bodied rider???? Sorry, getting up on high horse now!! But, I'd think you were wonderful if pushed that boat out.....and used a disabled rider in your book, to illustrate that we too have brains and ambitions which make Enlightened Equitation appeal, as a means of educating ourselves and our horses.(Yes, we even educate our own horses!!)
Phew....that's got THAT off my chest. Bit heavy for a Saturday morning, wasn't it?? Sorry folks!

[Mossy]

Hi Monty
Not at all heavy for a Saturday morning. I get steamed up about these models most of whom are riding hoofing great TB or warm bloods and the majority of whom have snaffles and flash nosebands. The guinea pigs are always so and so who competes, at various levels, and a lot of them are professional horsepeople. How about a guinea pig on a hairy pony who rides for fun, does a bit of everything, and wants a well schooled supple friend
To get back to Heather's point. A book based on a broad spread of case histories sounds great, but beautiful though your horses are Heather, and I feel as though I have died and gone to heaven watching them, could some of the case histories use the typical hairy opinionated pony, riders with dodgy corners, visible or otherwise?
Just a thought, Have you and Mike done any horses jointly?

[Miriam]

Mossy and Monty I have to agree iwth you both. We always in books and mags see people with absolutely lovely riding positions and well turned out horses. I have to admit that some of the piccies I see I cannot tell what is wrong even when pointed out to me.

Heather I think your idea is wonderful as I love the step by step in solving a problem. I did buy a solving your problem book but just don't seem to undestand it very well or be able to put into practice what is says (which I feel is not a lot) Cannot remember the exact title now or who wrote it.

[Lindi]

Hi Heather, I can't wait for your new book. The others are right, it would be really nice to see other people overcoming their 'comformational faults' as well as the horses!

And Monty, it would be really nice to see more people from ethnic minorities featured in books and magazines, I've not once seen one. I think this sends out the wrong message about riding and horsey as it is enjoyed by all races from all over the world. It is no wonder that some people feel that riding is somehow elitist.

[Heather]

HI folks,

That is why i used 'ordinary' horses and riders in the last book- in fact most of them I had only worked with once before and would have been happier had I been able to have done more with them and used them as potted case histories in Enlightened Equitation.

No reason why we can't feature a disabled rider, Monty, but publishers want things that will apply to the majority, and sadly disabled riders and their more specialised problems, are in the minority, so this may colour their judgement, unless as is quite likely, I will self publish this time- tired of being ripped off!- which if that is the case, stand by for a phone call when I eventually get round to writing it!

Heather

[Gracie]

Heather: Thats a great idea! Doing it in cases makes it an easy read! I love your books for mainly that, their very visual and and the writing isn't too tiny which makes it an easy book, and doesn't discourage me from finishing it;)

I think its an excellent idea, and I would love to hear your opinions on how to help solve problems that we all encounter!:)

[Monty]

I couldn't agree with you more Lindi. I've only seen the one, and that was the one that the magazine in question (I forget which one...but it was one of the 'big' ones) rather patronizingly, I thought, published above this lass's letter.
And Heather,I think you should take your publisher's by the noseband...I mean hand, and ask them to 'walk on' into the twenty first century!! You might even try clicker trianing with them!!

[Wally]

I can see where Monty is coming from, Although she has disabilities they are not requiring completely specialist treatment, but almost reflect what an older, less supple rider may experience. (not that you are old and stiff Monty)

Monty sufferes similar problems to a lot of physically fit folk, but hers cannot be fixed by exercise but have to be worked round. I know some riders in the same boat.

If we could see how somone who cannot fix physical problems works round stuff it may well give heart to someone who feels useless with their, so called , physically fit body. I find it a common problem folk are very stiff in the hips and canot open them and relax.

I too would like to see more hairy fat cobs and smaller horses being ridden by adults. TBs and Warmbloods are a bit intimidating for some folk, but a small hairy guy will make things seem more attainable to those of us with badly put together horses who have no natural dressage ability.

[Mossy]

Bearing in mind the title of Monty's thread this may be rather too much information [lol] but my hips are appallingly stiff!! No apparent physical problems just never been the same after being strung up in maternity stirrups for 3 hours whilst trying to push my eldest out!! [The longest recommended time is 20 mins!!]

[Wally]

I have the opposite problem, cannot remember the proper name, Monty will tell you, hyper flexion? is that it?, floppy joints? I'm a big fat lump who can do the splits and all sorts of unnaturally bendy things!

Physios and osteopaths are appalled by my lack of tension in my joints.

But tension in the pelvis is such a common problem and most things stem from it.

Most riders don't want to be county show standard, they just want to do the best they can for their horse, if there are various things a disabled rider can do to make the horse's life and that of their own easier it it encouraging to everyone.

It was giving birth that put me in a wheelchair, I injured my back so badly I never thought I'd walk again let alone ride. I recovered, but there are so many folk out there who, although they are not classified as disabled, have real physical issues.

[ros]

I really DO like the way this thread is going - publishers want things that will appeal to the masses, but we ARE the masses and it's pretty obvious what WE want! Pretty horses and pretty riders are nice to look at but they can also be awfully depressing.

I second everything that's been said - the more ordinary the better. Let's show 'em all what the Fat Hairies and their less than perfect riders can actually achieve! You're good at breaking new ground, Heather, so I say publish and be damned ;)

[Heather]

Well Ros, you know me, never one to be constrained by convention!!!!

Wally - you are NOT a big fat lump!!! You are also extremely easy to teach as a rider!

Well when I do get around to doing this book, I will let you know as some lof you might end up as the case histories!!

Heather

[anuvb]

Just wanted to second the disabled riders bit. They are an increasing minority group in the riding world and often have greater ambitions than most "able" bodied riders (sorry - I hate using that term, we all have our own problems with riding that we need to work through and find it annoying that people are frequently pigeon-holed in the riding community).

It would also be really nice to see more ethnic minority riders in the photos, plus better descriptions of the problems before they have been corrected would be so much appreciated - like Miriam I too often have trouble seeing the problems from the pictures in magazine articles.

Good luck Heather - it must be hard work writing a book!

[Jay.o]

thats great you are doing a new book.
you said about the case histories with pics ?
well i think that if you ahve more pictures that poeple can relate to when you describe some thing people will be able to understand more and more problem solved [hopefully]. i didnt know if thats what you meant but i wanted to say that i love books with the pictures in there to help you understand. i sometimes read the passage 5+ times and still dont get it !

good luck with you book !!

[Rakeli]

Yay! Another book! Doing case studies is an great idea, it means you can see what's wrong and how to correct it. But lots of piccies please, and make it nice and clear like the last one! You write/explain things really well!

[CT]

Ditto to all the previous comments. A book which includes pics and case histories of everyday riders of different heights, weights, physical disability, sex (there are not enough articles etc which cover the particular physical problems of male riders), colour (most definitely. I've only ever seen a pic of one black rider and that was when he gave up showjumping because of the problems that he experienced because of his colour!) - and their horses. I for one would love to see some pics of someone using EE methods on a little hairy horse - an Icelandic? Wally?. This would be fantastic and quite freshing for the vast majority of readers. I think there is an un-tapped market here and that we have seen enough stick insects riding expensive horses who already compete at levels most of us can only dream (nightmare!) about.

Good luck Heather. It'll be a challenge.

Caron

[Heather]

Thanks Caron-

no reason why we can't have an Icelandic - I teach riders on Icey's in Holland, and Debbie and Sue who were on Woody and Flame in the last book, are now avid Icey owners - they still have Woody and Flame but also have the Iceys. Sabine who is another one of my teacher trainees and good friend, also has several Icelandics, so no shortage of those.

However, I do sometimes wonder why such huge prices are paid for Icelandics, when we have such wonderful native breeds of our own, with huge talent for many disciplines, and at a fraction of the cost! As you know I have wored a lot with Connemaras, but have had a lot to do with most native breeds. I especially love the Welsh cob - Caron's Dougal is out of a Welsh cob mum, and he is a stunning horse.

I would like to do probably twelve case histories, covering a variety of topics, which other readers can identify with, so it seems I had better have my cameraperson handy at all times!! I am also a great believer in lots of pics- a good pic can be worth several thousand words. I must say that to take still shots from video is often the best way of getting the exact moment that you want. I now have a very sophisticated camcorder, near TV quality, with excellent stills facility. I am going to experiment with it when I go over to Portugal next month, and see what quality the pics come out.

Heather

[Wally]

I have to agree with Heather, Icelandics are ridiculous prices, I could have a yard full of Iberian school masters if I were to sell some of ours and still have change left over!

They are not always suitable either for nervous or novice riders. Then to confuse everyone by adding tölt and pace to the equasion..... it is not ridden or used in the same way as English Dressage riding, although the best of classical training gets results.

I think if someone is interested in Icelandics they are better learning about the breed and the traditions and uses of the gaits rather than reading a case history and not having a clue why a pacey tölt is undesirable, or even knowing what one is! too much to explain.

It something they are NEVER going to encounter on an ordinary gaited horse.

In my experience it is usually psychological problems and trust issues which need fixing with problem Icelandics.

[Heather]

Regarding ethnic minorities, Caron, one of my easiest ever students was a TV presenter who is black and an ex-Classical ballet dancer. He was the fitness consultant on the Anne Diamond breakfast show a few years back. He is still a good friend and wants to eventually be the first black GP dressage rider!

He was SO easy to teach. A complete beginner, before I had the Equisimulator even after just two days of work, you would never know that he hadn't been riding for years. He could sit to the canter almost as well as myself, and was just the epitome of elegance ( think of a much better looking version of Philip on sitcom, Rising Damp, Public school accent and all!!!) and I am furious that the video I had of him, I hadn't broken off the tab and managed to film over it.

Apart from one small problem- his feet. After years of doing plie, his toes turned out! I threatened him with al sorts, chopping them off and sticking his feet on facing forwards!! However it wasn't long before he had ireoned this out too ( not literally I hope!) and he remains one of the most talented beginners I have ever started. I am sure that he woudl love to be in the next book!!


Heather

[Lindi]

Heather, that's really interesting. I hope he is successful. If CT meant Oliver Skeet that is really sad as he was my childhood hero:(

[CT]

Hi Heather, Lindi and Wally

Lindi, I did mean Oliver Skeet but couldn't remember his name. so thanks. Similarly, Heather I have a visual picture of the Anne Diamond toe-sticking-out fitness bloke but can't remember his name either. Very tall bloke - the name Derek springs to mind as do the words "Mr Motivator"........ Ah well something to keep my brain ticking over until it comes to me! It'd be great if he were to feature in the book somewhere.

Wally what you had to say was really interesting and I can certainly see the logic in it. I guess I'm really interested in seeing an Icey in the book simply because they do have the Tolt etc. I can understand that the nuances of riding would not have much in common with riders of other types of horses. Mind you I'm still fascinated since I understand that you apply EE methods to riding Icelandics, as well as to their psychological treatment? Perhaps I'd just better get a book on them and have a long drool over the pics.....................

And Heather if you'd like a case study of a knee gripping, severe leg mover and her beautiful (half) welsh cob, he is always ready for the camera!

Caron

[Hels]

This book sounds a great idea. Real examples are so much easier to absorb than dry theory. I must admit that I found the Mark Rashid books an inspiration when I had just got a pony on loan because I didn't have a clue about horse handling and the "lessons learned" approach gave me enough confidence and resources to work out a few different options myself.

It would be great to have some of the problems / mistakes encountered along the way if a number of different tacks get used to solve a problem. The things that didn't work can be as informative as those that do sometimes. And it's always reassuring to realise that things don't get solved overnight, even by the experts!

By the way, did any more come of the audio tape idea? That really appealed to me!

[mikka]

Oh, golly, I hate to be the lone dissenter on this thread when it comes to ethnic minorities, but it's an issue near and dear to my heart. My husband and, therefore, my kids, are *visible* minorities - quite unavoidably so! And, as well as running an immigrant welcome centre, I'm a great proponent, at the political-social level, of equal opportunity for ALL minority groups.

However, I also believe that popular media and other institutions should represent folk on an on-par basis. If the minority representation in a given field is, say, 13%, then only equal representation should be pursued in marketing and other campaigns.

There are those who will argue that increased minority exposure in marketing (or other public fora) increases minority participation. There is, indeed, no empirical evidence to support this.

If there are few ethnic minorities - in western society - engaging in horse-related activities, it has nothing to do with a lack of representation in popular media. More likely, it's a money issue. And that's something we *should* be worrying about.

Okay, off my soapbox, I must say that, as a mother of two beautiful brown babies, it makes my heart sing with joy to see such a wonderful outpouring of love and concern for ethnic minorities. Truly, truly, truly. I just don't want to see the pendulum flung so far offwards that reality is lost.

[galadriel]

Hmm...in response to mikka, I'd like to disagree a little.

Science is still an "old boys" network in a lot of places, particularly physics. I decided that I just don't have the patience for politics, so I won't pursue the research route (Kat & I have similar temperaments ;) ). However, it wasn't the toughness of breaking into the field as a woman that turned me off--it was what EVERYbody experiences. It's even worse for women, but I was willing to work that much harder, because I've seen women who made it. There is a full, tenured professor (woman) in the physics department here, and she worked hard, did some great research, and well deserves what she got--and so she did get her tenure.

It's harder for women--but some women can make it, and if you have sufficient grit and dedication you can make it too. I think I'd be willing to devote the grit and dedication, just not the tolerance for BS ;) (Good grief--professors spend something like 50-75% of their time on politics & other things unrelated to accomplishing their research. Politics, politics, politics. Ugh. Forget it!)

I'll admit I'm white, but I am a minority in science due to my gender. It makes a lot of difference to me to know about women who've done well--particularly when the fact that they ARE women is the last thing mentioned, a sidenote. "This person has suceeded for reason X, Y, and Z--oh, and by the way, she's a woman" rather than "Can you believe a WOMAN did this?"

[virtuallyhorses]

Yes, yes, I can only echo all the comments here so far. Esp on using 'normal' (ie fat, old, stiff, bony, bent...) riders and horses - I can still picture the lovely big grey chap from your last book (err horse not rider). I think some of pleasure comes from empathising with the riders plight - you look at the photo and go "oh my god, I do that - and she's been riding for x years - perhaps there's hope for me yet" :)

BTW Galadriel hear, hear! I work in IT as a Network Architect - I still occasionally find people who assume that I'm either the secretary or on the helpdesk ...and that's here in NZ where almost every senior position in the Govt & Judicial systems and many top exec and research positions are female...they're learning - slowly....

[mikka]

galadriel, I couldn't disagree with you more. It's not harder for women.

I'm a woman and I'm also a science (Chemisty/Physics) major with two years of grad work (PhD) under my belt - loooong before women were prominent in sciences; and I NEVER, EVER, EVER felt that my intellectual fortitude was questioned. Believe me, as a daughter of the sixties, I looked long and HARD for inequality. There was none. It all came down to smarts.

If you're feeling that you're second rate, you must howl very, very loudly.

mikka

Women do well no matter their heritage if they work hard and produce. As do men.

[ravenin]

Hi all,
I just wanted to echo your sentiments. I also would like to hear about riders/horses w/physical issues. One need not be "officially" disabled, or even old or strangely-shaped to have experienced physical issues when riding.
I'm 22 yrs. old and quite evenly proportioned, in pretty good shape, yet I'm a chronic shoulder-huncher and have experienced quite a bit of stiffness & pain in my ankles when riding.

I would love to hear about riders' efforts to overcome position flaws, etc, due to posture problems or pain & stiffness. I think everyone's had a problem of this kind to one degree or another.

A lot of the features you see in magazines can be discouraging, as so many are about riders who won the Maclay finals [insert high-level UK competition here] when they were 15 or some such thing, never mentioning any difficulties other than finding a spectacular horse to equal their fantastic natural talent.
I don't think this is the case w/most of us!

Heather~I look forward to any new book of yours w/great anticipation. Now move to the US and give me lessons, will you? ;)

[CT]

Mikka, I agree with you that money may be a reason that we do not see many (hardly any) minority riders in the UK but it is not the predominant issue and I think that the majority of UK riders will recognise that. I have a black friend who rides my horse and she came along with me to every livery yard that I visited before deciding whether to take up a place there. Save for the one that we settled on, all of them were rude, discourteous and some down-right nasty about our livery enquiries. One even went as far as to say that they didn't know how much it cost to keep a horse at livery there! All of these yards were in an area very close to London. To ignore the fact that some people are under-represented in horse riding for reasons other than finance, is to ignore the reality of the discrimination that exists. Similarly, it is good to know that you haven't experienced discrimination. That's not to say however that discrimination does not exist. So ultimately we disagree. So be it.

Personally, I think there may be a need for of this thread to get back to the core theme, eg. ideas for content in Heather's new book.

Caron

[mikka]

Caron, I agree that this thread should retreat to its origin... and I disagree entirely that money is "not the predominent issue" when it comes to minority involvement . (It's skill, education and smarts that move folk along; and money that gives it play.)

Your words do, however, make me wonder: would you ever have gone out of your way to describe a white friend as someone who "came along with me to every livery"? Think about those words. Who is in power in that statement?

I know you mean well.

Indeed, let us move on.

[anuvb]

Whilst I know this thread is about Heather's book and I wouldn't wish to hijack her thread. In the UK - there is an increasing number of ethnic minority riders just as there are an ever increasing number of riders returning to the sport in later life and disabled riders. Whether a rider rides or not, is not necessarily due to the amount of cash that they have - I think a lot of people on this board can testify for being able to ride without heaps of cash. But it is dependent on whether they have got adqeuate representation within a sport and whether it is high profile enough within communities and particular groups of people. Promoting riding in disabled communities has allowed a great number of children and adults (some of which are so disabled they cannot move) to experience the joy of an animal and a level of freedom that when in a wheelchair they did not and could not otherwise experience....but once upon a time this didn't happen. It was totally unheard of.

I can't speak for the States, but in the UK on the whole, we are pretty racially tolerant. However, I work with a girl who won't mind me saying she is Asian and a rider (and a scientist :D) who would agree that that in the UK, just as the disabled riders and "less flexible, more mature riders" are still very under-represented in this country that she as an ethnic minority group feel that more should be done to promote the real picture. I think the point of people's comments was not to highlight somebody's ethnicity, but to try encourage a more tolerant society by really representing what riding is like for the majority of people.

For some people, they may not have even thought about this issue until they read this thread. For minority groups to be able to discuss this with somebody like Heather who is well known, understanding and open minded and willing to question the current "establishment" it provides feedback and a very important platform. Sadly, these issues must still be discussed otherwise nothing will ever change. All minority groups deserve to be listened to and to have a voice in public. For us to be even able to start discussing issues such as these is amazing.

Sorry about the long post. If anyone else wants to post on this - can we start another thread just so we don't ruin Heather's thread for her. Ta!

[Heather]

HI Caron,

Your friend was super to teach- and do you know, I had quite forgetten about her being black. I think this is because I think I just don't tend to notice people's colour, race or creed- I just take them as individuals. What suddenly reminded me most of her, was not her colour, but those wonderful cakes she made for my clinic- say hi to her for me, and tell her I won't come again unless she agrees to make some more!!

I have has several black students on the workshops over the years, but nearly as many as you would expect. I think that less black people do ride, which given their natural athleticism, is a great pity.

My friend who was the fitness consultant, is actually Clayton Marshall, Caron- Mr. Motivator was on the other side!!- and about as unlike the urbane Mr. Marshall as you could get!!


Heather

[Carole]

Could we have a case study on some aspect of canter? I don't think that Elightened Equitation covered it (may be wrong here).

I think that this board has had lots of canter queries. I know I have had problems getting it, keeping it, slowing it down , speeding it up and of course stting to it! Not to mention steering. You name it it fact and the Q&As here have been very helpful as I struggle on.

I'd love to see Heather's approach in this book.

[galadriel]

Originally posted by mikka
I NEVER, EVER, EVER felt that my intellectual fortitude was questioned.

I'm very impressed :) and delighted for you. Where I've looked into it, though, what I have heard is not what you're saying. Perhaps we're looking at different people with different goals.

Anyway, after thinking about it last night, I realized--we all know this--that men tend to be in the minority in riding for pleasure. (How do so many of them get into top-ranking competition, huh? Where are they all when you're just riding for fun?) I know it's already been suggested, but I thought maybe in the same vein as my comment above, it makes sense to include some comments on men in riding too :) I just flipped through the first book and found 3 pics of men riding: Nuno Oliveira, Michael Klimke, and Julian Marczak? on an Andalusion stallion (it says the stallion belongs to the name with the pic, but doesn't definitively identify the rider as him).

[Esther.D]

Sounds a great idea....if you ever fancy coming north for a case study then Stephen and/or I would be more than willing to be guinea pigs.......of people living in the middle of nowhere with no arena or even flat field :D and horses with a selection of issues! Briefly: a little brat (a 6yr old ex-child's pony learning not to bully and throw temper tantrums:D) or a gentle giant who has been badly treated and is nervous.

In any case, we'll look forward buying it when it comes out..

[Sarah]

hello!

Glad to see all the votes for natives for your next book. If you want a very cute and fluffy Welsh cob with a male rider for your next book, you know where Stewart and Tango are!

bye!

[Tina J]

Endorse all the above on using a few fat hairys as examples (it is so rare to see anything on getting a lazy laid back horse more enthusiastic for exampe) BUT don't entirely forget the big ones. I'd love to see something on the problems that ex-racehorses present. Not least in the hope of putting off people from taking them on unless they are very confident they can cope - but also to show that a flat pokey nosed resisting on the forehand TB can be shown how to round a bit and become a fun hack.

I'm a scientist by the way - and I've encountered predujice and pigeon holing at every stage of my career. I do think things are getting better for those in the generation below me though. Ironically my first career choice was "working with horses" and I was told that would be a waste of my brains! The more time I spend with horses, the more I find that my brains are challenged. Isn't it awful though that in the '70s working with horses was seen as something you did if you weren't clever enough to do anything else!

Heather, good luck with the publishing. I can't believe that you are prepared to put yourself through the grind of writing another book, but delighted if you do.

[HairyCob]

Heather, I will be eagerly awaiting your new book...!
Agree with the general gist of the posts on this subject so far;) and would love to see more 'ordinary' horses and riders (note- not necessarily owners!:D ) represented in all areas of equestrian publishing- as yet Heather's book is the only one I have found that has had anything other than the archetypal skinny blonde female on a large TB floating around featured!

I have a 5yo unschooled HairyCob and a fat backside and dodgy hip joints and no arena or field to school in in North Somerset if you need yet another model...! (Not really complaining about lack of facilities- I am incredibly lucky to have a beach to school on- when I can get H.C. to risk putting a hoof on it!!:rolleyes: )

Tina J- me too! All I ever wanted to do was work with horses and I was told it would be a waste of my brain and I would never meet a decent man and if I wanted to work with horses I could do so AFTER I got my A levels and degree! Pah! I never did get the degree or the decent man and spent far too many years working as a psychiatric health care assistant- I am now training to be a psychiatric nurse ( I do enjoy the job!) but once I qualify (and have paid off the debt I am incurring doing the training!) I intend to work part time so that I can spend more time 'working' with horses, either paid or otherwise! Nursing is of course a 'safe' carreer and something I can always fall back on and will probably always get great satisfaction from... maybe I'll be part time human psychiatric nurse and part time equine psychiatric nurse!!:D ;)

[CT]

Hi Heather

Thanks for putting me out of my misery, or at least partially. I can't remember Clayton Marshall at all - Mr. Motivator obviously had a bigger impact on me.

So glad you enjoyed teaching Val. Her cakes are the the stuff of legend.

And Mikka - in answer to your question - yes I would have used the same wording had my friend been white. It's not a power thing, it's a friendship - she came with me, I went with her etc etc. Nuff said.

Caron

[virtuallyhorses]

Originally posted by galadriel
...Anyway, after thinking about it last night, I realized--we all know this--that men tend to be in the minority in riding for pleasure. (How do so many of them get into top-ranking competition, huh? ...I just flipped through the first book and found 3 pics of men riding: Nuno Oliveira, Michael Klimke, and Julian Marczak? .

Which top competition? At the last Olympics and every one of the last World Cups in dressage the top field is almost exclusively women. 75% of the top 100 competition dressage riders are women.

Although I take your point about photos in books and mags - I can think of my books at home and the riders would prob be 75% men ...

[galadriel]

Originally posted by virtuallyhorses
Which top competition? At the last Olympics and every one of the last World Cups in dressage the top field is almost exclusively women. 75% of the top 100 competition dressage riders are women.

Er, grin, I'm an eventer :) Don't really know too much about straight dressage. I'd gotten that impression, though. What about SJ? Seems all the names I hear are men, I think--but again I don't follow it quite so avidly. At the **** level in eventing I'd say 75% of the riders seem to be men. I'm not sure on that number though; here:
http://www.eventingusa.com//leaderboard/highscore_lb.html#riders

for US competitions. 'Course we only have one **** over here, and I don't really know offhand of anywhere that tabulates all the international **** results and prints 'em up for the world to see. There's the WEG...

[Miriam]

Originally posted by Heather
HI folks,



No reason why we can't feature a disabled rider, Monty, but publishers want things that will apply to the majority, and sadly disabled riders and their more specialised problems, are in the minority, so this may colour their judgement, unless as is quite likely, I will self publish this time- tired of being ripped off!- which if that is the case, stand by for a phone call when I eventually get round to writing it!

Heather

Maybe this calls for a speciallised book. No offense to you Monty. Just thinking that if the majority of publishers are looking for 'ordinary everday/competitive riders' why not publish a book for the 'disabled everyday/competitive riders' too. By the sounds of it (and do tell me if I have picked this up wrong) publishers need to be made aware that there are disabled riders out there that also have problems to overcome as well as ablebodied.

Sorry rant off.

[Miriam]

Originally posted by CT


And Heather if you'd like a case study of a knee gripping, severe leg mover and her beautiful (half) welsh cob, he is always ready for the camera!

Caron

Caron why did you have to say that. You rememinded me of me when I was riding a Welsh Section D. I still do have a horrible habit of gripping with my knees going down a steep hill. Small hills I can do. Legs - well I was threatened with tying down my stirrups.

[CT]

Hi Miriam

So nice to hear from a kindred spirit!

Heels, knees, and generally legs are a real problem whether I'm going up or down a hill, or walking around in circles in the school. It's all outta control! I've tried my best but am absolutely useless in the leg department.

Caron

[nix]

Hi,

Heather's book is the only one I have found that has had anything other than the archetypal skinny blonde female on a large TB floating around featured! HairyCob

Skinny (well not quite :rolleyes: ) blonde females with TBs also have probs too ... don't rule us out because we're stereotypes!!! Harve and I have had real issues with straightness (mine and his ... lol :D ), falling in on circles and all sorts.

Seriously, tho, it would be nice to see more natives, cobs etc as there are probably more of them being ridden by everyday riders than your TBs, Arabs etc and so many of them are soooo talented (waves to Murphs at Jane and Dave's in Wrangaton, Devon :p ... hello sweetie!).

Nix and Harve

[Sue Carnell]

Well Nix. You will be sad to learn that it's no longer Jane and Dave's and even I don't know where Murph has gone. :( He was one of the 'quality' sold separately from the whole, which now belongs to someone else...

I am still doing a couple of lessons though, especially lunge lessons, in case yourself or yours are interested. Some very kind people in Exeter have offered their two horses as an option to those who come without horses, whilst I'm between places so to speak. Only lightweight people though, both of their horses are small, mainly tb and lightweight. Up to around 10 1/2 stone absolute maximum I'd guess. Ok for skinny blondes (and one does canter half pass and flying changes now <g>), but not much good for anyone else.

Sue
sue@eclipse.co.uk

[HairyCob]

Oh dear... I didn't mean to cause offence to anyone who happens to be skinny, blonde and riding a TB and I know that all riders sometimes have problems! I do tend to notice pictures of skinny blondes with no OBVIOUS problems... probably because I'm jealous of their skinniness, blondeness and riding ability!! They can keep their TB's tho- lovely to look at but definitley not the horse for me... I'll stick to hairy cob's!!:D

Anyway, sorry if I caused any offence, it was meant as an observation of the 'popular horse press' not as a generalisation on my part!:o

[Miriam]

Originally posted by CT
Hi Miriam

So nice to hear from a kindred spirit!

Heels, knees, and generally legs are a real problem whether I'm going up or down a hill, or walking around in circles in the school. It's all outta control! I've tried my best but am absolutely useless in the leg department.

Caron

Have you tried the flexi stirrups. They swivel up and down. When I first tried them I could tell if my heels were down or not.

[floppy]

sounds great a new book i love the EE book. Not sure if anythign has brushed off on me and noone around me knows anything about EE.

maybe wally should write a book about EE and icelandic horses including the extra gaits :D

now i tell you that is a breed where the literature fails. There is one book that is recommended by everyone i know who has an icelandic and its referred to as the ''the blue bible''
and it has everything in it apparently but its far too expensive as far as books go.

and heather pictures are always great!!! I find books about riding very boring if they dont have pictures to help explain the text!

[Susan C]

The original is on my bedside as I post.
I have run out of paperbacks to read at night, so what came out again, Yes Heathers Book.EE.

I learn something everytime it appears.

I like the idea of case studies, I love the ideas of many here, colours, disabilities, animals dont see any of these. Horses play a great part in helping overcome many things, even simple stress of the workplace.

We all have some issue, and the more of these covered can only be to our benefit.
I love Icelandics, but I can also see Heathers point, in the Uk we have some super natives. Lets show what they are more then capable of!

Now can anyone answer why is an ID not classed as native?

What ever is in that book we all will enjoy I am sure.

Good Luck Heather, after the saddle of course!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Maria]

Hi Susan

I'm with you on our failure to promote native horse breeds like the Irish Draught and Cleveland Bay too. Also why is everyone so hung up on continental warmbloods when the Irish Sport Horse is a warmblood, with a fantastic record showjumping and hunting. IDs and ISHs are also now beginning to show their worth in the dressage field and as eventers in the new world of eventing.

One day I dream of owning a pure bred Irish Draught - ideally a mare to be a foundation broodmare.

Maria

[Heather]

I can already think of a gorgeous Cleveland Bay purebred, Maria -and I can think of a certain IDx cob that could make an appearance?! Amanda, have Davey at the ready! I think that one chapter will have to be showing pics of horses of non sporthorse breeding that have talent - Caron, Dougal would also fit into this category and that wonderful Frank at Lea Valley would be another!

I am beginning to look forward to writing this book!!

Heahter

[Miriam]

Heather do you need a Welsh X Conemmara :D You can then have a book full of lovely natives and ones we all know He He

[Susan C]

Originally posted by Maria
Hi Susan

I'm with you on our failure to promote native horse breeds like the Irish Draught and Cleveland Bay too. One day I dream of owning a pure bred Irish Draught - ideally a mare to be a foundation broodmare.

Maria

Well Maria I have the Pure Bred Irish Draught and registered. Although sorry a gelding.

I really knew little about the breed till I saw Flynn and fell in love. Then I found out about them.

They as a pure bred, ( not mixed to become ISH) have shown to be excellent in Dressage, & Show Jumping. I am not sure about Eventing. Although if their reputation in the Hunt field is anything to go by. But then again perhaps they might have the stamina, but I cant see them at the speeds eventers cover. In fact the breeding of ISH has in a way been the downfall of the purebred.

They are listed as Rare Breed.
Sorry off topic, so Heather dont you think worth using..

[CT]

Hi Miriam/Heather

Miriam - I tried flexi-stirrups - they do keep your heels down and so you have a bit less movement, but they squeek and feel dead awkward so I gave up on those!

Heather - How lovely of you to remember Frank and he certainly does fit into the non-sports horse with talent category. A coloured cob with gusto! Mind U at this rate they'll be no room in your book for text!

Caron

[Heather]

Remember Frank, Caron? He has featured prominently in all my talks/lectures/workshops as an example of an unlikely looking dressage star, who could train to a very high level. If he was for sale, I would buy that horse tomorrow, regardless of protests from Debbie about not having any moer horses!! He is a star!


Heather

[nix]

HairyCob

lol ... no offence taken ... hope'd that you realised my previous post was quite lighthearted!!! :D

Nix

[HairyCob]

Nix,

I did realise your post was lighthearted, just thought I'd better appologise in advance of any less light hearted comments!!:o :rolleyes: :D

Oh, to be skinny, blonde and a fabulous rider...
All I need is a crash diet, a bottle of bleach and about six years at Heathers and I'll be there!! Tee Hee!!:D

(OK, OK, I know, Heather wouldn't need six years to turn a sack of spuds into a good rider, let alone someone who is at the very least already thinking in the right direction- but you get my point!!;) )

[nix]

Hairy Cob

Lol ... was thinking mebbe should change my username to SkinnyTB ;)

[LindaAd]

I like the idea of case studies, it's always more interesting to read about real live horses and riders than theories, especially if there are lots of pictures. But if the EE book shows "ordinary" horses and riders, well there's not much hope for people like me. Young, talented, elegant - there isn't one who isn't at least two of these, if not all three, and the horses, even the ID and the Connemara X are all pretty well-made, with nice well-proportioned necks and small heads.

Not remotely like my short-legged, short-necked hairy cob with a head two sizes too big. Indeed, not much like me either - and it's always the "naturally elegant" "easy to teach" riders who get the attention. I suppose it's natural, but I'm not even bothering to offer myself as a guinea-pig since I know I'm much too ordinary to be the sort of ordinary rider that you're talking about.

[Maria]

Hi LindaAd

I've got a short-legged, short-necked, long backed, tubby, hairy cob too. I wouldn't change her for the world. I've also got some video clips of her being ridden by Jorge Pereira and by Heather and there are glimpses of a little baroque dressage horse there too.

And every one who meets my girl loves her!

Maria

[Maria]

Hi Heather

It would be really good if you could run the case studies in an order that demonstrates a progressive training programme/framework. Starting from Prelim and working up through the dressage levels to say the equivalent of medium - ie what is deemed to be a good basic level of education for all riding horses regardless of what theywill be used for :)

Regards

Maria

[cvb]

Heather

Enlightened Equitation for all !!

How about a section on EE Western ?! Given you've designed a seat saver for western, you must have some contacts who could help ?

Even if it was one part of a chapter on the breadth of EE, or rather the Diversity, to illustrate that it does not matter what horse, equipment, or other limits you may have, the principles can still be applied.....

(Would love to volunteer as a case study, but am a bit far away at the moment.)

[Heather]

Aha Maria, I think that is another book altogether!! I had planned on something like that, but not until the book after this one! I feel that we need to look more at rider case studies first, to get the message across of the importance of a good seat as the basis for training the horse.

Then the next book would be on the progressive training of the horse, from the early stages up to advanced level. You're running ahead of me!!

Heather

[LindaAd]

Hi, Maria ... I love my cob too, and he is ready to have a go at anything, including dressage. I'm just complaining because whenever I've been to any sort of training or lesson or clinic with him, the instructor ignores us, and without him it's just the same, cos I'm built that way too and never will look pretty on a dressage schoolmaster. And horses and riders like us never appear in books or magazines, even when they claim to show "ordinary" riders and horses. Yes, there are a couple of exceptions, but Heather's book isn't one of them.

[Lindi]

Hey, LindaAd. I wish that there weren't so many itty bitty riders on their 'fantastic' warmblood types. Just to say the most elegant rider I ever saw was someone who rode a fat little heinz57 and she was also rather large and not terribly pretty. However she was a fantastic rider and always maged to look so still and she was amazing!! Even the instructor commented, and not being the most complementary of people, so she must hav been pretty darn good. I have to say I am tall and thin but ride a light cob who is too small for me but I think we go great together. :D

[Maria]

Hi LindaAd

I think you've been particularly unlucky on clinics etc - what shortsighted trainers! I've obviously faired better and the instructors/trainers have worked to improve what is in front of them in terms of horse and rider. I wouldn't bother having a second session with someone who didn't value my horse for what she was!

Maria

[Amanda Reynolds]

Heather I think case studies sound great too. I was also thinking you need a Cleveland Bay in there, Davey certainly volunteers & I'm sure he could be happily combined with a visit to Dougal/Frank!

Seriously, Heather is more or less the only person who has been genuinely encouraging and enthusiastic when confronted by my beautiful, big, wide, wily CB. He tends to only perform when he meets his match and is patiently waiting for me to learn to ride to a satisfactory (to him) level. Lots of people regard him as too much like hard work, but I think he is an excellent schoolmaster - when you get it right, he lets you know! We once put a near beginner on him (who had done enough to think that she was hot stuff) and he was so appalled he refused to move and stood staring at me from the middle of the school with a look of "I have no idea WHAT she means" on his face.

I'm sure a lot of us have the same problems & issues, regardless of the shape/size/age of our horses (& us!). A particular one with me isgetting the weight aids right when turning - esp rising trot, meaning that Davey jacknifes through corners. I can see that a lot of other people struggle with this, whether they are on warmbloods or hairy cobs. I think that many people blame the horse and move onto a "more advanced" one, without ever really addressing some of the basics.

I've got lots of horsey books, but Heather's is the one I go to the most when I want a straightforward & thorough explanation, usually together with a photo that illustrates the precise point brilliantly! I think case studies will be a brilliant "add on" to that.

Amanda

[Heather]

HI Amanda,

Davey is just a crafty, very bright big monkey, who has a lot more brain than those who dismiss him!


For those who haven't met Davey, he is a stunning horse, and once he knows you mean business, says 'OK, you win', not a nasty bone there, just doesn't do more than he has to, unless asked nicely but firmly. But then!! wow, remember when I rode him last year Amanda. He was fantastic!! If I lived closer, I would have you and that horse doing some pretty serious work in no time at all. He is very talented, and will be a ideal case for the book, although I dread to think what a swelled head it will give him!!



Heather::D

[Kerry's Partner]

I haven't read the whole thread - just your initial post so forgive me if I repeat anything that has already been said.

I would suggest you include that it is quite possible (in my experience to date) to develop the horse and rider even when out of physical contact with "EE". Whether we'd have pics/illustrations at this stage in our history (that is the history of Kerry and myself) I don't know - but I do think this is something people worry about yet I know from my (our) own experience that "distance" can be overcome via e-mail, NR board and last but certainly not least, a sensitive and supportive homebased (yes, dare I say it non-EE instructor) etc. IF (imo) you (as owner/rider) stick to your "plan".

p.s. I just hope Sue agrees with my assessment when she visits which should be VERY soon now!!!!!!!

Sandra

[Sue Carnell]

I know of a beautiful, bred for the (dressage) job, Belgian Warmblood who found it very difficult, but because of that whose brain was fried and who couldn't face an indoor school and who couldn't do a prelim test to save his life. Until EE helped him. I also know of a beautiful, slim, tall, long-legged woman whose co-ordination and rhythm was none existent. Put the two together and we'd all expect brilliance. We'd get less than ordinary. I had to pull her by her jodhpur waistband on the simulator to get her rising to the trot. Don't judge a book by its cover Linda, although Heather's book cover is worth judging by. ;) Heather knows both horse and rider I mention and has ridden the horse. In her book, many of the riders were thought of as 'impossible' and 'ordinary' before they were taught by Heather. The lady on the Connemara was one, as was the Connemara (outside of showing) imo. They were stuck at novice until meeting Heather.

I also know of a short, fat, stumpy rider with a short, fat, stumpy horse. We expect less and are amazed when we get more. She does far better than the tall rider I mentioned and her horse does a lot better than the Warmblood horse. Both are at Elementary and event to the level they want to.

I don't particularly rate her, but Anky isn't tall, nor was Christina Stuckelburger IIRC. The horse on the front of Heather's video is a Percheron cross, not exactly your exceptional acceptable show, or dressage horse.

That's the point I think. What many people think is normal and ordinary and won't do dressage, suddenly becomes what some folk think is talented and natural! To be accused of not using 'ordinary' riders, when the person is using horses and riders everyone else thought was 'ordinary', is a compliment to their training methods methinks!

PS: I hope you didn't think that I was one of the trainers who ignored you when you came for lessons! I admit though, I thought you weren't half as bad as you seemed to think you were! Despite not being 5' 10" of legs and slim, you could rise the trot on the sim without my having to yank you around by your waistband! :D

I was untalented and very ordinary until I met Heather! :)

Sue
sue@eclipse.co.uk

[Sue Carnell]

PS: How's this for (extra) ordinary? I teach dressage to a tall (around 5' 7") 16 year old girl on her 12hh chestnut Dartmoor pony. Chestnut is not an acceptable colour for Darties and tall 16 year old girls should be riding pony club on 15hh minimum. Mum says she can have one too. Vickie loves her rising 5 year old pony, even though he is a total brat and I like teaching them both. Now they are a challenge! I wouldn't ride the little toe rag, he'd have me dumped in the wink of an eye! She just dismisses it when, yet again, he's bashed her knee against the fence post, when she didn't quite get the turn in time. Perhaps they would be accepted as 'normal' in Heather's next book. Especially as they don't have a school, we mark off a sloping paddock and I run to catch the markers when they blow next door in the wind! ;)

Sue
sue@eclipse.co.uk

[Heather]

Why not Sue? I can have your naughty Dartie and Mike Aylmore Marie and her little 12.2hh!!

I think we have better do a large book at this rate of volunteers!

I am looking forward to it.

I am also going to do a book later featuring Iberian horses. Next year, my good friend Jenny Rolfe and I are planning on doing a series of lecture demos and displays with our Iberians round the country.

Jenny has I think the two best Andalusians I have ever seen in this country, both stallions. Delfin is grey, the epitome of elegance and fire, stunning mover, and really rather like a bigger version of Fanta actually. Maestu is bay, 16.1hh and with movement to rival and beat that of any warmblood, as he has all the power and extension, plus all that marvellous ability to lower the hindquarters abd engage. He is back in Portugal for a couple of months with Tor Borba for training, and I can't wait to work with them both once he gets home!

With Fanta and my Rei once we get him home too- we shouldl be able to do a good demo!!

Heather

[Sue Watson]

A demo with Jenny Rolfe and her horses would be fabulous. I have never seen her stallions in the flesh but saw many pictures when I when to see Jenny with a view to buying a PRE filly she had. I didn't buy the filly sadly, as my (then) 'instructor' rubbished her, and I was stupid enough to believe her advice. However, I have Pip, who is a saint really for all he has to put up with. (and so is my (now) instructor Sue C, who has to contend with my endless gloom!)

[Sue Carnell]

Ah, but Sue, being the eternal optimist that I am, I don't accept that the gloom is endless! The tunnel may seem dark and narrow to you sometimes, but there is light at the end of it and you are actually in the light, you just need to take your dark glasses off. You will never reach your destination, no-one (not even Oliviera) does, so enjoy the journey, relax and stop trying so hard. ;)

PS: Pip isn't a saint and I wouldn't exactly say he puts up with it! :D

PPS: I am sooo furious with your previous instructor, who still manages on occasion to sit in on our lessons criticising you, even though she isn't there. Get shut of her!

Sue
sue@eclipse.co.uk

[chapsi]

Heather,
I think you next book is an excellent project.
A book like that is what people like myself need and seek all the time; material and advise based on real situations that one can clearly follow.
A project of the kind can help me through my own lack of confidence.

P.S. if you look for a short insecure rider on an awkward horse, you can count on us as volunteers.

[LindaAd]

Sue, in answer to your PS, no, it certainly wouldn't be true to say you ignored me - I learned a couple of things from you that were quite invaluable, and definitely moved my riding up a stage. But I did feel rather like a second-class citizen, and there were two more instructors later, when I had Barney with me, who were very bad, and didn't help at all even when I asked them...So there was a sort of pattern....Or so it seems to me sometimes.


I take your point about good teaching improving the "ordinary" and making them seem special. Maybe the new book should have lots and lots of "before" and "after" pictures to make the point?

[Sue Carnell]

How funny! (peculiar, not humour) I've never been accused of making anyone feel like a second-class citizen before. Sorry you felt that way Linda. You certainly came over to me as a very confident and competent sort of person, obviously I was wrong. :eek:

Sue Carnell
sue@eclipse.co.uk

[LindaAd]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to criticise you, Sue... It was just the situation.

Confident and competent people need as much encouragement and reassurance as the nervous and confused - sometimes instructors forget.