Category Archives: Riding & Training

Learn more about dressage riding with Sandra. She offers her own advice and training tips along with other useful information from other instructors, articles, and books that she reads.

Douwe & Balou Lay Down Together

Marsha Hartford-Sapp and I had some fun with our horses yesterday at Southern Oaks Equestrian Center. We asked both of our horses to lay down on command, hoping that they would do it together. Here is the video clip…..  

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Douwe Learns to Rear

I have been training Douwe to execute some performance movements to use in our future exhibitions. Ever since I bought Douwe I had hopes of teaching him to lay down, bow, rear, and do spanish walk along with his regular … Continue reading

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Clinic at Gale’s Equine Facility

I had the great pleasure of teaching at Gale Wolfe’s facility in Big Flats, NY this past weekend. Gale wanted help with her 21 year old Friesian mare Beike in her flying changes. Beike is a special individual with a … Continue reading

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Clinic with Heidi Herriott

Today I met Heidi Herriot, a 3rd generation professional horse trick trainer. Some of her career highlights include: Animal Planet’s Pet Star, Walt Disney World, Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, NC State Championship Horse Show, Woman Luv Horses, Arabian … Continue reading

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Reflecting Back On 2012

Looking back over this past year I am feeling very thankful. I am happy to say there were no low-points or tragedies to face, my family, friends, and my horse are all healthy and happy. I accomplished an important goal … Continue reading

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Online Coaching at HorseShow.com

The popular virtual competition website www.horseshow.com has launched a new program for online coaching! I am excited to announce that I am one of the first available coaches for people to access online. Anyone from around the world can submit … Continue reading

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Importance of Free Balance

Balance is definitely the #1 most important skill for a rider. It is also the most difficult, considering we are riding something that is constantly moving. One minute you will feel great, in sync with your horse and on top … Continue reading

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Decision to go Barefoot

I recently had Douwe’s front shoes taken off to see how well he will go barefoot. Ever since I bought him 4 years ago he has had front shoes and his feet were not very strong. He lost his shoes … Continue reading

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Photo Shoot with Jesse Schwarcz

I did a photo shoot in the beautiful fields at Isaac Royal Farm with my horse Douwe and Bethanne’s (my mother-in-law) horse Rovandio recently. We lucked out with beautiful weather and full foliage on our scheduled day with Jesse Schwarcz … Continue reading

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Visit to Madison, Georgia

I had a wonderful weekend with friends in Madison, Georgia. My amazing friend Anne Margaret-Meyers was married on Saturday to her equally wonderful fiance Karl. They purchased a beautiful equestrian facility in Madison that will be operating as a dressage … Continue reading

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