Peace Of Mind Dressage Dressage Training and Instruction in central Maryland “How was your ride?”

Winter Workshop Series at Pleasant Ridge Farm

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:00:36 -0500

Cheers to, “not freezing to death”. Harrison and I see about 2.5 people each day at the barn compared with about 30 horses. So, let’s just say that we don’t dress up. It’s already been a cold winter and it’s not even February yet. This was official my last week without my ski pants. Yes, I ride in them too.

It’s Not a Fashion Show...

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:40:07 -0500

Marylanders Once Again Claim, “This Winter is Atypical”

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:40:10 -0500

Our dog Harrison stares across this icy stretch of the Monocacy River during the second half of this Wednesday’s snow storm. In Frederick County we received 3 inches followed by another 8 inches only 8 hours later! We made it to the barn and rode every horse on our list in between blizzards. Starting around 4pm the snow came down so hard that it stuck down the length of the tree trunks, completely covering the forrest in white. There were also reports of thunder as the snow came down. How come this is my second winter in MD and people still tell me that it is usually a mild season down here?

NJ Visit for ESDCTA Judge’s Roundtable

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 10:40:06 -0500

Covered bridges, one lane back roads, fresh pastries, and fabulous horse folk, are just a few of the reasons I love my trips back to NJ. I taught a few lessons in the snow and stopped by Randazzo’s Pastry for a little taste of each of my favorite desserts. I think I bought enough for 2 weeks because with all of the snow I am just not sure when I will be up here again. Read more about the Judge’s Roundtable in the Calendar page.

“Riding with Confidence” a Seminar with Dr. Jenny Susser

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 18:31:25 -0500

Dr. Jenny Susser’s enthusiasm and confidence were contagious during her presentation at the 2010 USDF Convention. Dr. Susser uses her experience as an olympic athlete and education as a sports psychologist to enter the athlete’s mind and create a plan for success. Crowd participation was welcome as Dr. Susser discussed common stumbling blocks for rider confidence and how to overcome them. For the competitor, Dr. Susser offered a number of suggestions to follow when preparing for your next show. These included action ideas such as; prepare early, practice, concentrate on positive outcomes, identify reasonable goals, and seek the right support. For every day riding, Dr. Susser advises all of us to make goals that are realistic and in agreement with our horse, ourselves and our trainer. Contact Jaclyn if you agree that PVDA should invite Dr. Susser for a clinic. pomdressage@gmail.com

http://www.jennyrsusser.com/Jenny_R._Susser,_Ph.D./Welcome.html

Koi Girl Art in Healdsburg, CA

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 10:02:57 -0500

While in CA we visited Thumbprint Cellars to view Kristine Gorman’s artwork in the Healdsburg Gallery. The pieces looked fabulous in the space and were a focal point for visitors as they tasted their wine. Kristine’s artwork is coming home from the Northern CA gallery soon. In it’s place will go her husband’s paintings. The pair reside together in Sonoma, CA and produce sculpture, ceramics, and paintings with a breadth of style and form. Shotsie Gorman is also an award winning poet and tattoo artist who is available in Sonoma and Berkeley for tattoo art. To add another card to their deck...Kristine Gorman is also a sought after visionary, reading tarot at a number of venues local to Sonoma. Her talents can also be heard over the radio during her weekly air spot for.

The mares take us to a show

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 10:02:53 -0500

Trisha and I headed down to Williamston, NC with two very cute and well behaved mares. Rohsalina and Diantha were super stars at this big time show grounds. We competed at Training and First Level, toured the 5 warm up rings and got good practice in the daily routine. A successful and very perfect way to end a show season.

Our mascot has settled right in....

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:45:57 -0400

The well adjusted dog, Harrison is. We are so happy we found him. Harrison is everyone’s best friend, stays a safe distance from the horses, and just chills out when Jackie is busy teaching and riding. Thanks to everyone at Pleasant Ridge Farm for welcoming him to the barn.

Road Trip to NJ- And a win for Della

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 10:34:35 -0400

Pictured above are our cheery and chic company for the competition. Hilary, Holiday, Della, and I traveled to Woodbine, NJ for the Fidler Run III Recognized Dressage Show. Della was pumped and excited to be at the event. Especially since it was her first time showing off her new moves at Third Level. The half pass at trot and canter and the flying change are compulsory movements introduced at Third Level. Though not physically challenging for the well conditioned horse, the movements take skill and control to perform. Della listened for my aids and was willing and expressive throughout our first test at Third Level 1. Giving us a score of 65% and first place.

Gulliver doesn’t go on vacation

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:14:33 -0400

When my student and Gulliver’s Mom, Marguerite headed off to some small and romantic island off of the coast of south Carolina last week, Gulliver didn’t get a vacation. Gulliver who is a very large boy with an even bigger heart had a week of work and play to keep him entertained. Each day when I grabbed him from his field and rode him bare-back (for like a mile) back to the barn, he was cheery but a bit confused as to where his Mom was. We practiced half-passes in trot and some new exercises to improve his balance and suppleness in the canter. Then every time we got tired we walked all the way around the indoor arena. Why? Because Gulliver is as spooky as he is sweet. So now that Mom is home and ready to ride, Gulliver is even more ready to work.