When I was nine years old, I was taking weekly riding lessons at a horse farm near my home. I loved spending time with the horses and learning how to ride, but I always felt a little bit envious of the kids who got to ride every day.
One day, I was talking to one of my friends who had been riding at the farm for a while, and she told me about a bus route that dropped kids off at the farm's mailbox after school. I was excited to hear this, and I decided to try it out the next day.
When I arrived at the farm, the owner was surprised to see me, but he was friendly and welcoming. He asked me if I would like to help out with some of the chores, and I jumped at the chance. He told me that I could earn free riding time by dumping and refilling the water buckets for each horse, and I agreed to take on the job.
I quickly realized that this was a monumental task for someone my age, and even an adult would find it daunting. The buckets were heavy, and there were a lot of horses to water. But I was determined to earn my free riding time, so I set to work with determination and focus.
When I was finished with my chores, I was allowed to ride a lesson pony on my own. I was too short to put the saddle on, so I had to ride without one. This meant that I fell off the pony almost every day, but I didn't let that discourage me. I vowed to myself that I would get good enough that I wouldn't fall off, and that I would get tall enough and strong enough to put the saddle on and do my chores faster.
Over time, I grew taller and stronger, and I became more skilled and confident as a rider. I was able to put the saddle on and ride without falling off, and I was able to do my chores more quickly and efficiently. I was proud of my progress, and I was grateful to the owner of the farm for giving me the opportunity to work and learn.
Looking back on that time in my life, I realize that my first job at the horse farm taught me many valuable lessons. It taught me the importance of hard work and dedication, and the value of setting goals and working towards them. It also taught me the importance of taking on challenges and not being afraid to fail. These lessons have stayed with me and have helped to shape the person I am today.

In today's fast-paced world, technology has become an integral part of our lives. It has made things easier and more convenient, and the same holds true for equestrian businesses. With the right tools and platforms, you can develop your equestrian business without breaking the bank. In this article, we will be looking at some of the best free technology platforms that you can use to grow your business. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, these tools will help you save time and money, while also allowing you to reach a wider audience.
Using online scheduling platforms:
One of the key challenges faced by equestrian businesses is managing their schedules and appointments. This can be especially difficult if you have multiple trainers, instructors, and horses to coordinate. Thankfully, there are several free online scheduling platforms that you can use to streamline this process. One of the best examples is Acuity Scheduling. This platform allows you to create and share your availability, so that clients can easily book appointments online. It also has features like automated email and text reminders, which can help reduce no-shows and improve your overall efficiency.


Another great thing about Acuity Scheduling is that it integrates seamlessly with other popular tools, such as Google Calendar and QuickBooks. This means that you can easily manage your appointments, invoices, and other business-related tasks from a single platform. Additionally, Acuity Scheduling offers a free plan that includes all the basic features, so you can start using it without any upfront costs.
Creating a free website:
In today's digital world, having a website is essential for any business. It allows you to showcase your services, share your expertise, and connect with potential clients. However, creating a website can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with coding or web design. Thankfully, there are several free platforms that you can use to create a professional-looking website without any technical expertise.
One of the best examples is Weebly. This platform offers a simple and intuitive drag-and-drop interface, so you can easily create and customize your website. It also comes with a range of pre-designed templates and themes, which you can use to give your website a professional look. Additionally, Weebly offers a free plan that includes a subdomain (e.g., yourbusiness.weebly.com), as well as basic features like hosting, SSL security, and customer support.
Another great thing about Weebly is that it integrates seamlessly with other tools, such as Google Analytics, MailChimp, and PayPal. This means that you can easily track your website's performance, send newsletters, and accept payments without any additional setup. Additionally, Weebly offers a range of advanced features and integrations that you can unlock by upgrading to a paid plan.
Creating free content:
One of the key challenges faced by equestrian businesses is generating high-quality content that resonates with their target audience. This can be especially difficult if you don't have the time or resources to write articles, create videos, or design graphics. Thankfully, there are several free tools that you can use to create engaging and informative content for your website and social media channels.
One of the best examples is OpenAI. This platform uses advanced machine learning algorithms to generate natural language text that is indistinguishable from human-written content. This means that you can use OpenAI to create blog posts, articles, or even entire books without having to write a single word. 

Editing and sharing free movies:
Another great way to engage your audience and showcase your equestrian business is by creating and sharing videos. This can be a powerful way to demonstrate your skills, share your passion, and inspire others. However, creating videos can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you don't have access to professional equipment or software. Thankfully, there are several free platforms that you can use to edit and share your videos without any technical expertise.
One of the best examples is iMovie. This platform is a free video editing software that comes pre-installed on all Mac computers. It offers a range of powerful features, such as trimming, cropping, and adding effects to your videos. Additionally, iMovie allows you to create stunning trailers, titles, and transitions that will make your videos stand out.
Another great thing about iMovie is that it integrates seamlessly with other Apple products, such as iCloud, Photos, and GarageBand. This means that you can easily access and share your videos across your devices without any additional setup. Additionally, iMovie allows you to share your videos on popular social media platforms, such as YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook.

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In conclusion, technology can be a powerful tool for developing your equestrian business. With the right platforms and tools, you can save time, money, and effort, while also reaching a wider audience. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, the free technology platforms discussed in this article will help you grow your business without breaking the bank.
Reference:
Acuity Scheduling (n.d.). Online appointment scheduling software. Retrieved from https://www.acuityscheduling.com/
Weebly (n.d.). Website builder. Retrieved from https://www.weebly.com/
OpenAI (n.d.). GPT-3. Retrieved from https://beta.openai.com/docs/models/gpt3
iMovie (n.d.). Free video editing software. Retrieved from https://www.apple.com/imovie/

To improve your sitting trot, you should focus on developing a strong and stable core, as well as maintaining a balanced and centered seat. Here are a few tips to help you improve:

1. Practice proper posture: sit tall and straight, with your shoulders relaxed and back, and your feet positioned evenly in the stirrups.
2. Engage your core muscles: your abdominal and back muscles should be active and engaged at all times to help you maintain your balance and control.
3. Keep your hands steady: hold the reins lightly, with your hands at a consistent height and level, to avoid disrupting the horse's balance.
4. Follow the horse's motion: as the horse moves, allow your body to move with them, keeping your hips and shoulders aligned and your seat centered.
5. Practice regularly: like any skill, improving your sitting trot takes time and practice. Set aside time to ride and work on your sitting trot regularly, and you will start to see improvement.

It can also be helpful to seek out instruction from a qualified riding coach, who can provide guidance and feedback to help you develop your skills.

Raising a 7 year old boy on a horse farm has taught me a lot about how to raise children in any home. Here are five lessons I've learned that relate to scientific studies about successful ways to parent:

Lesson 1: Provide structure and boundaries.
Having a structured routine on the farm has been crucial for my 7 year old. He knows what is expected of him at certain times of the day, and he understands the boundaries we have set for his safety and well-being. This sense of structure has been shown to help children feel secure and confident, and it can be applied to any home, not just a farm. For example, setting a regular bedtime and sticking to it can help your child feel secure and ready for the next day.

Lesson 2: Encourage independence.
Working on the farm has given my 7 year old the opportunity to learn how to take care of himself and others. He helps feed and water the horses, and he's even started to groom them on his own. Encouraging independence has been shown to help children develop self-confidence and problem-solving skills. You can apply this lesson to your own home by giving your child age-appropriate tasks and responsibilities, such as setting the table for dinner or helping with laundry.

Lesson 3: Teach the value of hard work.
One of the most important lessons my 7 year old has learned on the farm is the value of hard work. He knows that it takes effort and dedication to take care of the animals, and he takes pride in the work he does. Teaching the value of hard work can help children develop a strong work ethic, which can be beneficial in many areas of their lives. You can apply this lesson to your own home by setting realistic expectations for your child and praising them for their efforts, even if the task at hand is difficult.
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Lesson 4: Foster a sense of community.
Working on the farm has also taught my 7 year old the importance of being part of a community. He has learned how to work with others to take care of the animals, and he has formed strong bonds with the other people who live and work on the farm. This sense of community has been shown to help children feel connected and supported, and it can be beneficial in many aspects of their lives. You can apply this lesson to your own home by encouraging your child to form positive relationships with others and to be a supportive and caring member of your family.

Lesson 5: Appreciate nature and the environment.
Living and working on the farm has allowed my 7 year old to develop a deep appreciation for nature and the environment. He has learned how to care for the land, the animals, and the plants, and he understands the importance of protecting and preserving these resources. This appreciation for nature can be beneficial in many ways, from helping children develop a sense of stewardship and responsibility to fostering a love of the outdoors. You can apply this lesson to your own home by encouraging your child to explore and learn about the natural world around them, whether it's through gardening, hiking, or simply observing the plants and animals in your own backyard.

The half halt is a fundamental concept in dressage, and is essential for the training of any horse. In this article, we will explore what the half halt is, why it is important, and how to perform it. We will also look at five dressage exercises that can help you improve your half halts and take your training to the next level.

The half halt is a brief pause or check in the horse's movement, during which the rider simultaneously gathers the horse's attention and balances its body. This movement is used to prepare the horse for a transition, such as a change in gait or direction, or to increase the horse's responsiveness to the rider's aids.

To perform a half halt, the rider first sits deeply in the saddle and maintains a steady, even contact with the horse's mouth through the reins. At the same time, the rider's seat, legs, and hands all work together to give the horse a clear, balanced feel. The rider's seat should be slightly forward, with the hips aligned directly over the horse's center of gravity. The rider's legs should be active, but not gripping the horse, and should be evenly placed on either side of the horse's ribcage.

The half halt is not a sharp or sudden movement, but rather a gentle and gradual one. The goal is to get the horse to slow down and to become more responsive to the rider's aids, without causing any tension or resistance.
Here are five dressage exercises that can help you and your horse master the half halt:

1. The shoulder-in: The shoulder-in is a lateral movement in which the horse moves sideways along the wall of the arena, while maintaining a straight line of travel. To perform a shoulder-in, the rider should ask the horse to bend around their inside leg, while keeping their outside leg steady and straight. This will help the horse learn to engage their hindquarters and to maintain a balanced and controlled pace.
   
   
2. The leg yield: This exercise involves moving the horse's hindquarters away from the direction of the rider's movement, while maintaining a straight line. This helps the horse develop balance and impulsion.
   
3. The half pass: This exercise involves moving the horse diagonally across the arena, with its hindquarters staying on the track and its forehand moving in the direction of travel. This helps improve the horse's straightness and lateral flexibility.
   
4. The renvers: This exercise involves bending the horse's body to the inside of the arena, while maintaining a straight line of travel. This helps improve the horse's bend and flexibility.
   
5. The travers: This exercise involves moving the horse on a diagonal line, with its hindquarters staying on the track and its forehand moving in the opposite direction of travel. This helps improve the horse's balance and engagement of its hindquarters.
   

​Overall, these exercises can help improve the horse's ability to respond to the half halt and engage its hindquarters, which is an important aspect of dressage training.

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A double bridle is a type of horse bridle that is commonly used in dressage. It consists of two bits and four reins, and is designed to give the rider precise control over the horse's movements. In this article, we will go over the basics of using a double bridle, including how to properly fit the bridle, how to hold the reins, and how to use the bits to communicate with your horse.

Before you begin, it's important to make sure that your horse is properly trained and accustomed to the double bridle. This can take some time, so be patient and work with your horse at their own pace.

Step 1: Fit the bridle
The first step in using a double bridle is to properly fit it on your horse. Start by placing the bridle over your horse's head, with the crownpiece sitting just behind their ears. Next, adjust the noseband so that it sits comfortably on your horse's nose, about one finger's width away from their nostrils. Finally, adjust the cheekpieces so that they are parallel to the ground.

Step 2: Hold the reins
Once the bridle is fitted properly, it's time to pick up the reins. Hold the reins in your dominant hand, with your thumb on top and your fingers underneath. The reins should be evenly divided between your fingers, with each rein running through a separate finger.

Step 3: Use the bits
The double bridle has two bits: a snaffle bit and a curb bit. The snaffle bit is used to control the horse's mouth, while the curb bit is used to control the horse's head and neck. To use the bits, gently apply pressure to the reins. The snaffle bit should be used for basic commands, such as turns and transitions, while the curb bit can be used for more advanced movements, such as half-halts and collected gaits.

Step 4: Practice and refine
Using a double bridle takes time and practice to master. Start by practicing basic commands and movements, and gradually work up to more advanced techniques. As you ride, pay attention to your horse's response to the bits and reins, and make adjustments as needed to find the right balance of control and communication.
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In conclusion, the double bridle is an important tool in dressage riding, allowing the rider to have precise control over the horse's movements. By following these steps and practicing regularly, you can learn to use a double bridle effectively and enjoy the benefits of this specialized bridle.

Dressage Show Prep: In our April issue, Hilary Moore explains how an elite test prep company’s formula can help riders in the dressage ring. What’s your secret to preparing to show?

Check out the February 2010 issue of Stable Management magazine for an interview with Hilary on building a successful relationship with your barn owner(s) to grow your training business.