Kristie Cotton
“Be selective in your battles”
Problem solving: Resistance Resistance means so much more than an unwillingness to go forward. It shows itself in many forms whether it...
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Kristie Cotton
Aug 15, 20211 min read
Dressage is derived from the French term meaning "training" and its purpose is to....
Although goals in Dressage training are important, the horse may not understand the meaning behind our intentions. Many riders believe...
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Kristie Cotton
Apr 25, 20212 min read
A great coach tells you what you need to hear , not what you want to hear - Sagi Kalev
Almost 20 Years ago, there were consistent Clinicians in my area to receive amazing instruction from. Many of these clinicians were...
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Kristie Cotton
Apr 17, 20212 min read
Passion...
Passionate people are almost always ambitious. They want to have a say in the field that they love. They read about it, study it, embrace...
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Kristie Cotton
Mar 20, 20212 min read
Becoming a better rider...
I believe that hard work, determination, and passion is what can create a better rider. I am also convinced that the skill and technique...
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Kristie Cotton
Mar 13, 20212 min read
Dressage is so hard!!
I noticed a comment recently which led me to write this blog.. "Dressage is so hard! “ The reality is... Dressage is only hard if: Your...
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Kristie Cotton
Mar 10, 20212 min read
That's not Dressage...
I think that there is a certain " frame " that some have come to demand from their horse. The belief that the head needs to be in a...
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Kristie Cotton
Feb 26, 20211 min read
Why do my hands bounce when I sit the trot?
I have taken so many longe lessons to help my position, strengthen my core, and sit the trot.... I am so thankful for the skills I...
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Kristie Cotton
Feb 25, 20211 min read
The training scale is " interrelated "
Although contact is on the third block of the training scale, it is an important step necessary for all ages and types of horses. The...
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Kristie Cotton
Feb 22, 20211 min read
Can I improve my horses movement?
Whether you are on a fancy Warmblood or not, movement is going to come from how the horse uses their back muscles. We hear things like "...
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Kristie Cotton
Feb 21, 20212 min read
The opposite of Tension in Dressage Training
“Relaxation is related to the first step, rhythm. Without proper mental and physical relaxation, a horse will not settle down and find...
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Kristie Cotton
Apr 20, 20195 min read
What can your horse do for you…
Let’s actually ask, ” What can I do for my horse? ” Horses are majestic animals that are wonderful simply to be with. Horses are gentle...
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Kristie Cotton
Mar 31, 20196 min read
Fixing or Enabling the problem?
We love our horses, we want the very best for them, and we are willing to try anything to have a great partnership with them. My same...
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Kristie Cotton
Mar 16, 20197 min read
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world”
The rehabilitation of this 15 yr. Quarter horse is special to me. I know this horse, I started him as a colt. He was a stud colt and was...
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Kristie Cotton
Feb 2, 20196 min read
If you can dream it, You can do it
Horses are an expensive hobby, there is no getting around that. I was very fortunate to have forced my way into the horse world. I was...
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Kristie Cotton
Jan 26, 20194 min read
Empower – Give freedom to…
I love this word and especially when it comes to riding horses. I have read opinions of horse people discouraging the use of this word...
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Kristie Cotton
Jan 20, 20193 min read
All We hear is Horsey Ga Ga
” The best thing I try to do for myself is to try to listen to the horse. ” – Tom Dorrance Photo credit Facebook Incredible thoughts from...
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Kristie Cotton
Jan 13, 20194 min read
Forced or willing ….Training behavior
This horse was an ex roping horse. He hadn’t been used in quite some time as he didn’t have an ounce of muscle anywhere. His owner had...
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Kristie Cotton
Dec 30, 20182 min read
Helping or Hindering…
I recently attended a clinic that I was really looking forward to. I could not wait to learn what the clinician had to teach and how each...
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Kristie Cotton
Dec 9, 20184 min read
Identify the behavior Part 2
I want to share the story of a little paint pony named ” Thunder ” I received a call from a woman who had purchased a three year old Pony...
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