This section is the continuing education portion of this website. Here you will find an excerpt from my book-in-progress on the rider's hands, links to amazing horse stories, training methods, riding enhancement and just plain fun things to do with horses. This section is my opportunity to share with you the websites I follow and love.  ENJOY! And may your relationship with your horse be everything you've ever dreamed.

FOR FUN, FUN, FUN and MORE FUN!
Jean-Francois Pignon's video, Mustang Sally, is beyond WONDERFUL and so much fun. Ah, don't we all want to play with our horses like this!  By the way, Jean-Francois is the brother of Frederic Pignon of Cavallia fame. Here's the youtube video link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2erlljh0cg

EXCERPT FOR MY BOOK ON THE RIDER'S HANDS.   “Nearly every writer on the subject of riding is of opinion that “good hands” are inborn and cannot be acquired. This may be so, but the worst of hands may be greatly improved by good teaching and practice.”   THE HORSEWOMAN  A Practical Guide to Side-Saddle Riding by Alice M. Hayes; 1903  A true horseman rides first from the heart, tunes his mind to the horse, sits lightly upon his back, uses hands and legs sparingly, improves his horse’s relaxation and equilibrium, does no harm and enjoys the ride.

FOR INSPIRATION
Klaus Hempfling is a wonderful inspiration to riders throughout the world. If you have the time, view as many of his videos as possible and read his books. They are terrific.   This video clip is of Klaus' transforming affect on a young and fearful Arabian. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgyGa_tgNu8&feature=channel

FOR TECHNIQUES
Colleen Kelly's website is a wealth of information on how to improve your riding position and your horse's performance.  Her website is colleenkelly.net. However, I have been having trouble linking to her, so google Colleen Kelly Biomechanics and hopefully you'll end up there. This is a great link to one of Colleen's articles. This one is on bits - by the way, throw away your full check snaffle. http://colleenkelly.net/ArticlesandInfo/HorsesPetAndAnimalCare/BITS/What_bit_do_you_recommend.htm

For Position
If you haven't visited Mary Wanless' website lately, and you've been struggling with your position on horseback, check it out.  Her site is www.mary-wanless.com in case the link I'm posting doesn't work. Go to the RIDE and LEARN section of her horizontal navigation bar and have fun. I began with article 54,  the last in the series, just to make sure I got her most up-to-date information. Warning: these articles can be addictive. I learn so much, I can't wait to get on to the next one! The articles I enjoy are from Horse and Rider magazine where Mary analyzed the rider's position and the impact on the horse from a photo.