European Riding Academy

10/27/2025

These pictures are all from the speed phase. Yes, we have that even for L1 because we can and it’s fun!

Way too busy during EOH to take any pictures. We actually had a few scores of 10 this time! 👏💙

Thank you also to Anna, she makes an outstanding scribe! And Jen, who is a great photographer when she isn’t competing herself (all pictures from dressage and warm up were taken by her, and some posted here as well)
In spite of this very fall like weather, we all had fun and enjoyed a great show, wrapping it up with rewards while having a potluck 🐴❤️

10/27/2025

Some pictures from warmup and dressage phase.

Tango was very forward, yet his young rider kept him in check very well (he is known to randomly break into a canter and go off pattern, but not today!) Love how she has developed such great feel for this old rascal. 🥰

Marie took it all in strides, listening well to her little rider, who impressed me today with having memorized her pattern and actually riding great center circles! This kid is definitely a true horse girl! 🥰🐴❤️

Princess Isabella sure is a flashy mover, and was a bit high energy according to her young rider. That, however makes it more fun for this teenager! 😆 She handles her well enough to keep her in check and on course, and score well too!

Our other competitive rider is my greatest helper too! Her and Little Bit have developed a great relationship, based on trust and consistent work. Watching these two continue to improve is a real pleasure. Both, her and Bella competed in L3 and their scores were very close. Love teaching them and watch them grow into great riders, who keep horses’ wellfare a priority. 😍💕

Greatest reward for me, as their teacher, is seeing that they are indeed listening and executing what they are taught during lessons. Every single one of them clearly tried to apply many little tips I teach them. So fantastic to see that. Very proud of every one of them! 🤩❤️

10/27/2025

We braved the rain 🌧️ (thank goodness it just drizzled and no winds today), had hot tea to keep warm, and dealt with wet obstacle arena….. making this Halloween Fun Show one for the books! 👻🎃
Every single rider improved significantly from last show! 👏

I will post more pictures of different phases later. So just some teasers from when they got ready.

10/26/2025

When sudden wind bursts and strong rains make a ridden lesson unsafe…. We do in-hand work, creating a trusting partnership between horse and handler, changing the horses from being anxious and on high alert, into relaxed and happy animals ❤️

10/23/2025

All set up to ride between rain drops on Sunday for Halloween Show 👻 ☔️
Fingers crossed rain will be light enough. Otherwise plan B has to shape up to keep everything in covered arena.

10/20/2025

Wow, time sure flies when you are having fun. Practicing for Halloween show, emphasizing on importance of knowing where to go next, especially for my L3 riders! Run out of time to do a practice speed run and once again, I barely took any pictures. At least I have one of each 😂
Isabella is turning out to be a great horse, not too much phases her anymore. Marie is a super star anyways and 31 year old Tango doesn’t stop to amaze either. Not to forget to mention Lil Bit, who continues to improve too. ❤️🐴
Excited for Halloween Show next Sunday! 🧙 🎃 👻

10/17/2025

All set up for last EOH class, which will be our practice run for Halloween 🎃 Show!
So excited! 🐴💕👻

10/05/2025

Another fun EOH class, learning more of the finer details for some obstacles, such as the pen, backing up L, figure 8, switch cup, pick up and drop off pole and riding over bridge, and side pass. That one is always a challenge for sure.

01/29/2025

Psst, if you get stuck by Viewpoint on Foothill it goes through to Cedar Link…you can avoid waiting 20+ minutes for flaggger to let you through 🚙

01/01/2025

10/27/2024

EOH course ready for Halloween Fun Show on Sunday. Looks like the rain will have stopped by the time we get to that phase.
Fun to glance some previews of costumes. I shall try my best to get some pictures during first warm up of these creative costumes 🐴❤️🎃👻

10/22/2024

😂 it’s very difficult to take a picture of wings on your back and Isabella’s head too. 🤣

Today, I rode her through the WE course from Saturday, using wings on my back to make sure she will be ok with it during upcoming WE Halloween show. These will be part of B.’s costume 👻💕

She didn’t mind at all when I got her ready with these wings on my back. When I picked up the pole to carry it down with us, she did get a little worried. Obviously, the pole is more scary than the wings. So, of course, I did some whacky maneuvers on the ground first.

Under saddle, it only took a few minutes to help her relax, by giving her obstacles to focus on:
Double slalom: walk and trot ✅
Drums: walk and trot ✅
Trot pole/jump: walk and trot ✅
Bridge: ✅
Jug: ✅
Switch cup: ✅
Back Up L Corridor with bell: ✅
Rope gate: ✅ - she is fairly well patterned on that by now, both directions
Pen: ✅, even with TOH, walk and trot
Remove pole, spear ring, replace pole: ✅ just can’t keep a straight line yet, and only ride that one in walk

Rode it all left handed, as B. is left handed. I think they two of them will be doing just fine this Sunday ❣️🐴🎃