Alicia Swinton Equestrian

11/07/2024

This! "Delete, block, unfollow for your own mental health"
Can't agree more that the path less taken in taking your time with the horses.🩷

I think that one of the most unhealthy things that we do as a society, and especially in the horse industry, is compare ourselves, our lives and our progress to the next guy.

I’m guilty. I used to do it, too.

I used to think my horse was “behind” because I was focused on the basics - stretching, transitions, straightness, building confidence, growing our relationship, etc. And other horses the same age were pumping out upper level movements like they were going to the Olympics as 6 year olds.

Let me tell you, all that liberty work, cross training, hacking, stretching, etc. that I did (and still do) was well worth it. My horse is stronger - physically, mentally and emotionally. She’s solid, confident and only getting better by the day. Those tests movements are not a problem.

Enjoy the journey with your horse.

I don’t know what the other guy is doing anymore.

It’s none of my business.

Delete, block, unfollow - for your own mental health.

🌻 Cara

📸 Max & Maxwell: Equestrian Photography

09/04/2024

Great show! Thank you!

Photo! Looks like Team Alicia Swinton had a good run at Pacific Equestrian Center Show #5!

High Points:

Eventing: 76.563 USEA Eventing, Beginner Novice Test B - Alyssa Fenstermaker on Furst Romantic

Open: 70.441 FEI Prix St. Georges - Natalya Slipchenko on Fortunatto EDI

AA: 70.571 USEF Second Level, Test 1 - Michelle Pappone-Beedy on Louisa

Western: 73.333 WDAA Level 1 Test 2 - Lucia Dizon on CFF I Told You So

Please add any photos to this post from Show #5!!!

08/18/2024

I can't help falling in love with all of the products! I love working with innovative, creative, and forward-thinking companies like Majykequipe. They produce great products that help protect our partners in all 3 phases, using materials that won't trap heat or irritate your horses skin. Thanks for being a part of team ASE majykequipe!🇺🇸

Pictured is the Ergonomic fleece jump pad with custom shims, ergonomic 'superhorse' monoflap girth with neoprene FREE liner, and 4 set of dressage sport boots. DM me with questions! Alicia20 will get you 20% off your next order at Majykequipe.com
Shoutout to Artistic Equine Studios 📷 magic🥰

07/02/2024

Is it just me, or does this picture make my horse look big?😅....
Touché rocking the combination at Twin Rivers!

07/22/2023

LATE POST!⬇️
Some pics of twin rivers! All the team did amazing and learned some great lessons in how to manage your horses in the heat!
Maya Burke placed 7th in her division on Luna. These two are a pair to be reckoned with. Kennedy placed 3rd on Gigi in the Novice ending on her dressage score and 2nd in beginner novice also ending on her dressage score with Atticus. Addi M did her first training level and I couldn't be more proud! This girl has overcome some obstacles, and they will be a pair to watch!
Claire continues to grow with Scooter and completed her 2nd event at starter! I couldn't of made a better match with horse and rider. These two are the best together! Addi D and Leo continue to impress and grow! They placed 4th in a large starter division ending on their dressage score! And tank had 2 unfortunate rails cost us our top 3 ribbon but he continued to grow up and become so much more rideable! This horse never says no, and will be a true eventing star moving up the levels!

07/03/2023

The is HUGE! Why we teach horsemanship lessons and why I truly believe they are vital to an equestrians journey ⬇️

03/22/2023

I am lucky.

I have fallen. I have been kicked. I have been stepped on. I have been bitten.

I’ve had falls that could’ve and should’ve caused permanent injury.

I’ve had falls that have broken my fingers, wrists and hands and continued to ride through such injuries.

I’ve had falls that could’ve gravely injured me and robbed me of the very job and activities that bring me so much joy.

I had one fall in particular, a few years ago, where I landed so hard I thought I may have broken my back. Every fall before this, I had been able to just get up and go catch my horse. This time, when I tried to get up, the pain was so sharp I had to take a knee. I felt like I was going to be sick.

Since this fall, I’ve had back soreness and body soreness issues. My low back, hips and knees are not great.

Recently, I had an MRI. I was expecting bad news, but instead I got good news.

I am lucky.

I have beaten up my body and needlessly put myself and horses in dangerous situations that are entirely avoidable and could be made so much safer just by training with more patience and thought.

I could’ve robbed myself of a lot of longevity and caused permanent injury.

But, I am lucky.

That luck has made me consider what it would’ve been like if I hadnt been so fortunate.

If these injuries had caught up with me.

Oh, the anger and frustration I would feel.

Others are not so lucky.

Others are still actively endangering themselves doing the same things I once did. Being applauded for it and told they’re gritty and brave.

It isn’t necessary. It isn’t worth it in the long run.

We don’t need to endanger ourselves as riders to the extent that is normalized.

Horses can be dangerous on a good day, but far too often in training and care, us humans throw gasoline on that figurative fire and create situations that are much more risky than needed.

Safety is cool.

Patience is cool.

Not injuring yourself is cool.

We can be safer. We can stress horses out less. We can preserve our bodies more and we can yield the same results or better just by taking a step back and relaxing.

We don’t need to create dangerous situations in the name of training.

You can train to avoid such dangerous situations.

And your body will thank you.

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Learning resources: http://MilestoneEquestrian.ca/resources

Webinars: https://milestoneequestrian.ca/shop-milestone

Patreon: http://Patreon.com/sdequus

10/07/2022

Tank loving his beamer and nebulizer sessions before showing

07/31/2022

Twin Rivers 6/2022 ASE team all top placings 🏆

07/31/2022

Twin Rivers HT 6/2022
Sarah and Mojo ⬇️

03/14/2022

ASE horse show is a wrap! Thanks to everyone who helped make it possible! ❤🤍💙

12/25/2021

Merry Christmas! We hope your day is full of family, friends and amazing memories!🎄

12/17/2021

Fun day doing trot sets on the trail😍

12/13/2021

Fresno 11/2021
Love our team 💙❤💙

10/29/2021

Flying changes have arrived! 😍

06/30/2021

Some videos from cross country schooling last Sunday 💙 what a great group!

05/24/2021

Hannah and Abby having some fun

05/11/2021

Touché strutting his stuff on his way to a 2nd place finish at Pacific Equestrian Center in Wilton