Max Goodman

15/02/2025

Business as usual then. Read the whole article to understand how interconnected the elite dressage world is. Anna Pidgley (who bought Pumpkin/Geo fromher former coach Charlotte DuJardin) is now coached by recently un-suspended Helgstrand (and dating his son) who was suspended for the infamous hidden camera documentary showing the standard atrocities his program committed daily, because Charlotte was also suspended for abuse…oh and she’s now riding a horse formerly competed by Charlotte Dufour. If you pay even the slightest bit of attention to this soap operatic charade it’s enough to make your head spin.

Danish Olympian and former team rider Andreas Helgstrand has made his come back to the show arena a winning one after his one-year suspension.

13/02/2025

Welcome to sweet Mousse.

13/02/2025

As always, it was a joy to trot down the centerline with Mousse this past weekend. For our first schooling show of the year I really threw a lot at him, though we've been schooling all the second level movements for some time, I only introduced the full test a week prior. (The judge may have noticed, as she called this an "ambitious choice" of test :D ) This schooling show was just that - just to remember our manners and how much fun we can have off property. Mousse loaded up easily, explored Portofino Equestrian Center where he had never been before, with gusto, schooled in a busy warm up arena like a pro, and went down the centerline calmly in a covered arena - I don't think he's been in one in maybe a year?! The test was green, as expected, with bobbles and some tentativeness at the beginning, but he felt better and better as he went, growing more sure of himself as the test progressed. He really nailed his counter canters, which he often thinks are silly, frequently offering expressive clean changes instead (the future is bright!). I was also happy with his ease in shoulder in, it feels very natural for him now, and his quiet roll back onto his haunches for his rein back. I am still shocked he hasn't found his person yet...but I can't say I'm not a little bit excited at the opportunity to take him down the centerline another time or two in the interim...Horses like this that give you a feeling of safety, confidence and ease are few and far between. He's a good egg. (Thanks to MsCucalon Photography for capturing this lovely moment.)

04/02/2025

There’s a new dressage horse marketplace, I’ve just listed Mousse there. I’m really surprised he’s still here, he just ticks all the boxes 🙂

Mousse is a coming 6 year old registered rhinelander, who will make his second level debut in a matter of weeks. Having spent the last season learning about shows and competing at materiale, training and first level. In addition to schooling all his lateral work in trot, he is preparing for flying c...

01/02/2025

So proud of my mentee, Bryanna Tanase!!

30/01/2025

It's that time again! Pippa returns to NC, April 2-4, this time hosted in Oxford at River Wind Farm, which boasts an insulated, attached indoor. Pippa studied directly with Philippe Karl for two years, in addition to working longterm with Bettina Drummond and natural horsemanship modalities. Pippa helps horse and rider pairs of all disciplines at all levels with her measured, nuanced, kind approach. Pippa is excellent at meeting horses and riders where they are, and prioritizing the needs of the horse. Only three riding spots remain, auditors welcome! For more details, or to reserve your spot visit our clinic site:

Lake o' the Woods Sporthorses along with our gracious facility host, River Wind Farm, are proud to host visiting clinician Pippa Callanan (Click her name for her full website and bio).  Pippa has a long history of study with French Classical Masters Philippe Karl and Bettina Drummond, among other ...

19/01/2025

An excellent choice of really good classical riding and judging. Go Alexis!! Well deserved

The Dressage Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the $2,500 Pure Spanish Horse/Pura Raza Española (P.R.E.) Fund grant is Alexis Martin-Vegue (CA). 🥳

Alexis is a professional dressage trainer, clinician, and USEF “r” judge and is currently head trainer at Dorado Andaluz, a P.R.E. Horse breeding farm. Alexis will use the grant funding to train with Pippa Callanan on Galana DA, a 14-year-old mare owned by Susanne Punch and Dorado Andaluz. Alexis’ goal with her training is to work on Grand Prix movements and create the choreography for a freestyle.

Alexis said, “I'm so humbled to be receiving the P.R.E. Fund grant from TDF to be able to train with my incredible mentor Pippa Callanan. Being able to focus on my education while developing possibly the best horse I've ever had the honor to ride, Galana DA, is the most incredible gift.”

The purpose of this Fund is to celebrate and promote the Pure Spanish Horse/P.R.E. as upper-level dressage horses because of the breed’s natural abilities, talent, and disposition. Thanks to generous donors, one annual $2,500 grant will be given to a professional, adult amateur, or Young Rider (over the age of 16) competing at Prix St. Georges (or Young Rider equivalent) or higher.

The deadline to apply is November 10. Information about the Fund and the online application are available at https://bit.ly/3FhBHrv



Photo by Tamera

16/01/2025

Woo!

Danish horse welfare reforms introduce optional nosebands, bitless bridles, and stricter competition rules to enhance equine welfare in national events.

09/01/2025

Send a message to learn more

05/01/2025

Looking to build community and keep yourself consistent and accountable in 2025? Join us for collaborative virtual clinics one day each season. 8 private lessons with students of all levels, all over the world, followed by a discussion about contemporary topics in the horse world - Training as Rehabilitation, Welfare and the Dressage Competition World (making actionable change), Dressage Training for other Disciplines, and Unmounted Horsemanship, respectively.

I will be your instructor, and discussion moderator. This is a great opportunity for students who might not otherwise have access to a like-minded instructor locally. The purpose of this clinic is for all participants to try and be present at all four sessions, to build community and support one another's growth. Please do not sign up for this clinic if you don't think you will be able to attend consistently. Because this clinic is in a virtual format, you will need a decent internet connection or cell service, a bluetooth headset is suggested, and either a Pivo, Pixem or friend to film. Anyone who would like to participate and hasn't done virtual lessons before, feel free to contact me directly and we will test your tech prior to clinic day. Other than the tech aspect, all levels and disciplines welcome. The only requirement is that you are interested in learning more about French Classical Dressage and ethical horsemanship.

https://virtualclinicswithmaxgoodman.splashthat.com

01/01/2025

Time to bid adieu to 2024. It has been a big year here at Lake o' the Woods, with many lovely moments.

We welcomed Eliot and his horse Morty to join us as our essential working student - and he's done a fantastic job!

We were so excited to match our beloved MSJ Elton with our student Melinda, who will give him the most amazing forever home. Stephanie was lucky enough to purchase Nefertiti da Raposa from our dear friend Natasha before she even officially was for sale! Perfect match! Amber happened upon Eileen de Marquez through happenstance when I was looking at horses in FL. And of course, Trish and David were kind enough to let me purchase Lionel HW, at some financial loss to themselves, but a huge gain for my heart - this horse makes me smile every day.

Young Ella and our newest edition Mousse both had great show seasons, with Ella earning her first score above 70% with the sometimes overly exuberant Polly Pony! Mousse gained valuable experience and quickly moved up from materiale and training level to 1st, and now schooling 2nd. He even played at a hunter show! What a good baby.

But, if I am honest, this year ends with a big missing piece. David Peters, who was the center of everything here at Lake o' the Woods, left this world too early, due to that unfathomable malevolence, cancer. I was dreading summing up this year, because it makes me so sad to know that 2025 won't have David in it.

There are some people who cross your path that change the direction of your life. I think David saw things in me that reminded him of himself - a passion for the horses, a strong work ethic, and a certain scrappiness that doesn't give a damn and just won't quit. I will always be grateful that he and Trish invited me into their home, and allowed me to share his dream. Every day I wake up here, surrounded by natural beauty, greeted by eager faces and warm muzzles, and I know how much David would have loved it. I feel an onus to live every day to the fullest, to realize the dream he didn't get to see to completion in life. I take him with me every trip down the centerline - I myself don't enjoy showing, but David loved it. Tonight I raise a glass to the man of the house. I miss you David.

But, things move forward, and so must we. Welcome 2025. Who knows, maybe this year has got some glimmers in it yet.

Here are a small selection of photos that made me smile this past year: