“Miroir du Cheval” loosely translated means “Mirror of the Horse” My approach to training/teaching is that the horse is a direct reflection of the rider.
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“Miroir du Cheval” loosely translated means “Mirror of the Horse”
My approach to training/teaching is that the horse is a direct reflection of the rider’s own biomechanics. If the rider is crooked and off balance, then the horse will be as well. It is my goal for the riders to learn and understand how their own body has a direct effect on the horse in the way it moves and performs. Understanding
this makes you a better rider, competitor, and companion to your horse. Biomechanics may be a key part of my training, but at the heart of my passion is using horses as a ministry to bring honor and glory to God. Like the horse reflects the rider, I choose to live my life in reflection of Him. I am a USDF Bronze Medalist and a Certified Instructor with the following organizations:
CHA - Certified Horsemanship Association – Master Level and Certifier / Clinician
PATH – Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship – Standard Instructor
MC Equestrian's Summer Schedule has been adjusted to allow students to book earlier time slots and added more availability at 4Him Ranch's covered arena!
Beat the heat and book your early morning lessons now!
https://MC-Equestrian-ScheduleLink.as.me/?calendarID=6661182
(As always if you don't see the day or time you wish to book send me a message I might be able to squeeze you in deepening on location).
Upcoming CHA certification that still has openings!
English Western Instructor Certification – Camp Hebron in PA
From May 27, 2024 to June 1, 2024
English Western Instructor Certification Camp Hebron $850.00 includes Meals and Lodging 957 Camp Hebron Rd Halifax, PA 17032
Call CHA Corporate Office (859)-259-3399
https://email.cloud2.secureclick.net/c/2027?id=154589.1107.1.964efa1513f6b7cbcb830950aeb083e3

4Him Ranch is owned and operated by a Christian couple who love the Lord and horses. Marilyn travels to 4Him Ranch for both teaching and training full time / on the regular.
✨Haul In Training or Lessons slots available!
✨Lesson Horse(s) are availablle!
✨Viewing area both outside and inside arena.
✨Clinics and workshops hosted on location regularly!
Located Just South West of Purcell OK
(About 7 miles off I-35)
The basics are repeated in every level, but the skill to handle MORE information on the HOW and WHY behind a horse’s movement and aids is key for higher-level horses/riders.
“That lady has it so easy, her horse is push button!”
Ever hear this phrase? I’m not sure such a thing actually exists. And if it did, it would probably look more like this. A fully trained Grand Prix horse would feel like sitting down in the cockpit of a jet 😳 Just because a horse is trained to a high level does not make them “easy” to ride. Hopefully as you learn how to navigate and operate all these “buttons,” then a horse like this could allow to you feel some amazing things - upper level movements, yes. But mostly they should give you the feel for things like excellent balance, self carriage, suppleness, responsiveness. These are the “basics” you need to feel in order to do any of the fancy movements. If you sit on a “push button” horse and just hope to press the right button and feel an amazing passage or delightful tempi changes, you’re going to be sorely disappointed 😆
With great buttons comes great responsibility. 😂
Thanks to Susan DiFelice Design for this awesome illustration of her amazing “push button” wonder mare.
“It's all about that bend…”
DRESSAGE TRIVIA:
Which two movements are basically the same, but are actually more different than night and day?
Do you know the difference between the trot loop and the canter loop? Besides the fact that one is performed at the trot and the other at the canter, there is a MAJOR difference between these two movements.
They are performed in the exact same pattern, or path, so how can it be possible that they are so completely different?
Well, you know...
🎶🎤🎵 "It's all about the bend, bout da bend, bout da bend..."🎶🎤🎵
The trot loop at training level requires a change in bend twice. And it must be smooth and fluid. The changes in bend come at you quick and you need to navigate and plan and think....😰
The canter loop at first level does not include any changes in bend, so you ride the path with no worries of that! BUT this is actually a harder movement because it's actually much harder to keep the same bend in the canter without breaking to trot or switching leads! Welcome to counter-canter territory...🫣
Regardless, both movements require planning and attention to detail. See the diagram below to help you visualize both movements😎
Music matching gets me fired up about Musical Freestyles!
Want me to mix your music? Message me!
For those of you asking the Sherry Guess clinic was changed to Saturday & Sunday only, so Friday the 16th lesson/training slots are available with MC Equestrian!
Booking available both at 4Him Ranch and away, schedule now!
I have lesson openings tomorrow morning! Covered arena with wind curtains/blocks! Come ride one of my lesson horses or bring your own! (Gravel turn around so trailers welcome).
Really nice visuals here!
The basic needs for any horse!
WAIT! WHAT? I thought "pleasing my owner who loves me and winning a gold medal for my country " were tops on the list!!!
It probably goes without saying but MC Equestrian will be closed for outdoor activities Monday the 15th - Tuesday the 16th (January 2024). For now, Wednesday the 17th will resume regular scheduled outdoor events but will reassess closer to the day.
Stay warm and stay indoors when you can! Burrrr!
A very Merry Christmas from MC Equestrian!
Love Ahrea, Jurgen, Oliver, and Desi
Congratulations to Dulce for being another loyal and valued client to participate in the Christmas Special!
PM me for more details on MC Equestrian’s Christmas Special!
Celebrating day of the horse!
“National Day of the Horse on December 13th encourages people of the United States to be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the United States.”
Learn more: https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-day-of-the-horse-december-13
Congratulations to Lynn for being the 1st client to participate in the Christmas Special!
PM me for more details on MC Equestrian’s Christmas Special!
🎄MC Equestrian Lessons Christmas Certificates!🎄
New Client Christmas Certificate:
$25.00 New Client “Orientation” which will included a mounted sample Lesson!
See below for more details:
*Present certificate your “Orientation” to redeem the offer.
*Payment and scheduling for “Orientation” must be completed before December 31st 2023
*Certificate must be used by February 29th 2024
*Certificate only redeemable at the 4Him Ranch location.
*Lesson horse available, or bring your own horse… your choice!
*MC Equestrian’s Cancellation and “No Show” policies still applies to this Certificate (and any other future offers).
✨Hello loyal MC Equestrian Clients✨
MC Equestrian is now offering…
🎄Christmas Certificates🎄
Silver Certificate:
Buy 1 lesson get the 2nd lesson 1/2 off (both lessons must be same cost value).
Gold Certificate:
Buy 3 lessons get the 4th lesson free. (All 4 four lessons must be same cost value).
*Client Must have received at least two lessons from MC Equestrian. (New clients see “New Client Special” in tomorrow’s post).
*Certificate(s) are available to purchase for those who have already scheduled lessons on calendar.
*Present your certificate to the qualified lesson to redeem offer.
*Payment for Christmas Certificate(s) must be sent before December 31st 2023
*Must redeem Certificates by March 31st 2024
*Once payment is confirmed future lessons need to be scheduled on calendar as soon as possible. (Message me for details).
*Certificate(s) only redeemable at the 4Him Ranch location.
*Lesson horse available, or bring your own horse… your choice!
*MC Equestrian’s Cancellation and “No Show” policies still applies to all certificates (and any other future offer).
For those asking….
Christmas specials coming soon! Stay tuned!
Too add… The point is this, once you realize you are the (only) one responsible for your own (necessary) improvement, get up and do SOMETHING to do better! You only know what you know, once you know do what you can to improve.
We all start somewhere.
𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴!!
• A horse grinding their teeth or behind the vertical or on the forehand does NOT mean the rider is some ethically grey arse who doesn’t care about horse welfare. Riding is hard. There is a huge learning curve. We don’t come out of the womb with perfect horsemanship, but then create tension because we decided draw reins are quicker.
• A horse that’s tense at a show and clearly not having a good time does not mean the horse hates their human or that the training sucks or is lacking. I don’t care how much you work your horse at home- that’s not going to keep them from being nervous at a show. You have to work on that away from home, which requires working through that tension in public.
• Knowing that your hands or seat is causing issues doesnt magically fix the problem. Everyone who learned to ride well spent years riding poorly.
Yes we should be looking to minimize negative effects on the horse while we learn.
Here are just a few ways to do that…..
- gentle tack for green riders
- lunge lessons
- riding with an instructor more often than not
- learning loose rein riding before riding in connection
- fitness program off the horse
- not advancing too quickly (aka, master sitting trot without stirrups before cantering, master 2 point before jumping, etc)
If someone is using a double twisted hack gag combo with a wire tie down to control their horse- THAT is a moral issue.
If someone ties the horse’s head to its girth until it’s in a state of learned helplessness before doing a western pleasure class, THAT is a moral issue.
Botoxing tails is a moral issue.
The FEI continuing to allow nosebands so tight the horse can’t open it mouth a centimeter, none-the-less yawn, THAT’s a moral issue.
Being braced with your left hand is not a moral issue.
A crooked seat is not a moral issue.
Can these things still negatively impact your horse? Absolutely. But these things should be temporary and while we minimize negative impact on the horse as much as possible, learning to ride will never be totally tension free. I have a string of lesson horses and overall they are pretty happy. We do exercises and match horse and rider in a way that allows riders to learn and grow without the horses suffering for it.
Now, if one of those students took a horse to a show, you would probably see some tension. Just like when I show, it’s certainly not always perfect. That’s one ride out of thirty. Seriously, the horses can handle some occasional not-great rides. But the social media keyboard warriors seem to think that if a horse has some mouth issues/ tight neck/ collapsed throat latch in a few show pics, that somehow the rider is a bad person.
The guilt that is cast on riders for not having perfect hands in every picture is ridiculous. Now, if an FEI rider keeps turning horse’s tongues blue, THAT IS A MORAL ISSUE!!! Go get um!!!
But if a 45 yo woman on her OTTB is trying to survive a training level test abd her horse’s face is wrinkled with tension, for crying out loud, she isn’t doing it on purpose!!!! Leave the poor woman alone. She’s working on it! She’s never going to stress that horse as much as the track did and she’s doing the best she can.
All good riders used to be not-good riders. Most riders already judge themselves harder than the trolls do. Stop the hate.
Thank you all for your continued support and love! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.
Lesson availability tomorrow at 4Him Ranch! Any takers? (I am booked and busy from Wednesday till end of the month).
Horse show today! We won our class!
(Not too bad for our 1st outing and 1st show together)!
Rohan is a awesome Friesian cross and is owned by Vicki Yahn. I have had the pleasure to work with them for a year now.
I am looking forward to many more years together!
Thank you Vicki and thank you everyone who came to support!
No “Ladies Ride” (monthly event at 4Him Ranch) this month.
I am signed up for a horse show that Saturday! 🐴
Wish me luck!
What exactly is your core?
In simple terms, it is your central unit.
If you cut off your head, arms and legs, it's what is left in the middle.
Your torso.
Often lost in translation in many circles, but your core when I am referring to it is a broad term for this area.
It covers a lot of muscles.
The key is having this central unit working in a coordinated fashion during riding.
Providing stability for your spine to be able to stay balanced and move with the horse.
From this stable centre, the body is provided with a solid foundation to be able to work efficiently.
Like correct wheel alignment in a car.
Everything works in harmony, together.
A system of systems that moves as one with our horse.
One of the key muscles for activation in our core is our TVA, and your TVA is an important muscle to understand for dressage riding.
You may not have heard of your TVA (transverse abdominis muscle), but it works as a stabiliser for your entire lower back.
It’s one of the main core stabilising muscles of the lumbar spine.
A weak TVA is often associated with lower back aches and pain.
The TVA is the deepest of the abdominals and is often referred to as the “corset muscle” because it wraps around your sides and spine.
It acts like a muscular girdle of sorts and protects the lower back.
Having a strong TVA when you are riding helps with core stability and that stability will allow you to remain stable and more balanced in the saddle.
Would you like to learn more about your TVA along with some exercises you can do today to strengthen it?
Comment 'TVA' below and I will send you the link to the entire article I have written on this.
Tap save, so you can come back to this later.
“Feeling” a 10-meter circle.
From our article, How to (and Why) Ride Correct 10-Meter Circles - https://howtodressage.com/dressage-movements/ride-10-meter-circle/
Dressage forms the base from which you build, much like the foundations of a house.
The dressage horse is developed mentally and physically through methodical and gymnastic training so that he can perform any exercise to the best of his natural ability.
Not every combination will reach the dizzy heights of Grand Prix competition, but understanding the basis of dressage will create a happy, supple, balanced, and confident equine athlete that is a pleasure to ride.
Through using systematic, correct, and fair training, you will end up with a horse that is cooperative, and willing.
In essence, we should all be dressage riders 😀
For more reasons, check out this post, 'What's the Point of Dressage?' - https://howtodressage.com/dressage-theory/what-is-the-aim-of-dressage/
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Music matching gets me fired up about Musical Freestyles! Want me to mix your music? Message me!
The last few months there has been a growing interest for MC Equestrian to put on a “Introduction to Liberty workshop/clinic/class.” Would there be any interest for a class such as this in the Purcell/Norman area? Class would have limited openings to bring your own horse. Auditing would be free. *Posting old video for attention, action being presented is “Leg Yield / Two Tracking at Liberty.”
Meet Roy (also was a rescue) he is at 4Him Ranch in Maysville OK Started riding Roy mid June of this year. He knew basic stops, start, steer, walk, trot, and sorta canter, but very little about connection or lifting his back. He was heavy but now he is much lighter and is starting to understand connection! Still learning yes, but aren’t we all? Did a DNA test on him and found out that he is a Hanoverian, Holsteiner, Quarter Horse cross! Cool huh? (Video date November 3rd).
Did you know that every good instructor / trainer should be taking lessons to continue their education? Once we stop learning we stopping being good instructors / trainers. Is it sometimes embarrassing to make mistakes in front of others? Of course! But the possibility of learning something new, or learning how to better ride or teach, it’s worth it! Here is a short video of one of my lessons on handsome Harley! He has taught me so much. Thank you Sherry for being so patient and investing in me. (Video date Oct 8th). #alwaysastudent #biomechanics
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“Miroir du Cheval” loosely translated means “Mirror of the Horse” My approach to training/teaching is that the horse is a direct reflection of the rider’s own biomechanics. If the rider is crooked and off balance, then the horse will be as well. It is my goal for the riders to learn and understand how their own body has a direct effect on the horse in the way it moves and performs. Understanding this makes you a better rider, competitor, and companion to your horse. Biomechanics may be a key part of my training, but at the heart of my passion is using horses as a ministry to bring honor and glory to God. Like the horse reflects the rider, I choose to live my life in reflection of Him. I am a USDF Bronze Medalist and a Certified Instructor with the following organizations: CHA - Certified Horsemanship Association – Master Instructor & Clinician PATH – Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship – Standard Instructor
