>>> I feel so strongly about this that I have taken the domain >>> http://lifewithhorses.com in order to house the broader topics I am >>> documenting on video. In addition to the saddle maker there is a huge >>> collection of dressage videos I am putting up as well as more modern >>> training as seen in thokkiblog.com.
I'm so glad and grateful you're putting those videos up. I can hardly bear to watch them though - I'm so accustomed to the shaky, hand-held videos we get here that all that stillness makes me seasick. ;) This is so encouraging to see Icelandic owners starting to take more "mainstream" type riding lessons, listening to "mainstream" saddle fitters, etc. It's confusing enough to talk to different professionals - be they trainers, saddle fitters, whatever - since virtually everyone has at least some different opinions. There were a couple of things that particular dressage trainer said that I don't quite agree with. On the other hand, there were some very good things she said that I've heard from various trainers (hunter, dressage, even NH trainers) and stuff I've come to believe myself. When a trainer is a good trainer, it's not important whether we agree on every detail, so long as she/he has the big stuff straight and she/he can give valid reasons to support their beliefs. What's important is that people are listening to trainers who have a wider perspective, and thus they too will gain a wider view of horsemanship. The wider our perspectives, and the more options we hear, the better prepared we are to make decisions for our horses... and that's a very good thing. I really enjoy your videos, and will try to watch all of these as soon as I get a chance. Karen Thomas, NC
