Martha Gregory Dressage

And here's the wee one getting a snack

OK to spread a bit of joy instead of all the recent drama, here is a wee little mini horse baby born the other day at Cerro Vista, where I'm teaching clinics again. This little poppet is about 18 inches at most, and that is a dog blanket on her that is STILL too big.

My dear friend and fellow trainer Linda Helin taking a lesson from me on my Rudy boy - they're getting the job done! This is a perfect example of how good riding is good riding regardless of the discipline - Linda is a hunter jumper trainer and with a little coaching can switch right over to dressage. Cross training is a wonderful thing.

And while I'm at it - Gulum Ece Ozbey-Williams has been hard at it learning how to dance on her new(ish) girl pony Pie. Well done dear lady!

Congratulations to Jane Finette and her new boy Lichtgestalt (sp?), stable name to be Deus, Gaelic for "Light". Deus is a 10 year old Westphalen gelding shown successfully at 3rd level, imported from Germany, and we got him from David Wilson's barn down in Chino Hills, southern California.

To all my students: What an amazing group of students you are. I am so proud of you all. It is a joy to me when I see you rise to the challenge, and watch your improvement. Sometimes the lessons are tough, and you may be thinking Am I EVER going to get this? Know this, I realize how difficult it is to be a student because I’ve been there, and I learn from you too and benefit from teaching you. I watch you go out and ride a new horse and do fabulous, or pass a major miles...tone in independence, master a particular movement, or finally get that technique or position. Your successes are like a Christmas present to me. It’s little baby steps forward, sometimes plateaus, and sometimes a step back. But I SEE the improvement over time; you prove it to me by going out and doing beautifully when the chips are down. The horses reflect your growing skill. I walk by and go Who’s that lovely pair, and wow it’s YOU! I’m so picky because you’re all Grand Prix riders in training, even if you never ride Grand Prix, but what you’re learning carries through should you take it that far. To me, my job is to serve you to allow you to be your best, and you prompt me to strive to do better as a teacher. I push you to become who you’re meant to be as an excellent rider, and as an outstanding horseman or horsewoman. And you make me so very proud and grateful to be your trainer; you are my stars and my inspiration. See more

Pony hugs to you - hope you all have a wonderful day!!!

OK - more pics tomorrow - I've gotta move from the computer or my kazatska will be too sore to ride da ponies tomorrow

Pepe and Amanda Kemble's last ride before she went off to college.

Josie Suh and Pepe's first show - what a lovely pair.

Eben M. Haber and Comet - Handsome pair!