This was a strange year for sure. At the begining of the year we were looking forward to a full schedule of clinics and performances. Most of those ended up getting cancelled. The first part of the year ended up being very quiet. We did have some exiciting firsts this year, including our first Virtual Symposium, our first Virtual Performance, Ariel’s first ride, and Zeke’s first time cantering. With less events, I was also able to spend more time doing some fun photoshoots. Here’s a look back at the year….
Winter Photoshoots
I did a few photoshoots over the winter. Here are some highlights.
Main Stay Horse Expo
We gave a demonstration on Connection, Balance, and Partnership and a musical performance at Main Stay Therapeutic Farm’s Horse Expo in March. Little did we know at the time but this would be our only live performance for the year.
Working from Home
Covid restrictions had Nicole doing her school work virtually instead of in person. I think this is a better way of accomplishing that than sitting at home.
New Vaulting Club
We started up a new vaulting club this year- The Dover Vaulters. We meet every Saturday and new members are always welcome. No vaulting or horse experience is necessary.
Sampson learned to drive
Unicorn Photoshoot with Lily
Ariel’s first ride!
Our little girl is growing up. I started riding her this past summer. She took everything is stride, with a willing, pleasant attitude. These photos are from her 10th ride.
Yoga on Horseback Photoshoot
Yoga on Horseback has been a fun challenge for me as well as the the riders and yogis you have tried it out. It really develops your balance, strength, and trust in your horse.
Sylvia Zerbini Clinic
Our first clinic for the year! Because of Covid restrictions we didn’t have any clinics until the end of the summer. We were incredibly blessed to be able to host a liberty clinic with international star and former Cavalia trainer, Sylvia Zerbini. Sylvia is best known for her liberty performances with 10 or more Arabian stallions. Working with Sylvia was an incredible experience. She was able to develop such a deep connection with the horses she worked with, even though she had never met any of them before. Using her energy and intention, she’s able to communicate with the horse in a subtle, yet clear way that makes the horse eager to work with her. This clinic transformed my liberty work and propelled it to a new level.
Zeke Turned 3!
Zeke and Bronco have come a long way together. Zeke has learned how to walk and trot with a saddle as well as bareback. He can also canter with a saddle and has started learning to post. Zeke is also learning how to care for his pony and do some basic barn chores. He’s also started vaulting this year.
Patrick King Clinic
Sadly our spring clinic with Patrick was cancelled due to Covid restrictions so we were super excited to have him here this past fall. Patrick has such a wonderful way of connecting with both the horse and rider and unlocking abilities they didn’t even know they had. We always learn so much when he’s here.
Synergy: The Horse and Human Connection
Due to Covid we were unable to host our usual live theatrical performances, but the show must go on so this past October we hosted our first ever virtual performance, celebrating the connection between horses and their humans.
Clinic with Sylvia Zerbini
We enjoyed our first clinic with Sylvia so much, we had to have her back. This time she even did some double liberty with Maia and Ariel. It was amazing to see her work the two horses together for the first time.
New Cossack Saddle
Lily received a special gift from her wonderful grandmother- a new cossack trick riding saddle made by Anastasiya Beloborodova.
The Witcher Photoshoot
This was my favorite photoshoot this year. I had so much fun and I’m not going to lie, riding with a sword is pretty awesome!
Zeke and Bronco’s new Spanish Pilch Saddle created by Elf Equestrian Leathercraft
A Christmas Fantasy Photo Session with Ilustre
