Ask Cari

This famous stallion is in the pedigree of both Riviera and Rascalla, two of our

exceptional young horses at Windrock Farm.

Rotspon is the grandsire of Rascalla, who is an amazing mare who came to us last

summer.  She is an uber athlete with a calm intelligent mind.

Bugsy and Blaze are enjoying exceptionally warm weather in November at Windrock Farm.

photo credit:  Phyllis Burchett

I am training Ray Stevenson, the actor who rides in Jayne Mansfield’s Car, a new film written, directed and acted in by Billy Bob Thorton.  Ray learned in a few days how to steer and ride Mr. T for the the scene where he gallops across a sunflower field with his new love interest.  Ray was an excellent student and learned to ride balanced quickly after many exercises like this one where he moves his arm independently of his seat.

Congratulations! Lauren rides Roscoe to the winners circle at Mistover last weekend in a combined test.  Roscoe is a Canadian Warmblood for sale at Windrock Farm.  He is a beautiful mover and effortless jumper.

This is an awesome gelding for the right rider, he is a super jumper and easy to ride.  An elegant mover, come try him for your next show horse or fun horse who can do anything.

Rafa is a big beautiful Hanoverarian mare learning the mounting block exercise with Rex, she is very smart, learning to move when asked and stand quietly.  This is a basic exercise all our horses must learn as part of their foundation training.

Another colt by RJ out of Bay Prive, he is stunning and has a sweet disposition, he is very friendly, walking up to anyone in the field.  Bay is a wonderful mama and Bugsy is thrilled to have a buddy to play with.

Spring riding with Flo and Vanessa at Windrock Farm.  The snow is finally gone and we are enjoying hacks across country watching the buds come alive.

We have been working on many different breeds of horses with a variety of issues to correct.  This walking horse was a champion in the show arena and is now a trail horse.  Because of his training for the class caused him to have flashbacks while mounting and moving off for the first few steps.

We have been working with Chiller to build his confidence to stand quietly and not panic in the first step off.  He is improving every day and is incredibly comfortable to ride.

Cari ~ “I just wanted to let you guys know that Arabel had a massage tonight and was so relaxed after today’s session that she actually fell asleep on the cross ties.  Arabel is usually grinding her teeth and pawing on the cross ties.  Wow ~ what a difference already in just one session. AMAZING!!” –Karen

This young TB mare was rescued from the killers, finding a new home in a luxurious barn in NY.  She had some baggage from her experience at the track and everyone was giving up on her with the exception of the one person who believed in her.  Karen called us as a last resort and after meeting this mare, we believe she was simply misunderstood.  A highly intelligent mare with outstanding bloodlines, she completely transformed after one session of desensitizing, we will continue to work with her and build her confidence so that her owner can enjoy safe fun rides in the near future.

We believe all horses benefit from this easy lesson in building confidence.  All of our horses, young or old, go through this important lesson as a foundation to their training.  .

For those of you who have been following this gifted horse, he has transformed from a known convict to a reformed athlete.  You can always refresh your memory by visiting Tristan-convicted felon on our youtube channel, lexington17.  Subscribe to our channel and watch him continue to progress through our training system.  This is an excellent example of how the correct training can bring out the full potential in any horse very quickly.

Click here for updates on our 2011 clinic schedule

January 24-27 Windrock Farm, Amenia, NY contact cari@cariswanson.com

January 31, 2011 Seven J’s Farm, Glastonbury, CT contact Jeryl 860-614-6028

February 3-10  Aiken, South Carolina contact: cari@cariswanson.com

March 12-20 Equitana, Essen Germany contact Cari@cariswanson.com

April 8-10 Madison, Wisconsin contact: Linda Smedberg smedberg@centurytel.net

April 29-May 1 The Plains, Va contact:  thefineequinestables@msn.com

May 8-9 Wind song Equestrian Center Almond, NY contact: Sandra

Other locations possible-please contact farm if you are interested in attending

Winterwood Farm contact Barb Sanford at winterwoodfarm@verizon.net

New Jersey Horse Park Allyson Jeffery ponyup@optonline.net

Topcat Farm contact: marty@topcatfarms.com

Your horse should see you as the leader of the herd.  From the moment you snap the lead rope on the halter, he should be paying attention to you and respecting your space.  A common error we find is that people let their horse walk past them, on them, push into them, try to nip them for treats and ignore the handler’s personal space.  How your horse reponds to you on the ground will translate under saddle.  If he ignores you light tug to slow down and stay behind you while walking to the paddock, he will ignore your half halts and leg aids.  Set the tone immediately, and be the boss.

Establish rules and laws.  There must be consequences if these rules are broken or the trouble begins and soon your horse will take over.  Remember that you set the tone for your relationship and if you want a safe, confident, respectful horse, you must lay down the law and enforce them at the beginning.

Winter Riding