The ERAHC Reading Library
Welcome to the ERAHC Library. Members are encouraged to contribute.
If you are a seasoned Iberian owner, breeder, or trainer,
we would love to learn from your experiences.
Scroll down the page for recent additions and don't forget
to check The Archives for informative reads.
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IBERICON 2025: EQUUS MAGNIFICO
Behind the Curtain of
Equus Magnifico
by Tina Cristiani Veder
A glimpse into the preparation, passion, and precision behind IBERICON’s most captivating show yet.
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by Tina Cristiani Veder
As the calendar turns to fall, my days—and nights—are consumed by one mission: preparing for Equus Magnifico, this year’s Iberian Horse Spectacular at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL. On October 17 & 18, the arena will ignite with artistry, speed, and soul—and right now, behind the scenes, we’re sculpting something unforgettable. From selecting acts to coordinating timing and staging, every detail is a brushstroke on the living canvas of this show.
One of the most exciting—and challenging—parts of this preparation is working with our lighting and sound engineers to craft an atmosphere that matches the majesty of the horses. Together, we’re designing light sequences that spotlight every powerful stride and dramatic entrance, layering soundscapes that build emotion and suspense.
Whether it’s the hush before a solo liberty act or the booming drama of the Baroque Challenge, every cue is timed to amplify the story being told in the arena. Our goal is to make each moment not just seen—but felt. To turn movement into magic, and to let these beautiful horses shine as the true stars they are.
We’re welcoming thrilling new performers to the roster while bringing back crowd favorites like Javier Ruiz’s mesmerizing long-line act, a performance that captures both the poetry and precision of the Iberian horse.
The Baroque Challenge returns with full-speed riders wielding swords, javelins, and flags—a dramatic reenactment of the tests of valor once required in Renaissance and Baroque riding academies. And yes, the crowd-pleasing Wild West segment is back—guns blazing, ropes spinning, energy crackling.
This year promises to be our most magnificent yet, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Purchase Ibericon Horse Spectacular Tickets "Equus Magnifico*
while they last... this is a sell out show every year!
From Behind the Scenes
IBERICON
HORSE SPECTACULAR
VA Educational Symposium
Pennsylvania Riding Academy presents
Paul Belasik at the VA Classic Educational Symposium
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International rider, trainer, writer, and teacher Paul Belasik presented his new book at the Educational Symposium on Friday at the Virginia Classic. “Long and Low: A Revolution in Modern Dressage,” explores the little-known origins of the mysterious practice that has evolved into a major modern-day controversy.
The book examines the history, origins, and unintended consequences of the commonly used and widely accepted practice of "long and low" riding and training in dressage.
Long and low riding has led to negative effects on the quality of dressage at the highest levels of the sport and widespread confusion for riders of all levels. Paul seeks to educate riders on why it is taught, where it came from, and how effects have played out for riders all over the world.
There was lively discussion when Paul opened the floor for questions and while Paul said he expected some dissent on the topic, there was a great deal of agreement from the audience. One person said, “This was highly worthwhile to attend.”
Paul adds, “I hope that every dressage rider who competes at dressage, every dressage rider who even thinks about competing at dressage, and every person who is trying to understand competitive dressage will read this book. I have tried to present historical context to illuminate how dressage has turned from a respected art form into an illogical equestrian controversy.”
Paul Belasik is a highly respected international rider, trainer, writer, and teacher, and an avowed proponent of classical equestrian ideals. He has ridden and trained at every level in dressage, from young horses to Grand Prix and beyond. He is the author of nine books on dressage.
You can find Paul’s new book on routledge.com and amazon.com!
Visit PaulBelasik.com website.
Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel
Harmony is not a Coincidence
Creating synergy and flow for horse and rider
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The Lightest Aids
An understanding of how the horse has to use it's body to be able to carry itself for the level of training, and knowing how much power and momentum has to be developed for true collection, shines through all of her riding and teaching.
Directing this flow, through the smallest movements in her body, into the highest collection or extension makes it appear effortless!
Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel is an international trainer, competitor, coach, and clinician.
Lightness and self-carriage in her training reflects in her winning many Grand Prix Championships riding in a snaffle!
When coming to the United States 40 years ago, Felicitas decided not to follow the path of sponsorship, which would have provided high caliber horses to ride, but also would have created extra pressure in the training process to achieve success in the show ring. Instead, she stayed at First Choice Farm to pursue her passion for developing horses, enhancing their physical ability and instilling more confidence.
The challenge of helping the average horse, regardless of breed, to turn into a competitive athlete, led to an incredibly deep toolbox - a toolbox full of not only classical dressage exercises and deep understanding of rider's and horse's functionality, but also integration of natural horsemanship and science-based animal training.
This reflects in the calm confidence, beautiful physic and expressive movement of the horses she trains, as well as in improving scores as they move up the levels.
Learn directly from Felicitas
Understanding The Synergy of Horse and Rider is Paramount
ARTICLES & NEWS
When More is Not Better: The Hidden Risks of Over-Supplementing Horses
by Jen Thackery, Nutrition Instructor with Holistic Animal Studies
In the equine world, health supplements are marketed as the solution for every imaginable issue — from hoof cracks to anxiety, from shiny coats to joint protection. Owners, understandably wanting to give their horses the best, may end up layering multiple products: a hoof supplement, a calming powder, a coat enhancer, a joint support formula, perhaps even digestive balancers and immune boosters.
While the intent is good, the reality is that feeding multiple supplements often does more harm than good. In fact, horses fed “a little of everything” may face metabolic stress, mineral imbalance, or even long-term tissue damage that far outweighs the potential benefits. Let’s look at why.
The Problem of Redundancy and Overlap
Most equine supplements share a core of similar ingredients — biotin, zinc, copper, vitamin E, selenium, lysine, MSM, omega-3s, or calming herbs. When owners stack products, the levels of these shared ingredients rise far above what is physiologically useful.
• Biotin: Research suggests hoof benefits plateau at 20 mg/day. A horse on three hoof or coat supplements might be ingesting 60+ mg with no added effect — just wasted money.
• Vitamin E: Needed in significant amounts, but overdosing (esp. synthetic DL-alpha tocopherol) can actually impair absorption of other fat-soluble vitamins.
• Selenium: Essential for antioxidant protection, but toxic at just 10x the daily requirement. Overlapping hoof and behavior supplements could easily push levels into dangerous territory.
In short: most supplements were designed to be fed alone. When stacked, redundancy creates a hidden overdose risk.
Mineral Antagonism: The Subtle Danger
Minerals don’t exist in isolation — they compete for absorption in the gut. Too much of one mineral can block uptake of another.
• Calcium vs. Magnesium: Oversupplementing calming blends heavy in magnesium can suppress calcium balance, potentially affecting bone metabolism and nerve conduction.
• Zinc vs. Copper: High-zinc hoof supplements often overshadow copper, leading to poor coat pigmentation, weak connective tissue, and even anemia.
• Iron vs. Everything Else: Many coat/“blood builders” contain unnecessary iron. Horses rarely need supplemental iron, and excess iron blocks copper and zinc absorption, worsens insulin resistance, and stresses the liver.
This antagonism means that a horse on multiple products may actually end up nutrient-deficient despite a full bucket of powders.
The Chelation Question
Not all mineral sources are equal. Cheap supplements often rely on oxides or sulfates, which are poorly absorbed and easily displaced by other nutrients. A horse on several low-quality products may ingest grams of mineral that never reach the bloodstream.
Chelated or proteinated forms (e.g., zinc methionine, magnesium amino acid chelate, copper proteinate) are absorbed more efficiently and less likely to cause antagonism. Feeding one high-quality, well-formulated supplement with chelated minerals is almost always more effective than layering several cheap formulas.
Additive Herbal Risks
Behavior and calming supplements often contain herbs like valerian, chamomile, or tryptophan. Joint formulas may include devil’s claw, boswellia, or yucca. While each can be helpful in moderation, mixing multiple herbal blends can:
• Interfere with medications (e.g., devil’s claw + NSAIDs increase ulcer risk).
• Alter liver metabolism and detox pathways.
• Mask symptoms of discomfort, delaying veterinary diagnosis.
Horses are not small humans — their herb metabolism is different, and research is limited. Stacking herbal blends is more guesswork than science.
The Metabolic Load
Every scoop of powder, pellet, or paste has to be digested, metabolized, and excreted. The liver and kidneys handle this constant processing. A horse on six or seven supplements daily is essentially running a constant biochemical marathon to detoxify excesses and balance competing nutrients. Over years, this low-level metabolic strain may contribute to reduced resilience, earlier onset of insulin resistance, or unexplained inflammatory patterns.
Financial and Psychological Cost
There’s also the human side: supplement stacking often reflects owner anxiety more than horse need. Marketing encourages the belief that every problem has a product. But the more products added, the harder it becomes to evaluate what actually works — and the horse becomes a victim of “trial and error” feeding experiments.
A Smarter Approach: Targeted Nutrition
The most effective, evidence-based approach is:
1. Start with forage analysis. Most equine diets should be about 90% forage. Knowing hay/pasture mineral content reveals what’s truly missing.
2. Balance with one comprehensive supplement. Choose a product designed to fill those forage gaps, ideally with chelated minerals, adequate amino acids, and vitamin E.
3. Add condition-specific support only when necessary. For example, joint support for a senior athlete, or a gut buffer for a diagnosed ulcer case — but always evaluate overlap with the base supplement.
4. Reassess regularly. If a problem persists despite balanced nutrition, it may not be nutritional — and that’s when veterinary diagnostics matter most.
More supplements do not equal more health. Horses thrive on balance, not excess. Stacking multiple hoof, coat, calm, and joint products often leads to hidden overdoses, mineral imbalances, metabolic stress, and wasted money.
A single high-quality, forage-balanced supplement with chelated minerals almost always provides greater benefit — and greater safety — than a cabinet full of powders. Nutrition should support the horse’s body, not challenge it with an unpredictable cocktail.
I always strongly recommend Dynamite or Dynamite TNT as a stand alone product.
https://dynamitespecialty.myvoffice.com/jenthackery
To learn more about my forage first holistic approach:
ARTICLES & NEWS
UNCHARTED ROADS to Classical Training...
Andalusian: A Life Long Journey
by Libby Reeves Hansen
Libby Elizabeth Reeves Hansen is an ERAHC Member living in Daleville, Virginia. We are thrilled she has joined ERAHC and look forward to hearing more about her new life as she settles into the East Coast. Here is Libby's story about her venture into the Andalusian world.
libbyreeveshansen@gmail.com
Uncharted Roads to classical training.. Andalusian a Life Long Journey
I was brought up on Mercer Island, Washington, an elite and gorgeous island next to Seattle Washington. In those days it was still largely country, with open pastures and beaches where you could ride for miles. My father thought Mercer Island Washington reminded him of Garden City, in Long Island where he grew up.
Our family always had a love of horses, and have been a major part of my family for generations. My father’s brother was Richard Stone Reeves, a famous race horse portrait painter. He painted horses like Man of War, Secretariat, and many more.
My grandparents raised standard bred trotters, and established the trotting race horse track on Long Island.
My mother surrounded us with animals, and taught me the deep love relationship you could have with an animal. That was the beginning, learning that I had the ability to connect and train our animals like no one else in the family. I’ve always had a deep connection with all animals but especially with horses.
At six, a friend of my parents gave my sister and I their donkey named Eeyore. Eeyore and I became inseparable. We raced across pastures, splashed through the lake, and explored hidden trails. He would lay down beside me, drink from pop bottles, and listen to my deepest secrets. I learned that horsemanship is not about control—it’s about partnership, patience, and respect. My parents promised that if I cared for him well, I could eventually have a horse, and I could hardly wait.
In the early 60s my family was part of establishing the Mercer Island Saddle Club. We built trails, arenas, and jumps where we could gallop freely, swim with horses, and feel the exhilaration of open fields. When I was nine, my parents gave my sister and I a grey two-year-old Arab-Welsh pony named Maverick. In a lot of ways he reminded me of the Andalusians I came to love. My favorite times were riding bareback and experiencing the oneness with his movements. We loved to race, jump small obstacles, and explore every corner of the island together. Maverick was spirited and curious, and I learned the importance of developing a horse’s mind as well as its body.
We moved to Olympia Washington when I was 13, my father opened a private medical practice and we purchased a 60-acre Morgan horse ranch. The farm included two pregnant Morgans, and I spent countless hours immersed in every aspect of their care and training. I learned to start young horses, teaching them to accept the saddle, bridle, and rider with patience and consistency. Foal handling became a passion—bonding with newborns, teaching them to lead, pick up their feet, and respond calmly to human interaction. I learned the importance of early groundwork, setting the foundation for a lifetime of trust and cooperation.
I also learned to groom and show horses, preparing them for local and regional competitions. Showing taught me that true horsemanship is about partnership, confidence, and rhythm as much as presentation.
Working with stallions, mares, and young foals taught me to read each horse’s temperament and adapt my approach while maintaining consistent, structured training. A Morgan trainer Elmer Serles came to help train the horses and my dad was encouraged to buy a Morgan stallion Monty Vermont. At that time I realized my relationship with horses were very different than his. With respect I listened and learned, but felt like he treated them like machines, demanding obedience. I watched and listened to Elmer but even then I knew that my approach was deeper, my connection authentic. After his lessons I would take the stallion out with only a halter across open fields, jumping small fences, and exploring trails, I developed timing, feel, and a deep connection that could not be forced.
And Monty, the stallion, would do anything for me. But every time his lessons with Elmer Series came around Monty would shut down. Then I noticed our cranky mare only allowed me to ride her. Ears forward and nickering at the gate waiting for me. This reinforced a critical lesson: trust must be earned.
The Morgan farm was my early classroom, where each horse, foal, and foaling season taught me patience, observation, and the art of building a strong foundation that would guide my work for decades to come.
In 1988, my husband and I purchased 22 acres of land 1 hour north of Seattle. I bought a two-year-old Morgan mare, then built the barn, outdoor arena, indoor arena, and round pen.
As my skills and classical training deepened, people began noticing my riding. They saw the connection, balance, and responsiveness I had developed, and they started asking for lessons. I realized I had a responsibility to share what I had learned. I began training other people’s horses, emphasizing foundational work, patience, clear communication, and respect. Over time, my focus shifted toward Andalusians, whose intelligence, sensitivity, and expressive movement were perfectly suited to classical training. I started training Andalusians alongside their owners, guiding both horse and rider through groundwork, lateral work, and foundational exercises that emphasized balance, suppleness, and engagement.
My journey with Andalusians took a defining turn when I visited Carpe Diam Farm in Carnation, Washington. I already had a strong foundation in classical training, but I thought Thomas Ritter could add something special. I was excited to bring him into my barn with eight beautiful Iberian horses. Watching them move, I was captivated by their balance, suppleness, and responsiveness—the true essence of classical dressage. It was the horses, embodying these principles, that inspired me and deepened my commitment to developing my ability to bring out the best in this breed with my training.
To deepen my classical knowledge further, I studied with exceptional instructors:
• Dinny Falkenburg, trained under German master Dietrich Von Hopffgarten, taught me the importance of a solid foundation, correct seat, and clear aids.
• Another gifted teacher Henrik Johansson from Denmark introduced me to positive riding, emphasizing trust, clarity, and progression. Attending his certification program and such great insights about being a dressage instructor.
• I also trained with Michael Osinski, Sonja Viroko, Charles DeKnuffy, Christophe Thellel, Debbie Fornia, and Roxanne Christenson. I was so hungry for knowledge and attended many clinics with the likes of Robert Dover, Steffens Peters, Hilda Gurney, Alex Steiner, Conrad Schumacher and many more. Expanding my understanding of classical and competitive methods.
One of my takeaways from working with such a variety of gifted judges, trainers, and riders is that I recommend you work with those that understand Andalusians, specifically. You want to educate yourself, they are very sensitive breed and wonderful to work with.
As my education advanced, I would see the difference between my students and others. This was what it was all about. I wanted to teach anyone who wanted to learn how to ride like this.
I felt like I was the artist, working on a painting and I was able to see a beautiful picture coming together as the students learned.
Encouragement and laying a strong foundation was the key. I knew that they would eventually be able to elicit more beautiful, higher level movement from their horses. First, they had to learn the value of their seat, and that it outweighed the value of their hands. Sometimes, I would have them riding bareback and controlling the horse with only their body.
These are valuable lessens that I learned from my father from his background in calvary equitation and dressage who in turn had learned them from Virginia Military Institute.
In 2004, I suffered a serious horse back riding accident on a warmblood. I broke my neck, collarbone, my maxillary bone, and several teeth, and spent six months largely confined to bed. The experience was physically and emotionally grueling, but it also set the stage for finding my “heart horse.” That horse was Rubinese, also known as Ruby. From the moment I met her, she became my teacher, companion, and healer. Lying across her back, walking her bridleless in the round pen, and exploring trails together, Ruby helped me rebuild my strength, confidence, and trust. Her gaits were smooth and my broken body was able to handle it. Every ride with her was a step toward reclaiming joy, freedom, and the magic of partnership. Ruby was also a great teacher and took great care of my students.
In 2010, she started having physical problems. So I found a gorgeous Andalusian colt, Sirocco also known as Kasi Kasi AK a 2 year colt grandson of Kianto, he was equally remarkable. Classical exercises developed his strength, suppleness, and engagement. He was eager, intelligent, and spirited, always ready for the next challenge. I felt like I was with my pony Maverick all over again.
We bonded so closely and every step of training was an understanding a discussion. He loved learning and I love teaching him. He moved up the levels and was magnificent, but my body was starting to feel the long term effects of my accident. It became harder to ride him, so I decided to use him to teach my students. My students learned what it feels like to ride an Andalusian on him, experiencing subtle aids, timing, and balance through classical principles. Sirocco was a wonderful teacher, I remember he would look at me as if to say mom they aren’t getting it and stop. So we would have to work hard with the students connection until they rode every stride and breathe every movement. It was magical to watch this horse give them the gift of deep connection and then the dance would begin.
All of sudden my barn was full of Andalusians. My students all had Andalusians.
Unfortunately as I aged it was getting harder to school these horses. My husband and I made the very difficult decision to sell, and our equestrian center sold in 2022.
After 38 years of dedicating my life to the sport, it was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but it was time to move closer to my grandchildren and not work so hard. So we left our life in Washington State and drove cross country, arriving in Virginia with all our belongings, two dogs and one very special Andalusian Inqueta de Maria (Mia). I purchased her from Terri Meador and she was one of the last Fugitivo offspring. She was 3 and gave us a fantastic foal.
Mia wasn’t started yet and for the first time in my life I had to let someone else have the reins. I found a dressage trainer, Caroline Cox, in Natural Bridge who combined dressage with an emphasis on groundwork and natural horsemanship. She has done a great job and the best thing is that my horse loves her.
Mia is settling in day by day and impressing me with her amazing temperament and her eagerness to learn . Caroline, Mia and I are becoming a wonderful team. I am able to contribute my knowledge and experience to her riding.
In this long line of Andalusians Mia is my Diamond with all the beauty and gracefulness the Andalusians breed is famous for. This has been an unchartered road, and my life long journey with Andalusians.
Meet Cartujano & Kerrigan
Hampton Green Farm's Cartujano FSR
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Your Perfect Spanish Dance Partner! PRE horses are esteemed for their remarkable versatility and genuine eagerness to work, rendering them suitable for virtually every riding discipline. The multifaceted Pura Raza Española horses shine in dressage, where they exhibit their advanced training and innate, graceful movements. They have natural abilities in the high collection movements of piaffe and passage, making them true masters of the arena and natural-born dancers. Moreover, their harmonious physique and keen desire to learn make them particularly well-suited for working equitation, similar to the traditional riding style of Spanish cattle herders, which demands exceptional concentration and skill from both horse and rider.
ABOUT Cartujano FSR, Ridden by Kerrigan Gluch
Visit HAMPTONGREENFARM.com website.
Learn more about the PRE Horse. Visit www.theprehorse.com
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PRE Morphology & Revision
ANCCE presents the PRE Conformation Guidebook Video
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The video shows the essentials ANCCE presents the PRE Conformation Guidebook Video. This PRE Conformation Guidebook video is now available on the both the ANCCE and PRE Stud Book web sites.
What is a Basic Assessment as PRE Breeding Stock all about?
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The video below shows the essentials regarding a Basic Assessment as PRE Breeding Stock for stallions and mares as of 3 years of age so that their future progeny may be listed in the Purebred Spanish Horse Stud Book (LG PRE ANCCE).
In just two (2) minutes, see the step by step procedures to be followed and the recommendation to present your horse correctly.
What is Working Equitation?
The WAWE
The Official World Association for Working Equitation
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About the sport
(from the WAWE official website)
As an international novel equestrian discipline, founded in 1996, the Working Equitation (WE) aims at promoting competition among horses in fieldwork related activities, while respecting the diversity of traditions of various countries in regards riding and harnessing. Therefore it constitutes a prime example of an ethnographic and cultural showcase, maintaining the traditional costumes and saddlery characteristic of each country (WAWE, 2022).
Each Working Equitation competition comprises four different trials that are: 1) Dressage trial; 2) Ease of Handling trial or Maneability; 3) Speed trial and 4) Cow trial. There are also different levels of difficulty, depending on the age of the horse, the rider and the complexity of the tests performed. In senior classes, level called “Masters” and international events it is mandatory for the riders to use only one hand on the reins.
HISTORY
The Working Equitation was initiate by Italy, France and Spain in 1996 and in 1997 Portugal joined those countries. Those were the countries that in Europe used the horse for the field work, which are still the base for this sport’s rules.
In 2004 was created the World Association for Working Equitation – WAWE aiming to promote and to regulate the sport, with one Regulation for all the countries that practice Working Equitation. Since then Working Equitation has been growth strongly with huge interest all over the world.
Each competition comprises four trials: Dressage, Ease of Handling, Speed and Cow, whose senior trials had the compulsory feature of the horse being led with one hand and aims at promoting competition between different ways of riding used in the field work in various countries. Another of its special features is the fact that it constitutes a prime example of an ethnographic and cultural showcase, maintaining the traditional costumes and saddlery characteristic of each country.
It is really a deep satisfaction to verify that at the present year of 2023, we have more than 35 countries practicing Working Equitation and following WAWE Rules, and Protocols established with 24 countries being the others at a primary stage meeting the necessary requirements. Some of the Protocols are made directly with the Equestrian Federation, others with Associations created to assume the responsibility for the discipline and to work and develop the necessary efforts to reach the recognition of their Equestrian Federations.
WAWE has been working very hard to keep all the characteristics which aroused so much interest, but still improving the Rules and keeping them always respecting and following the most important Entity for Equestrian Sports – FEI and with a strong defense of the animal healthcare following strictly Veterinarian Rules, (not allowing blood in the Horses, under penalty of disqualification) and ethical values of the Sport
We also underline that WAWE develops an important effort in the promotion of Working Equitation being made also fundamental the cooperation work with countries and their leaders, as well as the strategic understandings made always with the purpose to meet what is determined by FEI, promoting training courses for judges and trying to get the best trainers and riders to help to develop new competitors with a good formation base.
Since its formation in 2004, WAWE has organized four World Championships and nine European Championships, for Seniors, and one World Championship and three European Championships for Juniors and Young Riders with an increasing number of participating countries. Also organized two competitions and some presentations as part of the Global Champions Tour events.
In 2023 WAWE took another step towards the evolution of the Working Equitation by increasing the number of board members, which has led to more and better management of the sport.
WAWE Board President
João Ralão Duarte
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Working Equitation in the USA
USA Working Equitation (USAWE) is the culmination of many years’ effort on the part of Working Equitation advocates and several organizations in the United States.
In 2020 the two predominant WE organizations, WE United and the Confederation for Working Equitation, agreed to merge into one association in order to best serve the sport and competitors.
The resulting new organization - USA Working Equitation - is now the leading organization governing Working Equitation in the large, diverse U.S. equestrian sector.
USA WAWE representative: Tracey Erway
president@usawe.org http://www.usawe.org
The Pennsylvania Riding Academy
The Latest from PA Riding Academy
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Short Course
We recently hosted an interesting double short course with two mounted policemen from the city of Charleston, SC police department. They traveled to study with us as part of their effort to improve the knowledge, riding and horsemanship of their mounted police unit and enhance the educational program they've created as a model for other departments around the country. It was a full and fun week, culminating in one rider competing in and winning his first ever Prix St. George test at a recognized show in Maryland!
Book Signing
Paul Belasik and Rose Caslar attended the 32nd Annual ERAHC VA Classic Show and gave a talk at the Friday Educational Symposium followed by a Book Signing of his new book, Long and Low - A Revolution in Modern Dressage
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A Note from Paul...
“Very soon my new book will be out, and I hope that every dressage rider who competes at dressage, every dressage rider who even thinks about competing at dressage, and every person who is trying to understand competitive dressage will read this book. I have tried to present historical context to illuminate how dressage has turned from a respected art form into an illogical equestrian controversy.”
– Paul Belasik
UPDATE: Book is shipping now, order here!
https://www.routledge.com/Long-and-Low-A-Revolution-in-Modern-Dressage/Belasik/p/book/9781041042587
Amy Skinner Horsemanship
CALM, FORWARD, AND STRAIGHT
NOT JUST A METHOD, BUT A WAY OF LIFE
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Meet Amy Skinner
Amy Skinner embraces a training philosophy based in Classical Dressage and sound horsemanship practices. Amy believes strongly that good riding is not about the costume or tack, but what's in the heart, and what we put into the mind. Amy keeps the best interest of horse and rider in mind, choosing to avoid fads and quick fixes, but to seek continual learning from the best teacher: the horse.
Amy Skinner is relocating to the TRYON, NC area in the fall of 2025. Follow the link below to her website for clinic schedule.
She believes that any horse can improve given enough time and understanding, with an open minded approach to each horse as an individual . Working with the horse’s mind develops confidence, and an understanding of biomechanics develops correct and sound movement.
Amy also offers lessons, both in person and virtual, and clinics, with a focus on providing information in a way that best suits each student. Amy believes that good teaching mirrors good training: in a way the student can understand, and without judgement or force. Amy’s philosophy of training through relaxation carries over to students working to gain better balance and feel with their horses. She believes that learning should be fun and not intimidating, and she provides a safe, enjoyable atmosphere for riders to improve their abilities.
Amy is a dedicated student, with years of training experience under the tutelage of fine horsemen and women like Theresa Doherty (a long time pupil of Walter Zettl and Egon von Neindorff), Tressa Boulden (long time pupil of Melissa Simms, head rider of the Neindorff Institute), and Brent Graef - a masterful horseman with specialties in halter starting, problem solving, teaching, and many other areas. Amy offers riders of all ages and disciplines the ability to gain confidence, improve their riding, and strengthen their relationships with their horses.
An excerpt from my new book, “Stumbling With Grace, A Lifetime Dance With Doubt And Devotion”
“It’s better to make a mistake in rhythm, than to lose balance correcting.”
My teacher said that to me yesterday in our lesson, and she meant in hand work.
But there’s a perfectly timed life lesson in there for me.
When things get messy, that’s when it’s the most important to soften, and to let yourself flow. Don’t dig into the mistake and spend energy in resistance, or you just get bowled over. Soften your face, your arms, your mind, and let go for a minute, then reintegrate.
It’s the hardest thing in the world. It feels like losing. It feels like your entire life is falling apart. It feels like a burn inside of an ache, until you let go, and accept it for what it is. It’s a mess. But we can make it productive still.
Let go of the original plan. Reinvent. Let’s make something entirely new.
“Don’t suppress the horses’ energy,” she said to me. “Take it and flow with it. Then you have all the power, but with a calm state of mind.”
There is power in trouble, power in pain. We resist it because, naturally, it feels bad. But what if we lean into it, and make something beautiful of it?
All of the power, with a calm state of mind.
Reviews:
In a world that often glorifies control and perfection, Stumbling With Grace is a quiet rebellion. Through stories shaped by years in the saddle and a life lived closely with horses, Amy Skinner offers an unflinching look at what it means to grow, to falter, and to keep going.
With clarity, humor, and honesty, Skinner draws striking parallels between horsemanship and the human experience: how the lessons we learn from horses mirror the ones we most need in life. This is not a book about fixing yourself or mastering a method. It’s about doing deep work to connect, beauty in imperfection, and grace in the places we least expect it.
Whether you’re a lifelong rider or simply navigating your way through uncertain terrain, Stumbling With Grace is a companion for those seeking courage to move with life, listen and lead with heart.
“Amy’s words often feel like poetry, evocative, raw, and richly textured. Amy is unapologetically real, fiercely insightful, and has little tolerance for pretense or near-truths. She has the kind of grit not only to push past when the going gets rough, but to embrace the value and learning in the skid, the quicksand, or even darkness.
Reading Stumbling With Grace is less like turning pages in a book and more like an experience, one that is at times challenging as it stirs old behaviors, triggers insights and settles deep into the soul, and maybe hope like a bucking strap handy.”
–Dr. Steve Peters, Clinical Neuropsychologist and co-author of “Evidence Based Horsemanship”
“Amy is a beautiful rider and writer! Her unequaled collection of essays and stories about horses, her horses and her journey may have you looking beyond the horse, deep into your soul, into the voids and the process. Well, most of the process – she doesn’t hold much back.
While in the process of reading this book it sounds the same thunder those looking to see what’s on the inside of the horse from the outside as we often miss what the horse sees when he’s looking in.”
–Jim Masterson, creator of Masterson Method
“Stumbling With Grace is an inspiring collection of systems, patterns and personal observations that makes one think more deeply about our relationships to ourselves, others, and the horse. A very thought provoking and encouraging read.”
–Christina Cline, co-author of “The Essential Hoof Book”
Book is available at AMAZON, order here!
EMOTIONAL HORSEMANSHIP by Lockie Phillips
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· By Lockie Phillips
Andalusians and Iberians. Are they really a "cheat" horse to results?
There is a noxious weed growing amongst some parts of the performance horse community. It is prejudice. Well, prejudice period. Against draft horses, ponies... in fact anything except a TB or a WB or whatever sport horse they are on. But I digress.
There is prejudice against Iberians.
In the same breath, some will say that they are easy to collect. That it is almost cheating. Pick up a rein, and voila, they are round and in a nice shape for IG.
Then immediately say that they are leg movers, are not through in the body, on the forehand etc, etc.
I have been working with, caring for, training and riding Iberians for most of my career. Though my experience ranges from Arabians, to KWPN, to Clydesdales and Shires, to Mustangs and beyond. When I come home, I am with Spanish horses. It is one of my primary motivators to live in, and remain in Spain. They have the best horses in the world. Centuries of selective, quality breeding.
For anyone not prejudiced about Iberians, who want a fast run down on why they are so magical, here is my dot point thesis on Spanish horses based on what I know so far.
1. The are "working horses", not show horses. Historically, they were not locked in gilded cages like Palfreys, to be paraded around the estate by the Lord and Lady on weekends, or going on hunts. Iberians worked the fields, pulled the carts and plows, but also, went to war, taught the children how to ride, lived in the stable inside the house, and on the weekends... went to bullfights. They are more similar to AQH than they are to a TB. They are functional, high drive, deeply talented animals that have the potential to both work long days on laborious tasks, but also, canter pirouette to save their life. This unique combination of talents must be respected at all times, and fed into.
2. Spanish Horses make lameness look spectacular. Do not let the flash, the round necks fool you. Developing an eye for a lame Spanish horse is a developed skill, like learning to taste the difference between a Roble and a Rioja. A lame Spanish Horse is capable of impressing you, still. This is why they often have catastrophic injuries, or are retired young, when in the wrong hands. Because they will allure you into thinking you can continue pushing them. But actually, they are struggling, and their heart for work is over-compensating.
3. You have to ride them on the forehand. A lot. Yup. Open them up. Horizontal balance. And teach them how to push their forelimbs INTO the floor. If you do not, they will elevate their front end action before their LS joint is biomechanically ready for it. It looks gorgeous. But you will blow out their spine, or their suspensories. I know this, because I was rehomed a high profile horse for this very reason. And have rehabbed not only him, but dozens and dozens before him.
Ride them on the forehand, gently and lightly. Not INTO the forehand. ON the forehand, teaching them that their front feet can touch grass, and use the floor, use gravity to their advantage. Once they have pushing power in their shoulder, only then can you slowly lift them up and back.
4. Today, their breeding is in decline, especially in populations outside of Spain. Anytime I see a PRE of a fancy colour, cremello, buckskin etc... I have to wonder if their owners know, that 20-30 years ago their Pura Raza Español would have been called simply a Cruzado. It is the difference between a papers AQH and a Grade QH.
The Centuries Old Andalucian vs the Modern Day P.R.E:
The prejudices of the Sport Horse World.
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Until ANCCE took over the administration of the PRE Stud Book in 2007 from the Spanish Armed Forces, the Spanish armed forces managed and regulated the breeding of all Andalucian horses worldwide. This was a centuries old tradition, the military, and the monks bred the Spanish horse we know and love. The ANCCEE took over, ostensibly not to de-regulate, but to modernize.
And we all know what happens when breeding attempted to modernize.
They now allowed colour to register as a Pura Raza Español. Whereas the military allowed only Bay, Black and Grey (I might be wrong about the black). They played with leg action. They bred a bunch of spindley legged, dishing horses and called them PRE's instead of Cruzado's. They sent a bunch of coloured, and inferior stock overseas and they got a poor reputation as weak bodied and lame horses.
The military studs kept Arabian and Percheron studs as part of their PRE breeding. If they got too heavy, they added Arabian. Got too light, added Percheron. My Sureño de Centurion, whose parents are both national champions in dressage and morphology, looks half Percheron. This is correct.
But since 2007, in my opinion the quality of the PRE became hit and miss. They tried to breed them taller to enter them into the Sport Horse Market where demand for 17HH minimum pushed the traditionally smaller PRE to its extreme examples. They should not be taller than 16.3HH, traditionally. You can still find beautiful, classical examples of the breed in Spain and beyond, and the military studs are still open. But you got to know where to look.
5. If you import from Spain a horse older than 2, they will likely have baggage. I love my adopted home country and I am deep into the naturalisation process learning the culture and the language. And here they get the foaling and raising of colts and fillies until age 2, wholesale, generally, spot on. At 2, the problems start.
Invariably, at 2.5 they are troubled. Serretas, excessive grain and high protein feed, abominable living conditions and high pressure training on immature bodies fry the circuits of otherwise extremely resistant and neurologically sound animals.
And my business has often been a revolving door of owners of Iberians overseas, who spent years agonising over their physical, mental and emotional rehabilitation the early training often puts onto these horses. I say this factually, not in criticism. And this is something I am running towards naturalisation so I could, maybe, help move the needle on this subject.
6. Their hooves grow often primitive, and upright like a mule. Your trimmer and farrier should remember, they will have blood vessels where typically there would be none. And you will need to carefully deal with their strong heels.
There, that is my rapid fire dot point thesis of the essential points of the Iberians I love so much, without much nuance, and with too many generalizations. But I hope it helps somebody understand their Spanish unicorn better.
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BIO: Lockie Phillips is an Australian horse trainer living in Spain. An international clinician and online course creator, he lives in Galicia in Spain and has fifteen years experience working with Iberians. www.emotionalhorsemanship.com
Click HERE to Email Lockie Phillips
APSL News
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Preparing a Lusitano for the upcoming North American inspection?
So, you have gotten your Lusitano registered in the APSL.
The wait for the minimum age is complete. For stallions, the semen report is in.
Now you wonder, what do you need to do to prepare?
First, congratulations! It is a significant accomplishment to get this far.
It is time for the fun work to begin, because preparation is one key to success.
During the inspection, the Lusitano is graded on breed type, conformation and gaits.
The details of the inspection can be found in the APSL studbook.
Preparing a Lusitano for the
North American inspection?
Congrats APSL Horse of the Year!
USLA Horse of the Year: Panache CL
Owned and trained by Juliane Dykiel
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Congratulations to ERAHC member Juliane Dykiel and her gorgeous son of Rubi AR, Panache CL for attaining the USLA Horse of the Year!
Juliane writes:
A leap through time…thanks to the US Lusitano Association for the opportunity to make my boy a champion! It’s been amazing starting as a 2 1/2 year old stud colt to 5 year old Horse of the Year for the USLA.
So much hard work goes into this and I’m so appreciative for the opportunity.
Thank you Richard Dykiel, Anne Dykiel and everyone who helps us out on a daily basis!!!
A Riding Vacation at Morgado Lusitanos, Portugal
"Looking for the perfect riding vacation in Portugal?
Tracey Erway, President of USAWE, experienced Judge, and Technical Delegate at USA Working Equitation, recommends the ultimate destination for an unforgettable equestrian adventure!"
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By Tracey Erway: I took off to Portugal and haven't had a chance to report. I attended an upper level working equitation judge training, but I also settled down into a lovely riding venue for 5 days to try out my new, artificial ankle.
The goal was to determine if I would be able to ride again after 5 years, and I needed to find a place that had safe horses, good instruction, and comfortable housing.
Welcome to Morgado Lusitano.
There are many venues that have a more competitive working equitation focus, but Morgado has a gentler flow. Here the horses are bred and trained for the program by Alexandre Dorey (shown schooling a stunning 4 year old mare outdoors), and the instructors: Pedro Philippe da Costa and Martim Cunha both treasure the horses and help you navigate riding them.
You can come to experience levels of performance you would never have the chance to learn on at home, or you can come to solidify your basics by riding multiple horses with differing attitudes and response. Incredible food, wine, comfort, views, and even the opportunity to meet new friends (fun with Penny Lee and Ian).
Thanks to our host for a rewarding 5 days. If you're looking for retreat, good horses, and kind and knowledgeable instructors, Morgado is a great choice. Oh, and I forgot- trail riding in a cork forest and meeting cattle.
Located just outside of Lisbon.
- Tracey Erway, USAWE President
Visit USAWE website
Visit USAWE on Facebook
Connect with MORGADO Lusitanos: Visit website Facebook
Equine Health
Scared of giving your horse antibiotics?
You’re not alone — and with good reason.
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Equine Veterinary Essentials LLC
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Scared of giving your horse antibiotics?
You’re not alone — and with good reason.
Antibiotics are life-saving and necessary in many situations. But they also come with serious risks. In horses, they can destroy beneficial gut bacteria, leading to diarrhea and, in some cases, fatal colitis. And it’s not just a personal concern — the overuse of antibiotics globally is creating dangerous superbugs.
Some bacteria are now resistant to nearly every antibiotic we have.
Speaking from experience: when culture results come back on my clients’ horses, I’m seeing more and more resistance. In some cases, no antibiotics will work.
That’s terrifying.
So, can nature help where modern medicine is struggling?
YES — and we have so much more to learn.
Have you heard of an herb called Mullein?
It’s a respiratory super-herb with a long history of use — and one of its many powers? Antibiotic activity.
Research shows Mullein is effective even against some of the worst superbugs.
A 2017 peer-reviewed study found that Mullein outperformed Methicillin and Gentamicin against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Yes, you read that right — Mullein was MORE EFFECTIVE against MRSA than common antibiotics!
Still skeptical?
Another study showed Mullein’s antibiotic action worked against bacteria that cause PNEUMONIA — both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains (making it broad spectrum!). In some cases, its effectiveness rivaled Erythromycin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic today.
The takeaway??
We need nature in our toolkit!
HERBS can offer POWERFUL benefits — without the dangerous side effects.
Interested in Mullein for your horse’s respiratory health?
Check out Equi-Breeze — our veterinary-designed formula featuring this incredible herb.
Coudelaria do Ribatejo
Why Trainers HIT THE WALL with Lusitanos...
How to Avoid a Fight with a Courageous, Formidable Partner
by Nadja Maria, Ribatejo Lusitanos, Denmark
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Ribatejo Lusitanos
This topic has been in my notes for a long time, but I have been in doubt about how to approach it in writing... It is very important to me, and I feel that we owe it to our formidable Lusitanos to speak of this Because when Lusitanos - and probably also Spanish horses to a degree - get into the hands of people who are not aware of this, it can be the cause of massive challenges.
I will stay on my own track, and only talk about the Lusitano, but maybe you as the owner of another Iberian breed can recognize some of it:
Lusitanos are not Warmbloods There are the obvious physical differences, but my point here is that they don't think or act like Warmbloods.
We know this from dogs; you should familiarize yourself with the breed you are acquiring and whether it suits your lifestyle. We understand that if you want a minimum of training and activation, then a German Shepherd will probably not be an optimal choice. We understand that some dogs are designed to chase things that move, while others are designed to make noise, guard or something else.
Lusitanos are bred with the purpose of facing a raging bull. To move around it in quick, light movements and turn on the spot. That task requires a courage that typically shines through in everything the horse does, and a 'bullfighting horse' does not put up with everything.
They are infinitely cooperative and are able to adapt to an unimaginable variety of living conditions, people and needs, but once you hit the limit of their goodwill, you get into big trouble.
It breaks my heart when I hear about people who experience completely unnecessary difficulties with their Lusitano. Often they get 'help' from trainers who have never handled Iberian horses before, and who hit the wall when they cannot get the little Portuguese horse to 'surrender' to the usual methods. It quickly becomes a vicious circle, and I can only encourage any Lusitano owner who finds their horse to be uncooperative, fearful or aggressive, to seek help from someone who knows the breed.
It may seem overwhelming if it involves a long drive or perhaps a slightly higher price, but there is a good chance that a trainer who knows Lusitanos can help you in a very short time, just by educating you on how your horse functions mentally.
Should you read this, and think that a Lusitano sounds difficult, I will end this by reminding you that the Iberian horse was the favorite for both art and war for centuries, and that today's Lusitano can be found in GP dressage as well as the biggest, most spectacular horse shows in the world. You will never meet a better partner.
Don't fight with any horse, regardless of breed... but if you go into direct combat with your Lusitano, then you must expect him to fight back - exactly as he was bred for.
ABOUT RIBATEJO LUSITANOS
Founded in 2019 Coudelaria do Ribatejo breeds horses true to the Lusitano characteristics. After almost a decade of breeding, living and working in Portugal, Nadja Maria founded the stud farm that aims to maintain the original characteristics and loved traits of the magnificent Lusitano. Our mares and breeding stallions provides typical Lusitanos with quality and character for anything from Leisure to FEI Grand Prix level dressage. Located in Gram, Denmark. Our selection of top quality Lusitano breeding horses are all imported from Portugal, where the Stud Farm was founded.
Connect with Ribatejo Lusitanos on Facebook
The Menorcan Breed
Meet The MENORCAN
About the Menorcan Breed
The Menorcans are a very rare breed of Iberian horses from the island of Menorca off the coast of Spain. They share many qualities of other Iberian breeds with gaits that are smooth and can easily be sat. They have amazing temperaments- sensitive yet sensible. It has been said that they have the mind of a good foundation Quarter Horse with the movement of an exceptional warmblood.
The breed developed from numerous groups that invaded the island for many centuries. They trace back to Arabians, Berber breeds, and Central European breeds. Menorcans are known for being jet black! A small amount of white markings are acceptable; however, true black is the predominant color. As an endangered breed (less than 4,000) we are hoping to increase the awareness of the breed by offering Ganador and Zar to breed to approved mares in the US that are not Menorcans. They have successfully been crossed with warmbloods and Friesians in Europe and have thrown beautiful foals.
PR Menorcan USA Association, a not for profit, began in 2020 locating horses that were Piro free and importing them in 2021 with Zar and Ganador being the first two to arrive. The current Menorcan herd in the US is; two stallions, four mares and one gelding.
Visit the Menorcan USA website
About GANADOR
Meet Ganador: Ganador is jet black, and has the classic confirmation of a Menorcan. Strong, chiseled face, muscular, athletic and powerful. He is the son of Breed Champions on both sides. He exemplifies all of the best qualities of the breed standard, and we are lucky enough that we were able to import him to America in 2021. At only 5 years old and recently started under saddle, he shows excellent potential in the dressage and working equitation arenas. Ganador is a kind, calm stallion that is a pleasure to be around. Look for his debut in the show ring in 2023!
Ganador will be offered for stud at the rate of $3000 for his first year.
Contact us today to have your mare approved and be one of the first to have a Menorcan Sport Horse.
Contact Carrie Boyd for details:
912.399.8494
Visit the Menorcan USA website
ERAHC 2025 New England Classic Show
Coming Soon!
Updates & photos from the July New England Classic
and the August Virginia Classic coming soon!
Archived Articles
ERAHC ARCHIVED ARTICLES
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