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Rising trot tutorials
Who has watched me riding knows it well; my sitting trot needs improvement. Desperately. And I know it well; I go mad every time I think about this. And my instructors both in Crete and England are often frustrated. Why? Why can’t I trot like other beginners who also ride just once a week? So, my instructors have reached the following conclusions: My legs need to get stronger. I think too much when I trot. More thinking than feeling. I rise up to the sky, which means that it takes me ages to return to the saddle (here’s some difference. It took me ages to rise from the saddle in…
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The Cretan horse breed
Someone has said the Cretan horse “doesn’t waste the time of those who waste its own time”. This is just one of the comments about the special characteristics of Crete’s indigenous equine breed. The Cretan horse is also called “Georgalidikon”, or “Messaritikon”, and is very different to any other breeds that I am aware of. It has been used in rural work, commerce and warfare, its glorious moments unfolding during World War II. Many of them were used for the defense operation of the Greeks against the Italians in Epirus and some of them -though very few- returned alive. But in general, Cretan horses were used throughout the Greek territory…
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“The Queen and Her Ceremonial Horses” – Documentary
The trouble and joy of every equestrian! On this old documentary meet the Queen’s ceremonial horses, their use and the customs followed by those who work with them. See historical equipment and learn about the protocols in the horses’ training and use, as well as the protocols of the ceremonies they participate in. Personally I loved the coaches and the costumes. Did you know that when a new costume needs to be made a bible from the Queen Victoria’s era is faithfully consulted?
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Why I love horseback riding
I’ve started this blog without telling why horse riding has become my new passion. I still remember my over-protective mother screaming like crazy and running after me all around the house, when she found out that I had started horseback riding lessons -that’s why she found out 3 weeks late. I defended my decision by saying why this activity is so important to me. Here’s why: Horseback riding is my therapy, psychologically and physically. I practice my concentration skills and balance when I’m on horseback. I have made new friends. It’s a new way to discover the world. It’s a sport for all ages. Very conforting when thirties are at…
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“The Path of the Horse” – Documentary
This documentary has stolen my heart. It is about a successful professional equestrian who realised one day that she was not happy with her occupation anymore. So, she decided to give a try in regaining her interest by following inspirational equestrian writers, going on a journey, through which she saw her profession from another perspective and re-established her relationship with her own horses.
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My first equine steps
Thinking about my first BHS exam, I remember those first days on horseback. In Crete, in EGVUS, a small equestrian club literally by the sea. Yannis, my instructor, a very stubborn man, who built his equestrian club with his own two hands, was determined to help me overcome my fear of horses and enjoy the sport. And he made it in two months! Last summer was very different to the ones I had lived bofore. My life changed through interaction with horses. I made new -equine and human- friends, offered joy to children and tourists, saw my life from a different perspective. Bebis (or Baby as we call him to…