Palm Equestrian Academy

Milestone Monday

Since we shared Rugged Painted Lark and his success as a breeding stallion, it is only fitting to share his older sister, Sheza Painted Lark, shared previously as one that Marie-Frances showed before she went to live in Switzerland (another milestone). Demi and Bruce, brother and sister were featured in The American Paint Horse: A Photographic Portrayal by David Stoecklein and Darrell Dodds in 2001. Later, one of the images landed on APHA greeting cards and this one appeared as the cover of The Breeders and Trainers Directory that year.

Sand N My Bootz Saturday

At home and by video, Cyril coaches Lynn to prepare for the Western Dressage tests that he does not usually get to see live. Then it's up to Lynn and Marie-Frances to put it all together-the traveling, the grooming, care, warmup, showing, videoing (to send to Cyril for feedback), post show care-consistency is key. With that, this is a sampling of Lynn's warmup for Level 2. She starts slow and builds to the lope and movements that require more lateral, more bending and more collection. Knowing your horse and plan is so important. You don't want to leave him in the warmup ring. Be ready to show your best by the whistle or the bell.



De Niro Boot Co - Western
Harris Leather and Silverworks
Purina Horse
Kerrits Equestrian Apparel

Sand N My Bootz Saturday

By nature, Bootz is a laid back horse. To keep him sharp and connected, we often do many short sequences of transitions to keep him thinking forward. Here Cyril directs Lynn through a series of transitions in and between gaits.

Milestone Monday

One year in a birthday card, Marie-Frances received a photo of a yearling with the words-we look forward to developing your talents with this young horse. That young horse was Larks Smart Alec by Rugged Lark and full brother to Rugged Painted Lark. He became one of the best school horses in the history of school horses. How could he not? Marie-Frances spent countless hours with him before and after her long days in the barn. Months of ground work, 3 years before cantering under saddle (if you know her you know why) and he stayed in Florida each summer so he had only half a year's training. So all that time and persistence paid off. Eventually retired from the school horse program, living his later years at Mary Has A Little Farm in Tampa and continuing to teach was where he loved to be. That horse touched more than the heart of Marie-Frances.

Sand N My Bootz Saturday

So much of successful training is consistent repetition. That is not drilling though. Continuing to mix long and low, lengthening and lateral work is giving Bootz a solid foundation. Throw in the trail rides, ground poles and small jumping sessions and he continues to enjoy his work as he builds fitness and stamina needed for higher level Dressage tests and more intense horse show days. We are on the path to finding his super horse.

Sand N My Bootz Saturday

As Bootz advances in his training, so do the nuances of the required elements in the levels of Western Dressage and Dressage. The true lengthening of the gait is not quicker, shorter steps, it is a lengthening of the stride while maintaining the push from behind and uphill balance. When first beginning many horses take shorter, quicker strides while putting more weight on the forehand. This is often seen in stock breeds as a result of their conformation. It takes time to achieve the lengthening of stride with the proper balance. As you hear Cyril, he references Lynn’s hands and says the first diagonal line is a bit flat and suggests that Lynn keeps him rounder for the second pass. The rider's position and aids are crucial in making these advancements. Many thanks go to Cyril for keeping Lynn and Marie-Frances on the right track for Bootz!