It’s a new year and a new show season.

After the holidays and some time off from a long year of showing, I am always excited to start new goals, projects and a new show year. Last year is over. This year holds nothing but promise.

The excitement to fulfill  long anticipated dreams and goals. There is open ended hope. Perhaps someone has new horse, a new trainer or moving up in a divison.  The energy in the air is one of excitment.

There is also the energy of new challenges one is going to face.

It is much like starting a new school year with hope and anticipation of what life with horses will bring.

This is an exciting time of year and I wish everyone good luck in the upcoming show season at all the “HITS Equestrian Events!”

–Lisa K.

Thanks everybody for your feedback!

I am working on getting the dates confirmed for my 2010 Clinic Schedule.

Once I get the dates confirmed…I will post it here on the site.  In the meantime, feel free to email me with your interest in either group or private lessons, and I will work it out so it will be to everyone’s advantage.

But for now, I am still accepting appointments for individual or group lessons for any level of serious rider.

I will do my best to get you to the next level, and if you know my methods, I am always there to help you get where you need to be.

My heart is in what I do, and am very passionate about helping you and horse get to the next level.

Get in touch with me as soon as possible and I will be able to organize it better.

And don’t forget, if you have a club or organization that has a group of serious riders, I will be happy to work a time to come to you.

Signing out for now…Have a great summer!

Thank you Kristi!

Not Just Riding Lessons … Life Lessons

Growing up, I rode mostly small, local shows. Nothing too fancy – enough to sample it, love it, but retain my sweet trail-riding, horse-loving, not-only-about-winning sensibilities.

When I got to college though, I discovered that one of my best friends had been Large Junior Hunter Champion at the National Horse Show, that’s in Madison Square Garden for those of you who don’t know – and more than once, among others. Looking at her photos of perfectly manicured indoor rings and dressed-up awards ceremonies, it made me realize what an outrageous world there is out there. And it also made me wonder, had I grown up with different opportunities – an exceptional equine partner, and amazing trainers – how good a rider could I have been?

That thought – “How good could I have been?”, coupled with Bryson’s encouragement gave me the courage to approach an A show barn over a year ago and begin training …and soon the question went from, “How good a rider could I have been?”, to the goal “How good a rider can I become?” Which led to getting Tristan…and now, what I’m about to write today.

I’ve found the greatest coach. She’s ridden with and been trained by the best – George Morris and Jimmy Williams to name only two. But its not just what she knows, it’s who she is and how she applies it. I’ve never been more inspired by someone to show up early, be prepared, and do my best. Because from ensuring the horse is properly tacked and comfortable, to noticing every detail of my ride, she gives me her best every time.

It really is almost like therapy… she’s made me cry more than once – and not from being tough, although she can be that too -but because of the parallels she draws.

Here are some examples:

“What are you bracing against? Why do you have to be tense somewhere? What are you constantly anticipating? Soften…soften…soften… let yourself be soft – be alert, be prepared but be soft. Fewer problems will happen and you’ll be better able to adapt to them.”

“Yes you are weaker on your left side. We all have a weaker side. Don’t put more weight and tension to the left to compensate. Let it be, let it be vulnerable – only then can you get stronger.”

And this morning we had the best lesson. But once, after a great approach, my shoulders caved and my back rounded and i sort of collapsed three strides out before a bigger fence. When i pulled up, she said listen to me…

“You had a beautiful approach, and then it was like you realized what you were about to jump and collapsed. Never let a big fence get the best of you. Even the biggest Grand Prix jump, never let it intimidate you. in life and on horseback, its just an obstacle. Don’t fall apart and collapse. Take it in stride, hold your position – hold your position – and let it come. You will almost never miss.”

I could choke up I’m so grateful to be riding with someone who can teach me so much.
Sigh.

To decide to achieve a lifelong goal, and then to find an amazing coach to help me make it happen and inspire me to do my best..

I’m so happy I feel shy even writing it down.
Just wanted to share.

xx
Kristie

Treat you and your horse to a powerful weekend with Lisa Kursinski by improving your the teamwork between you and your horse!

Lisa Kursinski has Openings for 2010!

After a busy 2009 schedule, she is back on the road to helping aspiring riders to get into action with the ongoing show season.

Get Signed Up Now…Contact Lisa at…
YourCoach@lisakursinski.com