LAURIE: Massive 2010 Update

Timberlane News is back, after a brief Holiday hiatus!

2010 marks the 10th year of Timberlane Farm and I thank everyone for continually making this barn an ever-changing challenge.

1. The Rancho Santa Fe Trip

The trip to Rancho Santa Fe was inspiring. Lots of notes, with the overriding theme being, "Ride with discipline."

• Corners need to be used as exercises to supple and rebalance.


• A working trot requires that the horse purposefully moves forward freely.


• A collected trot demands throughness, engagement and suppleness.

One exercise that Christine repeated on most of the horses, was a simple change of rein out of the circle. Every horse was asked to yield from one bend to the other without resistance. The Grand Prix horse, as well as the First Level horse, was held to the same standard.

Also, having the privilege of watching two Olympic riders, Christine Traurig and Gunter Siedel, ride multiple horses for three days, I appreciate even more greatly the importance of a deep, independent seat. True lightness in contact can only come when the horse is connected to the rider through the seat. Those of us who are facing the next two months of sub-zero weather and intermittent riding should be using this time to ride without stirrups, perfecting simple figures as a foundation for a deeper, independent seat.

2. Timberlane Farm Party

After missing a holiday party last year due to unforeseen family health issues, we are back on track with our annual TLF Holiday gathering. Lots of new faces joined the fray along with many tried and true attendees. Lots of food, beverages and conversation catch-up over the course of the evening.







3. Winter Pony Camps

Our Timberlane Winter Mini Pony Camps were a huge success! Monday through Wednesday before Christmas and Monday through Wednesday before New Years saw 18 children ages 7-12 gleefully riding around the arena and sweeping up the barn aisle for three hours each day. Thanks to all the boarders for adjusting your schedules to accommodate the next generation of horse lovers! We picked up several new students for the Timberlane Riding Academy.