mother had framed, and which is right above my desk as I write this. So many years later, having had hundreds of students myself, I can only send another heartfelt “arigato gozaimasu” (thank you very much) to Numada-san for giving me so many equestrian experiences, such a solid riding foundation and excellent teaching examples/models upon which to build my school.
The written and oral records are full and glorious with the stories of wonderful horses. Pegasus was my favorite. Can you imagine the wonder of riding that magnificent, shining creature around the world, of having such power to control? I drew Phaeton and the Chariot of the Sun, and told his story to every class I taught during my 38+ years in public education, as a lesson in why a student should follow directions. Bucephalus’ story was always explained whenever I trained some green youngster or retrained a problem horse. On a daily basis, though, I was constantly, and consistently taught by my school horses: to keep sharp, flexible, think quickly, be observant, make intelligent decisions (and appear cool and calm doing it) but, above all, to be patient and kind to those I was working with– be they my regular, public school students or my riding students.
My teaching career in the Riverside Unified School District lasted 38 years. My riding school is still going, though on a smaller scale than during the ‘70s-‘90s. Due to circumstances beyond my control, the “formal” riding school was “retired” from its original location on Madison Street in Riverside in 1994. HA! I found that former students and new-found riding friends weren’t about to let me put the abilities given to me by all the horses you are about to read about, “out to pasture”! Fellow-boarders, former students, and people who simply found out about me, persuaded me to take up riding instruction again, at the fantastic, welcoming stable where I board. Once again, I have access to the best horses and facilities around, and my students are getting the benefit of all the marvelous experiences shared with my past and present equine partners. In fact, my star school horse now is the last son of the first horse I was ever given, by one of my very first students. Patty, wherever you are, the spirit of Rhiannon, the horse you named after the Welsh horse goddess, is alive and well in her son. With every encounter, I appreciate the privilege I am allowed when I share my life and gain wisdom from my equine sojourners. These are all true stories, with their life lessons, as I remember them.
GLOSSARY
These are terms as I use them in the stories. They are arranged by category. All of my students knew these terms pretty quickly after starting lessons. We would discuss, illustrate, and use most of the techniques and ideas you see. They were given text readings and worked on terminology during rainy day classes. Any of my students could discuss any of these with each other.
Breeds and Size
Andalusian –
Horses originally of Spanish and Mexican breeding. The “Pura Raza” registry makes sure the lineage goes back to Spanish forbears. Mexico has some nice purebreds as well. These are well-built, versatile horses known for long flowing manes and tails. They are comfortable riding horses. Some have also become good jumpers and dressage horses. They are generally intelligent with a desire to please their rider. I am a fan of the breed.
Appaloosa – (see also colors and markings)
A color breed with an American Indian history in the U.S., but the spotted or roan horses are found throughout the world, called by different names.
Azteca –
A one-half registered Lusitano or Andalusian, and the other half, registered Quarter Horse. Amistad, Alae, Centurion, and Sailor were/are Aztecas. I love this breeding. It has produced horses that have won at top levels in eventing, driving, jumping, and endurance for me.
Hand –
Four inches. Horses are measured from the ground to the withers, which is the top point where the neck joins/becomes the body. Horses are measured by “hands” to determine height and to some extent, size.
Horse –
Equine more than 14.2 hands
Morgan –
A versatile American breed. These have been willing, enjoyable, capable mounts for the riders at my school .
Lusitano –
This Portuguese horse breed split with Andalusians ages ago,and are sometimes called “Portuguese Andalusians.” These are the types of horses ridden by the Romans in ancient times. Like Andalusians, they range in size from 14.3 hands and up. My Lusitano stallion was a super-comfortable riding horse.
POA –
Pony of the Americas. Appaloosa colored ponies, as opposed to horse size.
Pony –
Equine 14.2 hands or under
Quarter Horse –
A registered American breed known for versatility. I looked for them for students who wanted a solidly built horse with the commonly expected trait of consistent, calm temperament.
Quarter Pony –
A registered breed for small Quarter Horses (under 14.2) as well as Quarter Horse stock raised to be ponies. Great for kids and petite adults.
Thoroughbred –
A breed registered through the Jockey Club noted for speed and sportiness. I looked for these for riders who wanted competition horses and maybe a step up from school horses.
Warmblood –
Mixed breeds of horses from all over the world. Usually some sort of draft breed (cold-blooded) mixed with the Thoroughbred and/or Arab breeds (hot-blooded). There are a lot of these: Dutch, German, Danish, Swedish, many also with regional names of origin, like Holsteiner or Westphalian thrown in. They are basically big horses bred for jumping or dressage. I showed these horses for owners and found them to be over-priced and trendy. They were usually pretty enough, but my personal preferences were the Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Andalusians, Morgans, and crosses – known qualities at a decent price. Today, Quarter Horse people can claim they also raise “American Warmbloods” and my own Andalusian crosses are also registered Iberian Warmblood,which they can be with only one-quarter Lusitano lineage. That is my take on Warmbloods. I think the registration does give the buyer some clue as to the background of the horse being purchased.
Colors and Markings
Appaloosa –
Coat is usually a basic color (white, black, brown, red) with roaning or spots of white on dark, or dark on white. Pink, mottled skin around the eyes and muzzle is common, as are striped hooves. They can have sparse manes and tails, though I did not find this to be the case with my Appys.
Bay –
Shades of brown from light to nearly black, with black on the legs, black mane and tail.
Black bay –
The darkest of the bay horses.
Blood bay –
Bright,
