The Training Prism
January 7, 2019 by Andy Marcoux
I’ve been surprised at how many horse enthusiasts aren’t aware of the training scale. Of the ones who are, many view it as an overly complicated, strict set of ideals that can’t possibly be reached, held up by FSDQ’s (Fun-Sucking Dressage Queens.) I don’t have anything against
Experimentation on Horses (Facebook Live)
January 3, 2019 by Andy Marcoux
Did you know that horse trainers are experimenting on horses every day? In fact, if you're taking lessons with a horse trainer, they're most likely experimenting on you as well. What this video to learn more about the secret of equine experimentation, and how it can benefit you.
Beyond Theory
January 1, 2019 by Andy Marcoux
One thing that drives me crazy is “theoretical instruction.” Like most people, I start to get fidgety, even anxious when an instructor makes a deep dive into theory, no matter what the subject. After all, it’s great to know the theory, but I want something I can use! (there's
What’s the Bucking Point?
December 15, 2018 by Andy Marcoux
When a horse or pony bucks in a carriage, it presents a potentially dangerous situation. If the horse is able to get his hind end high enough, he can kick the carriage, or worse yet, the people in the carriage. To safeguard against that, a bucking strap can be added to the
When Your Carriage Horse Spooks
December 4, 2018 by Andy Marcoux
Even the best horses have their spooky moments. When those moments occur under saddle, their usually pretty easy to ride through. However when we put the horse to a carriage, those spooks can a be more intimidating. As with many things in life, it’s not about what you’ve been
How Do I Get There?
December 2, 2018 by Andy Marcoux
The most difficult thing about creating lesson plans is making sure that I explain the movements of the exercises as clearly as possible. To be honest, that can even be challenging when we're together in a one-on-one lesson in person! At least in that scenario, I can use as many
My Long, Long Lining Story
November 6, 2018 by Andy Marcoux
Every once in a while experience walks up to me and gives me a good dope-slap. Sometimes, it does so several times because, well I probably need it. The dope-slap I’m thinking of right now has to do with long lining horses. I first became enthralled with long lining in
Activating The Rein
October 23, 2018 by Andy Marcoux
I’ve been back at my computer writing articles and lesson plans. As I write, you, my students, are in the back of my head all of the time, asking questions. This week’s question that keeps popping up is “Andy, what do you mean by activating the rein?" Reinsmanship, as it's
Finally Fall!
October 2, 2018 by Andy Marcoux
In the words made famous by Frank Sinatra “The best is yet to come!” Fall is my favorite time for driving horses. It probably has something to do with the fact that my passion for driving started when I was a kid working on hayrides in the fall. Of course, there a whole lot
Finding Stillness
September 13, 2018 by Andy Marcoux
Probably two-thirds of the information passed between the driver and the horse is transmitted through the reins. It stands to reason that the more clearly and accurately we can handle the reins, the clearer and more accurate our communication will be. That’s where being able to
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