RESOURCES
& LINKS
SOME OF FRANCES' FAVORITE LINKS
I have been very fortunate to enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with other equine professionals. This process can bear such fruitful results in terms of the cross-pollenization of teaching and training methods, and bring energy and joy to the long hours this profession demands. Below are some of those wonderful people and their websites.
Irina Yastrebova of Smoky Lake, Alberta, Canada. A Canadian citizen, Irina grew up near St. Petersburg, Russia, where her parents were track and field coaches. Irina and her husband moved to the US 13 years ago and she became my working student for nearly 3 years before moving to Canada. Now we make it a point to spend time together at least once a year, either at a conference, or riding. A brilliant young teacher, Irina's website is one of the best, most informative around, especially her blogs!
www.balancedrider.com
Simone Windeler of Monument, Colorado teaches and trains in the classical tradition at Whispering Winds stables, and gives regular clinics in several locations. Simone is very involved in the nuts and bolts of the Rocky Mountain Dressage Society, and runs many USEF recognized dressage shows with Heather Peterson. We ride together on a regular basis, exchanging coaching, ideas, and the pleasure of riding Andalusians. Originally from Germany, Simone has cultivated a professional relationship with German Classical Trainer
Ralf Schmitzer, and brought him into my circle of friends. Thank you, Simone!
www.windelerdressage.com
Ralf Schmitzer of Sulzberg in the Allgau, Germany has been teaching clinics in Colorado for over 4 years now. Ralf's brand of training emphasizes calm, balance, and systematic lowering of the haunches through progressive exercises. He is a lover of the Friesian horse, but his knowledge extends to all breeds, and his thoughtful, quiet manner has won him many students. When he comes, we make it a point to have one afternoon to “play”, sharing ideas on the advanced movements, including piaffe, passage and levade. Ralf especially enjoys riding Fino! For more info on Ralf's clinic schedule, contact www.windelerdressage.com
Kris Garrett of Parker Colorado is one of the most multi-faceted people I know. She is a long time breeder of Andalusian horses, and owner, with husband John, of the superb sire Temerario VII. Her organizational talents are formidable, witness the Equestrian Theater and Performance Association, and her creative and promotional abilities are unsurpassed. Her
latest venture, Kris With A Kamera, promotes online video services for any kind of business, and her efforts can be seen on Fino's page-WOW, what a great video!
www.KrisWithAKamera.com
www.equestriantheater.com
Cori Fierkins, the lady with the magic fingers, resides near Ellicott, Colorado. A wonderful horsewoman, Cori's abilities to resolve soft tissue problems in horses is most amazing. She is a certified practitioner of the Equine Touch method, and I have seen her restore lame horses to service time after time. I especially enjoy the chance to collaborate with Cori, when we can work with horse and rider together to resolve training and performance issues through the targeting of body imbalances. Want a clinic? Can do!
www.shetoucheshorses.com
Mariah Farms, Castle Rock, Colorado, is where I have the privilege of training, teaching and boarding my own horses. Mariah is a full service facility, with a 250' X 80' indoor arena , two large outdoor arenas, stalls with daily turnout and shed row pens with runs. Care is individualized, and hay is of outstanding quality. Mariah prides itself on a horse-and client-friendly atmosphere, and in addition to my own dressage program, offers Darla Orton's wonderful Kids with Horses instruction for beginning students. Board prices are among the most reasonable for front range Colorado barns that offer comparable services. Mariah is easily accessible in all weather, right off the I-25 corridor.
www.MariahFarms.net
Ami MacHugh of Jackass Mountain Ranch in Pasco, Washington breeds exceptionally beautiful and functional Pure Spanish Andalusians on big pastures with the best of care. Amy is a sensitive, exceptionally talented rider and knowledgeable breeder with many championships to her credit, who also happens to run
a huge agricultural enterprise with her husband. She likes to say that the horses are her hobby, but there are few breeders with as good an eye and as sound a knowledge of genetics. Why the ranch name? They also keep a few mules as herd guardians! I love Amy's down-to-earth attitude!
www.JackassMtRanch.com
The Coussoul Studfarm in the heart of Provence, France has earned a significant reputation in Europe among Iberian breeders for breeding spectacular, huge moving Lusitanos that consistently win French national championships in open dressage. This stud is owned by an American woman, Catherine Vaisse, who is a longtime French resident, and deserves a strong look from anyone looking for an FEI dressage prospect.
www.vaisse.com or Google “Haras du Coussoul, France”
Horses For Life is an online magazine which is full of informative, albeit sometimes controversial, articles challenging commonly held assumptions about training horses, especially for the modern competitive dressage ring. Always an interesting read, worthwhile for inquiring minds. www.horsesforlife.com
County Saddlery makes high quality dressage and jumping saddles that seem to be a very good match for Iberian horses' backs. County's exceptional service and warranty on their products, as well as their knowledgeable agents, who will come you for custom saddle fitting, to make them a delight to work with. Local Colorado agent Alice Kremers will bend over backwards to give you the very best service. www.TheFittedHorse.com
IALHA, or the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association, is the largest registry association for Iberian horses in the US. Their website provides loads of info on breed history, breeders, recognized competitions, and spectacular photos to boot! www.IALHA.org