Dressage Today Letters to the Editor

Brittany McQuillan

Helmet Use
Upon hearing the news of Courtney King-Dye's accident, I felt compelled to write in. I had an accident in which my horse tripped and fell going through a small gymnastic. That accident was almost eight years ago, and just now, I am getting back into eventing with the same horse. I was wearing a helmet, and I feel that it saved my life. My horse was lucky and wasn't hurt, but I suffered a grade three concussion and had amnesia. I don't remember the accident, or months of information surrounding the accident either. My helmet probably kept my neck from breaking. My helmet brim was ruined (but it saved my face), because I did a sliding stop with my face into hard-packed stone dust. I always wear a helmet and require my students to do the same. Because of my helmet, I rode in a neck brace the day after my accident. My father was acting as photographer the day of my fall, I have an entire slow-motion series of pictures of my fall, and keep them in my planner to show people if I EVER hear that they don't wear a helmet and think they don't need one!
Brittany McQuillan

Motivation
I thought Gina Duran gave some excellent advice about motivating the lazy horse. I can't stress physical health enough, as she did--hoof imbalances, ulcers, EPSM, nutritional deficiencies, etc., can all have a huge effect on forwardness in a horse and it is often too easily assumed the horse is "lazy."

Rider interference is, of course, also a huge factor, and unfortunately is more common than not. Tack fit could be an issue as well by the way. I have also found that my horse really responds well to lavish praise, which often comes in a gleeful happy and loud voice and clapping hands --it seems to bring out more cooperation, as his efforts, no matter how small, are truly appreciated. It feels like it lifts his spirits and makes work more fun for him. Now this may not be the same for all horses, depending on how sensitive a horse is.

On a side note: I thought all dressage experts knew well that collection meant taking more weight behind and elevating the horse in front and not shortening the horse.
Ute Miethe LMT/LAMT
Massage Therapist & Natural Performance Barefoot Trimmer
Graham, Wash.

Healing Power of Horses
I would like to say that I appreciate that others are sharing the mental health benefits that horses provide. I want to thank Rupert Isaacson for sharing his story "Autism and the Healing Power of Horses" (February 2010). It was truly inspiring to hear about the work that is being done. It gives me great hope to see that therapy and horses are continually being brought together. I feel that horses can be an invaluable therapeutic tool in many aspects of mental health. However, with these difficult economic times, we need to remember to support these invaluable equine organizations that help so many through our donations and volunteering. This will ensure that we can continue to learn about the incredible journeys of recovery and hope that horses can offer.
Lori Brown
California