Horse Quotes related to Dressage Musical Freestyle

If you are like me, you have been passionate about horses since a very young age. I became obsessed with musical freestyle at ten years old watching World Cup and Olympic videos. I would mute the sound on the video and play my own selection of music to famous Grand Prix dressage riders like Anky Van Grunsven and Guenter Seidel. Watching a horse and rider dance to music can be a magical experience!

I hope this collection of quotes inspires you to create your own musical freestyle. PLEASE feel free to download to your computer, share on social media, and save images to Pinterest. Click here to see my Pinterest boards related to dressage, freestyle, costumes, photo shoots, and more!

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“Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor.” - H. Jackson Brown

Learn how to design your very own musical freestyle. click here

“Music is life. That’s why our hearts have beats.” -unknown

Learn how to create a dressage musical freestyle...click here.

“Eyes forward. Mind focused. Heart ready. Game on, world.” - CompeteEveryDay.com

Tired of sitting on the sidelines? Create your dream freestyle this year! click here

“When you have clarity of intention, the universe conspires with you to make it happen.” - Fabienne Frederickson

Learn how to create a dressage musical freestyle. Click here.

“By choosing our path, we choose our destination.” - Monson

Learn how to create a dressage musical freestyle. Click here.

“The best is yet to come.” - Frank Sinatra

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Download My Free Resources

Stay organized with my Musical Freestyle Checklist and begin sketching choreography with my Blank Arena Diagram Page.

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30 Success Quotes for Equestrians - Inspiring Horse Quotes to Motivate You in Your Riding

When I was younger, I used to stay up all night writing in my journal, pondering my goals for the new year. My lists were very long! Then I would wake up the next day and try to have the "perfect day", ride all my horses, eat healthy, write in my journal, etc... Over the years I have realized that consistency is more important than striving for "perfect days". There will be many ups and downs, many goals that will be reached and some that need to be stored on the shelf for another day. I am very lucky to earn a living with horses and work with amazing students and professionals. It is my purpose to teach and inspire others to be creative with their horses and benefit from my experiences. 

I hope this collection of quotes inspires you to take action towards your goals. Most of the images feature my horse Douwe the Amazing Friesian and my Art on Horseback partner Rovandio. 

This year take action and learn trick training, dressage, bitless, bridleless, and more! click here

Tired of sitting on the sidelines? Create your dream freestyle this year! click here

This year take action and learn trick training, dressage, bitless, bridleless, and more! click here

Dreaming of a fantasy photo shoot with your horse? click here

Learn how to plan a fantasy photo shoot with your horse. click here.

Learn how to design your very own musical freestyle. click here

Follow Douwe the Amazing Friesian on Facebook. click here

Follow Douwe the Amazing Friesian on Facebook. click here

Learn how to create a dressage musical freestyle. Click here.

Learn how to ride bitless and teach your horse amazing tricks this year! click here

Learn how to turn your horse into a unicorn. click here

Learn how to plan a fantasy photo shoot with your horse. click here

Learn how to plan a fantasy photo shoot with your horse. click here

Learn how to train your horse to do tricks for your photo shoot. click here

Learn how to incorporate liberty training with your horse. click here

Learn how to ride your horse bridleless. click here

Connect with your horse on a deeper level. click here

Learn how to create a dressage musical freestyle. Click here.

Follow Douwe the amazing friesian on facebook. click here

Learn how to ride your horse bridleless. click here

Learn how sandra trains and performs with her horses. click here

Learn how to connect with your horse at a deeper level. click here

Learn how to ride your horse bridleless. click here

Learn dressage online from sandra beaulieu - a usdf bronze and silver medalist. click here

Learn how to have fun with your horse with trick training. click here

Learn how to train your horse tricks. click here

Is this your year to shine? take your relationship with your horse to the next level. click here

Add some sparkle to your horse...my best tips for DIY Mane, Tail, and Hooves ... click here

Learn more about dressage, trick, and liberty training with Sandra...click here.

Learn more about dressage, trick, and liberty training with Sandra...click here.

Follow Sandra on Pinterest

Sandra Beaulieu - Art on Horseback Live Painting Demo Benefits Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Program in Maine

Photo credit: Sun Journal reporter Daryn Slover

Rovandio and I performed a live painting demo at the Healing Through Horses Professional's Expo held in New Gloucester, ME. 100% of the money raised from the sale of this painting went to Healing Through Horses. It is a non-profit organization that offers equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP). 

This was a memorable experience for me, since it was the first time my mother and grandmother were able to watch me paint in person. I also used my new art easel that was creatively built by my husband. We only had 40 minutes to create a painting from start to finish, with all the extra distractions that come with performing. It was a challenge to figure out all the logistics and I couldn't have done it without the help and support of my friends Elisha Harvey, Holly Baily, Taylor Burdin, and Sarah Kach.

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“In the zen of the moment, living, breathing art, brush stroke upon brush stroke, hoofbeat upon hoofbeat. The horse forms the artist, the artist forms the horse, flowing, living, breathing art.”

— Bethanne Ragaglia

Rovandio Picks Up Brush

Photo taken by Sun Journal reporter Daryn Slover

Thank you Taylor Burdin

Taylor (holding the canvas with me) created the video you see above.

The Messier the Better!

Photo taken by Sun Journal reporter Daryn Slover.

The Paint is Still Wet!

Photo taken by Sun Journal reporter Daryn Slover.

Special Day with Family

My lovely Grandma Jane was able to watch me paint for the first time.

Final Signed Painting

Photo edited by Lydia Rose Spencer.

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Congratulations Holly Bailey for winning the online auction for this painting! 100% of the sale went to Healing Through Horses towards their program and updating their facilities. Holly is one of my close friends in Tallahassee, FL. We had a lovely presentation dinner at Backwoods Crossing for Holly and her family and friends. She is now the proud owner of an Art on Horseback painting.

Visit the Art on Horseback Website to learn more.
Originals for sale, Limited Edition Art Prints, and Videos!
www.ArtonHorseback.com

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Sandra Beaulieu - Art on Horseback Live Painting Demo Benefits Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Ranch

Photo credit: Kimberly Chason of chason photos & art

Rovandio and I performed a live painting demo at the "Have a Heart" fundraiser to benefit the Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Ranch (Triple R) of Tallahassee, FL. All money raised from the auctioned painting went to the Triple R organization. Triple R is a 100% volunteer organization that rescues abused, neglected, troubled, and abandoned equines and rehabs, retrains, and re-homes (or retires) them "in an environment of well-being and trust". Click here to read more about them.

Congratulations to Kathryn Gladwell for placing the winning bid! I got to know Kathryn over the winter months in Tallahassee, FL and I am so pleased that this painting is in her hands. 

This was a special experience for me since it was the first time Rovandio and I have painted before a live audience. We only had 45 minutes to create a painting from start to finish, with all the extra distractions that come with performing. It was a challenge to figure out all the logistics and I couldn't have done it without the help and support of my close friend Marsha Sapp. Thank you Marsha!

“In the zen of the moment, living, breathing art, brush stroke upon brush stroke, hoofbeat upon hoofbeat. The horse forms the artist, the artist forms the horse, flowing, living, breathing art.”

— Bethanne Ragaglia

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Visit the Art on Horseback Website to learn more.
Originals for sale, Limited Edition Art Prints, and Videos!

photo credit: kimberly chason of chason photos & art

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Arghh! Sandra and Rovandio Perform Together as Pirates!

"Not all treasure is silver and gold, Mate."

-Captain Jack Sparrow

The video below is of Rovandio and I debuting our latest routine, "Pirates", at Elysium Sport Ponies in Atkinson, ME. I had an idea for Rovy to perform the Spanish walk to Captain Jack Sparrow's drunken sailor music from the movie, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the rest of the routine developed from there. I definitely wanted to include Rovy saying pirate lines, so that is where you see him perform the "Argh!". At the end of our performance, I handed out "gold doubloons" for the kids in the audience and Rovy adored the pats and attention! Enjoy!

Be BOLD! Inspiring Horse Quotes and Sayings

Follow Sandra Beaulieu's board Inspiring Horse Quotes on Pinterest.

Roxie Hart Jazz Routine at the Equine Affaire - Enjoy this fun & sassy routine!

"Mmmm, I'm a star!
And the audience loves me!
And I love them
And they love me for loving them
And I love them for loving me
And we love each other..."
                                                                        - Lyrics from "Roxie Hart" from Chicago

Who can't help but love this song!! It is so sassy and fun to ride to. This year I was given a solo spot in the Andalusian demo with Rovandio and I thought what the heck! It was the perfect opportunity to try something fun that the audience would enjoy. I wanted to highlight Rovandio's amazing personality and rideability. He loves the audience and enters into that electric atmosphere as calm and collected as he can be. It is hard to see me lip synching and playing to the audience but I am sure you can see how much fun I had riding this routine with Rovandio.  Enjoy!

"Sway" Routine at the Elysium Sport Ponies Open House

"Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have that magic technique
When we sway I go weak
I go weak..."

                                              - lyrics from Sway by the Pussycat Dolls

This video was taken at the Elysium Sport Ponies Open House November, 2015. I was SO happy with this routine! As some of you know, I was injured the week before and wasn't able to practice. I decided last minute to ride to the song "Sway", one of my favorite songs that I performed to with Rovandio at the Equine Affaire last year. I knew the transitions of the music inside and out, and it has a fun, playful vibe. Enjoy our dance routine and please share with anyone else that would appreciate it. Thanks!

How to Ride Your Horse Bridleless - Helpful Tips & Techniques

Taking off Douwe’s bridle during a performance. Photo credit: Laurie Sheppard

When I was young, I admired the girls that could leap on their horses bareback and ride around without a care in the world. I was too focused on my dressage training to let myself “play” with my horses. There was a part of me that really wanted that relationship with a horse.

The performances that brought me to tears were not the upper level dressage freestyles, but the routines performed bareback and/or bridleless. The idea that "less is more" really inspired me. When I bought Douwe (my Friesian gelding), I let myself have an open mind and no expectations. Once we developed a relationship I started riding him bridleless and he loved it. My horses have taught me so much that I would love to share my experiences with you.

Safety First!

For those of you who are like me, cautious and not overly risky, you will definitely need to prepare your horse, yourself, and your surroundings to start working bridleless. Make sure to wear a helmet and ride in a smaller, fully-enclosed space like a round pen. There are a few KEY things that need to be in place before you attempt your first ride without a bridle. They are:

1. Independent Balance! To communicate clearly and effectively with your horse (with or without a bridle) you need to have good balance. You should be comfortable and confident at the walk, trot, and canter with NO STIRRUPS and with NO HANDS.

2. A Trusting Relationship: I do not recommend riding an unfamiliar horse without a bridle or even your own horse if you do not already have a deep, long-standing relationship with them. If there have been circumstances in your past where your horse bolted, bucked, or reared and the two of you have not fully worked through those issues, I suggest you put more time into your relationship before beginning the bridleless process.

3. A Solid WHOA! Make sure you practice the halt, a lot! Your horse needs to be responsive to your voice/seat cue (there is that clear communication) so that you can feel confident that your horse will stop whenever you ask. That is why I use treats when I ask Douwe to halt (he is a food-oriented fellow). I use my voice in the rolling r noise and he halts and gets a treat. This method is similar to clicker training except I am using my voice for the cue.

4. Bitless or Halter: See if you can ride in a bitless bridle or just a halter before you take the bridle off completely. Take as much time as you need to feel comfortable with these other options.

What techniques can you use?

I have learned a few different ways to ride a horse bridleless. You will probably know right away which method will work for your horse depending on his individual reactions.

Whip Steering: This is the method I used with Douwe. He seems most responsive having a visual guide for the turns. I have been using two whips and recently dropped down to just one. This technique will not work if your horse is scared/nervous of whips. Here is a video of Douwe performing bridleless in our "Wings of Isis" routine. You can see how I use the wings to help him steer. I was so pleased with his overall performance! He was a good boy!

Neckrope

You can teach your horse to "whoa" from the pressure of a neck rope, also referred to as a “cordeo”. I have begun riding Rovandio bridleless using a neckrope because he needs more input from me to help with his balance. Douwe would prefer that I just left him alone and not use anything related to pressure. To begin with, I rode Rovandio with a neckrope at the same time I was riding with the bridle. I incorporated halts from my voice/seat with some pressure on the neckrope. Once he halted, I released the pressure and gave him a treat. You can use a variety of different "ropes", some horses react better to a stiffer rope and others something softer. Click here to watch an inspiring example of bridleless riding with a neckrope with Alizee Froment and Mistral. She starts off with a bitless bridle and then takes it off and does all the Grand Prix movements bridleless! Scroll down for examples of neckropes and where to buy them online.

Hand Signals

If you have an exceptionally obedient, sensitive horse you can teach them to move away from hand pressure. For example, you would rub/push your right hand forward onto the right side of the neck to ask him to turn left and vice versa. If your horse easily moves away from pressure this can be a good cue. Click here to watch Karen Rolf and her horse Monty use hand signals while riding bridleless. You will enjoy watching this video because it shows the horse doing the same movements at liberty, under saddle and bridleless.

Seat & Leg

If your horse is completely tuned into your seat and legs you can use these cues, along with your voice if needed. Some horses turn beautifully off the leg and weight aids, especially if they are well-balanced and highly trained. It will help you stay very mindful and consistent with your aids. It is important to have a clear reinback cue to help balance your horse off the forehand. Many of the western riders will use the legs towards the shoulders for reinback and that can translate into a half halt while you are in motion as well. Click here to watch an awesome video of Stacy Westfall riding bareback and bridleless using just her seat and leg. She performs their reining freestyle bareback and bridleless! Awesome job!

My neck rope is a simple cotton rope from the hardware store that I spray painted black to match Douwe’s coat. Photo Credit: Kimberly Chason

Where to Buy a Neckrope

Here are different examples of neckropes, also known as a “cordeo”, that you can use with your horse. You can also use a stirrup leather or simple rope from the hardware store to get started. I buy plain cotton rope from the hardware store and then spray it black to blend in with my horse’s coat.

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Leather Cordeo made by ChromaCrafts

Custom Leather Cordeo

This elegant cordeo is handmade in Denmark by Frida Josephine Nielsen. Not only is the center stone beautiful, it also keeps the cordeo centered on your horse by adding some additional weight. She has a variety of stones you can choose from.

Frida includes an adjustable strap and finishes it off with a square, Spanish cortezia buckle. You can choose whether you would prefer silver or brass for your buckles.

Riding with leather will give you a similar feel to your leather reins and it is also easy to keep clean. Her unique designs would be easy to incorporate with a costume.

Click here to view the different leather options from ChromaCrafts.

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Custom Yarn Cordeo made by EQEquineArt

Yarn Neckrope with Adornments

If you prefer a soft and flexible feel, then yarn might be a good choice for you. Yarn has a subtle texture for the perfect grip and just a touch of give to ensure comfort against the skin. These are handmade by EQEquineArt on Etsy. She is also an equine bodyworker and incorporates crystals and gemstones to help your horse improve relaxation or energy.

These neckropes are also reminiscent of a mala; which is a wearable reflection of a personal journey, often used in mantra meditation they are a reminder of the connection to a deeper source. When you hold the cordeo (neckrope) to communicate with your horse you will be reminded of this sacred connection and privilege.

Click here to view more themes such as Boho, Winter, Autumn Equinox, and Starry Night to name a few.

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Braided Cord Neckrope made by Beaux Equestrian

Braided Cord Neckrope

If you want something simple, strong, and durable, check out these braided cord neckropes made by Beaux Equestrian. They are braided with 9-strands for thickness and added strength. She makes them in a wide variety of bright, vibrant, and unique colors so you are sure to stand out!

She also has a wide variety of sizes available ranging from Shetland/Pony to Full/XFull. They take extra pride in reusing and recycling their packaging to have less impact on the environment. If you follow them on Instagram (@beaux_equestrian) you can see some beautiful photos of their neckropes in action.

Click here to view their full range of size and color options on Etsy.

I hope you are able to enjoy a wonderful partnership and connection with your horse riding without a bridle. I also have a blog post about riding bareback if you would like to learn more and see my recommendations for bareback pads. Email me at beginthedance@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments.

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Bitless Dressage: How to Fit the Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle

I consistently receive emails from riders interested in trying the Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle. One of the most popular questions is how to properly fit the bridle. I wanted to make a how-to video for you with my horse Douwe but it is just TOO cold here in Maine! I did find this wonderful video made by Cathie Hatrick-Anderson, another bitless bridle instructor with many years experience using the Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle. She did an excellent job explaining how to adjust the bridle and I have also included information from the Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle website.

"The Bitless Bridle's action depends on leverage applied from a firmly positioned 'O' ring on the cavesson noseband." -Bitless Bridle website

Common Mistakes:

• The most common mistake in fitting is failure to place the noseband low enough.  If the Bitless Bridle's noseband is at the same level that is used for a bitted bridle, it is far too high. The bottom edge of the noseband should be not more than 1.5" or 2" (for a small or large horse respectively) from the corner of the horse's mouth.
• The second most common mistake is failure to cinch up the chinstrap sufficiently. Once the level is correct, now cinch up the chinstrap so that only one FLAT finger can be inserted between the back of the jaw and the chinstrap. The noseband should not slide far up the face when tension is applied to the reins. If it does, leverage will be lost and the rider may have to work harder than necessary to communicate. Also, during prolonged use (during an endurance ride for example), a sore place could be rubbed on the side of the horse's face.
• To help keep the noseband snug but also comfortable I use a sheepskin cover or a foam piece under the noseband buckle.  The leather bridle has a nice tab that covers the buckle but on the Beta the buckle is exposed to the horse so I like to put some padding there, it also helps to keep it snug without making it uncomfortable for the horse. You can use a Cashel cusion (they sell one on the Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle website) or any chin pad that is meant for a regular bridle.

Before mounting, always check that you have not inadvertently trapped one or more of the crossover straps UNDER the chinstrap. 

I started riding Douwe with the bitless bridle quite low, it almost looked like a drop noseband. But over the past two years I have been able to bring it up a little higher and keep the noseband slightly looser. If you have a really sensitive horse that is light in the hand you can keep the noseband a little looser (just one hole) than a stiffer, heavy horse. Just keep an eye on the cheekpieces, if they are bowing out too much then the noseband is probably too loose.

If you have any other questions please post a comment down below or send them to my email: beginthedance@gmail.com

Here is a video of me riding Rovandio in the Dr. Cook English Padded Leather Bitless Bridle. You can see me put on the bridle in the very beginning. Rovandio is very sensitive so I don't need to have it very low on him.

If you are interested in purchasing a Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle you can visit the Training Tools section of my online shop. I have been carrying their Beta and Leather English Bridles for a few years now and have many happy customers! Click here to visit the product page.