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

Magical Quotes about Unicorns and Fairytales with Beautiful Photography

We all want to believe in magic, fairytales, and of course....unicorns! I have chosen some of my favorite quotes and images for you to save and share on social media to inspire your friends, family, and fans. If you have a beautiful unicorn quote that you would like to share please go to the Fantasy Photo Shoots Facebook Group. 

I hope this collection of quotes inspires you. All of the images feature my horse Douwe the Amazing Friesian, he is my real-life unicorn. If you want to turn your horse into a unicorn click here.

Ready to turn your horse into a unicorn?

Unicorns and horses are both creatures that fuel our imaginations, showing us a different way of being in the world, allowing us to be maidens, princesses, knights, and faeries.

What do you envision for your unicorn photo shoot? Something light and ethereal? Or perhaps something a little dark and mysterious? This blog post shares online resources for you to find the right Unicorn Horn for your photo shoot. 

How to Transform Your Horse Into a Unicorn - Where to Buy a Unicorn Horn Online

Photo taken by Kimberly Chason of Chason Photos & Art of Aubrey with Douwe the Amazing Friesian

Unicorns and horses are both creatures that fuel our imaginations, showing us a different way of being in the world, allowing us to be maidens, princesses, knights, and faeries.

What do you envision for your unicorn photo shoot? Something light and ethereal? Or perhaps something a little dark and mysterious? It is unique to create a unicorn out of different colored horses, my Friesian looked amazing as a unicorn even though unicorns are not typically thought of as black.

Creative Inspiration

A few ideas for when having a unicorn would be useful:

• Halloween costume

• Portraits/Fantasy photos (for yourself or a client)

• Think grandkids, birthday party photo prop, senior pictures, or social media (Instagram or Facebook!)

• Craft project for the kids (summer camp, birthday party, after school program)

My favorite source for inspiration is definitely Pinterest.

Pinterest: I have over 15,000 followers on my Pinterest page with a variety of boards for you to get ideas from. Start with my "Unicorn Photo Shoot", "Fairy Inspiration ", and "Tack Inspiration" boards to get started. Click here for my main Pinterest page or select the board you want to see below:

The Unicorn Horn

For the unicorn horn, you have a couple options: you can either buy one, or if you’re feeling crafty, you can make one yourself!

There all sorts of unicorn horns available. There are fabric horns, plastic horns, glass horns, etc., and they range in length. If you have a pony, you may want to consider a shorter horn than you would use for a larger horse. Some horns even come adorned with flowers, gems, or beads. Generally, you will simply tie the horn onto your bridle/halter (either onto the brow band or onto the cheek piece and headpiece) using the ties at the base of the horn. Most horns you purchase will come with instructions.

You will also have color options. You can decide based on your horse’s coat color, mane and tail, costume, or your accessories. Personally, I like to match the horse's coat color as it looks the most natural. 

Many Etsy sellers will also work with you to create a custom piece that is unique to your needs.

Below are some of my favorite Etsy shops that sell affordable unicorn horns: 

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Avry Couture Creations

Beautiful unicorn horn and flower crown sets for your photo shoot or wedding. Beautiful color themes with blush, lavender, silver, and gold. Comes in two sizes 8" and 11".  Visit store...

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If Wishes Were Ponies

More expensive fabric unicorn horns but they offer a wider range of colors and custom sizes. If you have a very small pony or a large draft they can customize it for you. The Natural-Look Unicorn Horn™ attaches using either non-detachable or detachable loops and the Unicorn Browband™ comes attached to a browband.  Visit store...

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The Unicorn Corner

These horns are made out of durable, lightweight plastic which is safe for horses and their handlers. Each horn in the Unicorn Corner studio is made from their original sculptures. They have a realistic spiral and a glittery finish. Three sizes available 7, 9, and 12 inch.  Visit store...

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SuperAwwwsome

Handmade horns available in multiple sizes, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10,11 inches. They attach with ribbon or elastic cording. Unicorn horns come in a wide variety of colors. Visit store...

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Baby Birdie Boutique

Affordable fabric unicorn horns with beautiful floral accents. Her horns come in 5', 8", 10" or 12" sizes and she also offers two attachments including an elastic band and a large french clip. Visit store...

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“The great horn that is between his eyes signifies that he is the supreme king.”

— Book of Daniel VIII

The Unicorn Corner

Beautiful sunset photo shoot with two adorable girls and their pony.

Avry Couture Creations

Magical unicorn themed photo shoot with a pony. Photo credit: Madison Grey Photography

Birdie Baby Boutique Unicorn Horns

Photo shoot of beautiful young lady and her unicorn with pink flowers. Photo credit: Birds of a Feather Photography

Birdie Baby Boutique Unicorn Horns

Magical photo shoot with a girl and her white unicorn pony. Photo credit: Madison Berlen Photography

Avry Couture Creations

Unicorn themed fantasy shoot with a pony and young child. Photo credit: Madison Grey Photography

Super Awwwsome Unicorn Horns

Adorable photo shoot with a girl and her unicorn pony. Photo credit: Simply Blissful Photography

Melanie Dean Switzer

Visit their Facebook page for more enchanting unicorn photos. Click here...

The Unicorn Corner Black Horn

Unicorn horns come in a variety of colors for all horses.

Sunset Hooves Photography

Visit their Facebook page for more amazing unicorn photos. Click here...

Super Awwwsome Unicorn Horns

Adorable photo shoot with two girls and a pony. Photo credit: The Best Days of Your Life Photography

Super Awwwsome Unicorn Horns

Adorable photo shoot with a girl and her unicorn pony. Photo credit: The Best Days of Your Life Photography

Birdie Baby Boutique Unicorn Horns

Precious photo shoot with young girl and her spotted unicorn pony. Photo credit: Michaela George Photography

If you have any questions about choosing a unicorn horn or you sell them online and would like to be added to this post, please send me an email at beginthedance@gmail.com.

Leave a comment below and share your experience or head over to the Fantasy Photo Shoots Facebook Group and share photos with the group. It is an amazing group of talented, creative people and you will have fun sharing your photos, getting ideas from others, and asking questions. Click here to go to join the group.

Up Next: DIY Glitter Hooves, Manes, & Tails!

Click here to learn a CHEAP and FAST version of Twinkle Toes for your horse...

Whenever I perform with my horse the first thing that everyone compliments us on is our use of GLITTER! I particularly love to make Douwe's or Rovandio's hooves gold, silver, or copper, whatever matches our costume. Everyone always asks how I get the glitter to stay on the hooves and on their manes and tails. So, I wanted to share this SUPER EASY secret to getting your own "cheap" version of Twinkle Toes!

Bareback Dressage, Safety Tips To Get Started and My Top Bareback Pad Choices

Sandra & Rovandio. Photo Credit: Kimberly Chason

I have many people ask me how they can start to incorporate bareback riding into their dressage work. I wanted to share some of my advice for getting started, including safety tips and also bareback pads to try.

Before You Begin

How Is Your Balance?
Before you try riding bareback you should be able to comfortably, and confidently, ride in a saddle without reins or stirrups at the walk, trot and canter! Do you have independent balance from the reins? If you ever catch your balance with the reins, it is not a good idea to try riding bareback.

Does your horse have a good "WHOA"?
If you have a horse that is hard to stop, rushes, or is resistant or disobedient, I do not recommend riding bareback. Make sure to refresh your horse's response to your "whoa", on the lunge line or on the ground, before you ride bareback.

Has your horse been ridden bareback before?
Some horses have sensitive backs and may react the first time they are ridden bareback. Do not assume that your horse will behave the same as he does with a saddle. Have an experienced rider test out your horse if this is your first time. You may also want a person on the ground to hold your horse when you mount and to lead him in the beginning.

Things You Might Need

• Full Seat Breeches: I recommend wearing full seat breeches to help you "stick". Horsehair can be slippery so you may feel more secure wearing full seat breeches.

• Mounting block: Unless you are super flexible and have the ability to leap onto the horse from the ground, then you will need a mounting block. Try a three-step for extra height. You need to have good balance and confidence to mount a horse bareback.

• A helper. Make sure you have someone with you to hold the horse when you first get on. They could even lead you around at the walk to see how it feels and to help keep the horse relaxed and slow.

• A helmet. If you don’t normally ride with a helmet I would recommend wearing one when you are riding bareback.

• Enclosed riding area. PLEASE do not attempt riding bareback for the first time in an open field or arena with no walls. The best place to start is in a small indoor arena or a round pen.

• A bareback pad. A good bareback pad helps with padding and "stick". Having a bareback pad works well for horses that have pronounced withers. Usually the material on the underside has some stick to it, like a synthetic rubber. Be careful with the all fleece pads because they may slide around on a well-groomed horse. Do not use a bareback pad that has stirrups! The tree of a saddle distributes the stirrup pressure and without it you will be placing all of your weight into one spot on the horse's back.

My Favorite Bareback Pads

ThinLine Bareback Pad

ThinLine Bareback Pad:

I currently use the ThinLine bareback pad. It has a rubbery material on the underside of the pad and the girth to keep it from sliding. It is simple and elegant with enough padding to be comfortable but not so much that you lose the bareback feel.

I have been using this pad for my Art on Horseback performances with Rovandio for many years. This pad is currently only available in Black. You can purchase this pad from my sponsors Adams Horse Supplies. Click here for more details.

Sheepskin Bareback Pad

Sheepskin Bareback Pads:
Sheepskin will be a lot softer for the rider than any other bareback pad options. This particular brand (Engel) uses 100% Merino Wool Sheepskin. The saddle seat area is removable so that it is easy to wash the cotton quilted pad. Sheepskin is temperature compensating and reduces skin irritation.

This particular brand also comes in an English style pad as well. Colors include Black, Brown, Charcoal, and Natural. It also has a handy grab strap. You can find top-of-the-line sheepskin bareback pads on Amazon. Click here for more details.

HILASON Suede Leather Pad

HILASON Suede Leather Bareback Pad:
I like the shape and look of this bareback pad and it has the same non-slip surface on the underside that my ThinLine pad has. This pad would work well for a performance routine because it comes in a variety of colors such as Purple, Black, Tan, and Turquoise (shown). It also has a handy strap to help you carry the pad to and fro.

You can use your own girth with this pad which may be a plus or a minus depending on what you prefer. You can purchase this beautiful bareback pad on Amazon. Click here to see all the color options.

Benefits of Riding Bareback

Improve Balance:

Riding bareback will help improve your balance and reveal weaknesses in your riding that can be hidden by the saddle. The horse's spine will help you feel when you are sitting centered or not. I love to feel the horse's back muscles and check that I am sitting evenly on my seat bones. You may also notice if your pad tends to slide to one side or the other, indicating that you also lean or shift too much to one side.

Riding bareback is a great way to loosen your hips, as you allow your legs to relax and drape around your horse the movement of the horse’s back will gently open your hips more and more. This is similar to riding without stirrups in a saddle except that you will also feel the muscles working underneath you.

Improve Transitions:

When you are riding bareback you will feel when the horse is lifting his back. This is particularly helpful for upward and downward transitions. Even if you just practice at the walk, incorporate transitions into the halt and see if you can feel whether the back stays lifted. If the horse starts to drop his back that will cause him to come against the hand, above the bit, and lose connection. You can improve your ability to feel the moment your horse loses his balance and help correct him/her before it becomes a problem.

Improve Steering & Lateral Work:

Practice riding serpentines, circles, and lateral movements to improve your ability to move your horse with your body and not your reins. See if you can get your horse to turn just by looking with your eyes and turning your body so that the horse feels your shoulders, hips, and legs guiding him in a new direction. If your horse does not turn or he actually goes the wrong direction then you will know there is a missing piece to your aids. Perhaps your outside leg is coming off the horse? Perhaps you are turning your shoulders but your hips are stiff and they are not allowing the turn.

In your lateral work try to notice if you slide to the wrong side of the horse or any spots of tension that crop up when you change movements.

In Conclusion

Be mindful of whether your horse is enjoying the bareback experience as you are going along. Some horses are overly sensitive and can get “cold-backed” being ridden bareback. If your horse has back problems such as kissing spine, alignment issues, is underweight, has skin problem like rain rot, or doesn’t like to be brushed, these are reasons you should probably not ride him/her bareback. When you are riding bareback you will be sitting directly on the spine so you want to be sure that your horse is comfortable.

If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below or email me at beginthedance@gmail.com. Be safe and have fun!

Sandra and Rovandio working on an Art on Horseback painting together. Click here to learn more. Photo Credit: Kimberly Chason

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