D could have also been for Dogs, as our home and yard is full of animals, but our Dogs and cats get enough attention in the Camera Critters meme. So no D for Dogs.
D is for Dressage, since we also have horses. And Dressage is 'my thing'. Now, I can tell you the history of Dressage, the various Dressage exercises, the Dressage training, the difficulty and the importance of Dressage, but if you are interested in that I would like to refer you to Wikipedia.
For me Dressage is a way to exercise and improve myself and my horse.
It is very difficult to explain to people who don't ride what a great feeling it is to be at one with your horse and to notice that his/her movement and musculature, not to mention your own riding abilities and musculature, improve. And, even more important, that your horse is actually happy in doing all these exercises. See, don't get me started on the subject of horses. I'm quite passionate about that. Ah well, I will no longer bore you.
If you like, watch the video of the Dutch Dressage Queen Anky van Grunsven. She makes it all seem very easy. I can assure you: IT IS NOT
This is me, doing some Dressage exercises with hubs' horse Willem Lafleur (my own horse is expecting a foal this April, she's far too pregnant to be riding her).
And this is my precious Naloma.
Visit ABC Wednesday for more D's or join in the fun and post your own.
Ah good Anky van Grunsven is great. She has been world champion several times. So you do the same with your horses?
ReplyDeleteI love horses very much and understand how important is the dressage. Have a beautiful Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteI don't own any horses, but I do watch the competitions on TV..but didn't know much about it. Thank you for the information. Beautiful horse..Michelle
ReplyDeletePlease do post pix of the foal...Naloma is gorgeous...and Whitesnake is absolutely breathtaking!
ReplyDeleteI've always been fascinated by dressage. Had horses of my own at one time. Really enjoyed watching dressage when I was in France many years ago. Thanks for sharing and bringing back some lovely memories!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful to see the photo of you riding dressage - and your horse is gorgeous, too. I've done some elementary exercises and I know, in a small way, how it is to feel at one with a horse. Great D word!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful horses :) Great D-post :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, Great word for D!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the foal to be born so we can see pics.
I like horses, and Naloma is a beauty! But most of my horses are on screen, in books, or part of songs. Still, I can't watch "Flicka" without the waterworks coming on, so I must be at least a fringe horse person, yes?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful creatures. I enjoyed this D post.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I didn't even know the word dressage. Beautiful horses.
ReplyDeleteYou dressage too. I have never thought of it that way, only as the horse. Neatly observed.
ReplyDeleteNice pictures and great entry of D.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Great D post!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful horses.
I love the photo of Naloma.
Lovely post!!
ReplyDeletewow must be tough!
ReplyDeleteInteresting my granddad was a saddle maker.
ReplyDeleteI've never really understood the appeal of dressage but then beyond admiring horses for their personality I am not "into them" if you understand what I mean.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to know that there is more to it than an outsider notices.
Oh, my, isn't Anky's horse gorgeous??
ReplyDeleteI love your two, as well. I'd love a horse of my own, but I'm not physically up to it, and I really don't think I could cope with a share.
It's easy to see how much you love horses and dressage. Your Naloma looks so beautiful and intelligent - not so long now to wait for her foal.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comment on my post. Naturally, I'd return the visit, but even more so today since I'm visiting as part of the ABC Team!
What Delightful horses!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous horses! I'm a wannabe horse owner though I have not ridden for years :D Can't wait to see pics of the foal, love it when they're all legs!
ReplyDeleteSo, any horseballsphotos? No? Hahaha! Slobbers xx
Beautiful horses, and a very informative post. Great! I loved it. Thanks for stopping by my ABC post.
ReplyDeleteI grow up in Taiwan, riding horse is something very exotic for us. I dreamed about it when I was a kid. I have several chance to ride latter, but hayfever prevent me from really doing it.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your lovely comments: I will no doubt bore you all with photos of the foal. You will wish you never asked ;-) It's so exciting that I can already hardly sleep. Hope that everything goes well and mother and child will be okay.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you like it or not, I will keep you posted ;-)
Haha Carolina, re. horseballsphotos....you be careful at the Stallion shows! Now i'm humming "Ain't Love A Kick In The Head"! Nooooooooo !!
ReplyDeleteHaha, definitely Hard hat and mega zoom! They might think you're checking out potential studs :D
ReplyDeleteAlways like watching dressage on TV - so elegant. But I can imagine, that elegance is down to a lot of hard work behing the scenes.
ReplyDelete(I started something when I signed up to be your first follower, eh?)Well done you for such a great blog.
Great post! Horses are such graceful animals.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful choice for the letter D. I have not sat on a horse since I was a child, but like watching show jumping and dressage. It must require a lot of concentration and understanding between rides and horse. Naloma is beautiful.
ReplyDelete