Katrin Silva
Learning to Speak Horse
Anyone who reads my writing can tell that English is not my first language. It’s not my second language, either. It’s my third. I grew up...
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Katrin Silva
- Dec 8, 2022
- 3 min
Re-educating the Race Horse
Ivy, my favorite OTTB to date. Over the years, I’ve worked with my share of former race horses - OTTBs, but also Quarter horses and...
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Katrin Silva
- Aug 10, 2022
- 4 min
The Best Goal is Enjoying the Ride
"Sit tall in the saddle, Hold your head up high Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky And live like you ain't afraid to die...
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Katrin Silva
- Mar 9, 2022
- 3 min
Hard Mouth, Soft Mouth
“My horse has a hard mouth!” I’ve heard well-meaning riders use this phrase to justify their need to pull or fiddle on the reins “to get...
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Katrin Silva
- Sep 16, 2021
- 4 min
A Sensible Work Ethic
I’ve always been proud of being a hard worker. For many years, decades even, I thought working more was always better than working less....
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Katrin Silva
- Oct 15, 2020
- 4 min
Understanding Ground Work
When I was younger, I worked mainly as a colt starter. I did not charge enough money, which forced me to take on more horses for training...
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Katrin Silva
- Jul 16, 2020
- 4 min
Changing Conversations
I recently started working with a student who rides a lovely quarter horse gelding. The two of them have been a pair for years. On the...
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Katrin Silva
- Jun 4, 2020
- 4 min
First, Build up Trust
Boomer, a troubled horse who learned to trust. “First, do no harm.” Doctors have to take this oath before they can call themselves...
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Katrin Silva
- May 1, 2020
- 6 min
Double-Edged Words
“I saw a stop sign, and it occurred to me that just as no one expects a stop sign to stop a car, I shouldn’t expect words to substitute...
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Katrin Silva
- Apr 22, 2020
- 4 min
Why Do I Still Ride?
My beautiful office. Thank goodness I can still go to work. Like most of the world in this surreal spring of 2020, New Mexico is under...
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Katrin Silva
- Feb 22, 2020
- 5 min
Lazy Riders Are Better Riders
Esperanza, a mare who appreciates my efforts to work less. I’ve worked hard all my life. In my early twenties, I spent several years...
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Katrin Silva
- Feb 11, 2020
- 4 min
A Good Problem to Have
I’ve built my reputation as a trainer on training horses that are no one’s idea of good dressage prospects. I work with horses who have...
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Katrin Silva
- Jan 25, 2020
- 5 min
Taking Care of Ourselves is Taking Care of our Horses
When my back is tense, my horse's back will be, too. When my back is relaxed, my horse's back will be, too. Some time ago, I watched a...
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Katrin Silva
- Dec 22, 2019
- 4 min
I See You: Thoughts on Respect
Esperanza, the first time I swing a leg over her back. We are aware of each other, but we're calm. Some horse people don’t make earning...
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Katrin Silva
- Dec 12, 2019
- 4 min
Our Horses, Our Life Coaches
Horses have taught me to quiet my mind. Horse enthusiasts use a variety of the English language that diverges from the mainstream...
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Katrin Silva
- Oct 30, 2019
- 4 min
The Power of Being Real
Renegade and I, neither of us perfectly positioned, but enjoying each other's company. “Any knowledge that doesn’t lead to new questions...
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Katrin Silva
- Sep 15, 2019
- 5 min
The Imperative Trap
"Words are the source of misunderstandings." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) Teaching the language of the aids starts from the ground I've...
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Katrin Silva
- Sep 4, 2019
- 4 min
Horses and Head Space
I feel lucky to make a living doing what I love. I spend most of my time riding horses, six days a week, most weeks, working with eight...
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Katrin Silva
- Jul 27, 2019
- 5 min
Love and Lots of Work: What it Takes to Build a Good Horse-Rider Relationship
When I ask my students what their most important goal is, they will say: “I want to have a good relationship with my horse.” Most of the...
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Katrin Silva
- Jul 22, 2019
- 4 min
Finding the Feedback Sweet Spot
We all want to become better riders. Working with a good instructor is an important part of learning how, but it takes more than that....
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