Each year, I host a unique and transformative event with one simple idea: variety creates purpose. Purpose camp at James Creek Ranch introduces diverse experiences into our horses’ training keeps them engaged, confident, and willing to learn. Repetitive drills can lead to sour attitudes, but when exercises have meaning, both horse and rider benefit.

The link between speed and stress in equine behaviour - My first mount charged his jumps with enthusiasm. He never backed off. I believed he was a “brave” jumper — passionate about jumping, just like me! Every time we approached a jump, his head would lift, ears would lock forward, and his pace would quicken. I assumed the jumper ring, with its emphasis on speed, was a more suitable match for my spirited jumper than the slower-paced hunter ring. But once we entered the competition arena, his eagerness became an issue.

Essentially, a gate is a transition from here to there. It’s a transition from one pasture to another, replicated in competition. Learning to work a gate can be part of your horse’s training transition into a more attentive, patient, and handy partner.

My introduction to horses came through ranch work. I was earning my keep in the saddle, riding horses owned by the outfit I worked for. At the time, I assumed logging long hours on horseback meant I was skilled. The truth? I was riding animals that were considered "broke" by ranch standards.