Blog
Riding with Olympian Cian O’Connor
When I was in Wellington, Florida, during the winter of 2013, I ran into Cian O’Connor … actually, it was more like I saw him, made a beeline toward him and pounced! I quickly said, “Hi Cian, could you possibly spare a few minutes to share some advice and insights into your riding and training more »
A Cross To Bear
I have heard about how an unfortunate situation, which at first may seem devastating, can actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise. This appears to be the case with my horse, Jaliska. My “cross to bear” arose a year ago when she became lame and the “blessing” appeared when I found Fred’s Barn more »
For the Love of the Irish: Catching up with Cian O’Connor
During my trip to Wellington (FL) this past winter, I ran into Cian O’Connor. Ok, more like I saw him, made a bee-line to him, and pounced – inquiring, “Hi Cian, could you possibly spare a few minutes to share some advice and insights into your riding and training with me for my column with more »
March 2013 My Trip to ‘The Show’
Last fall when I learned that the Green Schools National Conference, which I present at annually, was being held in Palm Beach in February, I let out a hoop and did a little “happy dance.” My excitement wasn’t due to the fact that it would be warm in Florida versus most certainly frigid in New more »
Learning to Ride Relaxed
It has been made clear to me by no less than four of my instructors that I need to learn to ride RELAXED. Most notably, I have been informed that my arms are “too rigid” affording “no flexion” in my elbow when using my reins. This is so apparently true that in one (particularly fun) more »
Sept. Column — Boot Camp 2012
I feel that every 18 year old should go through Army basic training. I think its character building and eliminates the feeling of entitlement that so many kids have today (for three months anyway). I joined the National Guard right out of high school. I completed my basic and then advanced trainings during my summers “off” more »
December Phelps Column — Journey to Strike Gold
It’s Tuesday, November 13, 2012. I am on a flight from Boston to San Francisco headed to Greenbuild, the largest green building conference and expo in the world. I participate annually, and it’s always held at different venues around the country. I really love it. Being in the business, it’s validating to see so many more »