Happy Easter and Springtime Reflections on Horsemanship

Dennis Cappel
Apr 21
2 min read

Happy Easter and Springtime Reflections on Horsemanship

By Dennis Cappel, Master Horseman

Hello everyone, and Happy Easter! I hope you’ve had a wonderful time with your family and friends.

It seems that each season brings its own unique set of circumstances, and with those come fresh challenges for us on our horsemanship journeys.

I can only speak from the perspective I know best—and that’s springtime in Missouri. This time of year, the weather here can change in the blink of an eye. There’s a constant tug-of-war between warm air pushing up from the south and the lingering chill from the north. Wind is never far away.

One moment we’re enjoying sunny skies and warm temperatures, and the next we’re dealing with cold rain, hail, or even snow and freezing temps.

So, what does all of this mean for our horses?

Well, for starters, they’re beginning to enjoy the taste of fresh green grass, which often leads them to back off their hay consumption. This can make it trickier to maintain their body condition the way we’d like.

The unpredictable weather can also keep horses on high alert more frequently. That means it’s more important than ever to sharpen your skills in reading your horse. The better you understand their signals, the safer and more effective your work with them will be.

Another key point to consider is footing. The ground conditions during spring can be dangerously slick. Whether you’re in a pasture, arena, or out on the trail, it’s crucial to stay mindful of the surface you’re riding on.

Every season comes with its own lessons and obstacles, and these are just a few that come to mind for me today as I watch the rain pour outside.

The good news is—contrast is what makes life beautiful. Without the hard days, we wouldn’t appreciate the good ones as much. And without challenges, we’d never grow.

All the best to you this season. Stay safe, stay mindful, and keep riding forward.

Mindful Riding,

Dennis Cappel - Master Horseman

www.cappeltrainingandshoeng.com