Our columnist sees levels and goals so disparate they should almost be made into separate sports.

Show jumping spans such a wide range of levels and participants these days that it can be hard to recognize as a single discipline. The elite athletes jumping huge obstacles with precision and grace at last year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and the often scary “belly to the ground” riders jumping over 2'6" at many of our shows are separated by much more than just the heights of their fences.

Whether finding a mentor, attending a clinic or reading a book, continuing education is the cornerstone of being the best horseman you can be.

Historically, the road to becoming a professional horseman has been based on the apprenticeship model. Learning to train horses or to teach and shape riders so that they reach their full potential are skills that develop over a lifetime and are best learned from watching and working with those with greater mastery of the craft.

Our columnist sees too many eventers honing their focus on dressage and show jumping and allowing their cross-country skills to suffer.

As I sit here at my computer, reflecting after The Fork CIC*** (N.C.), it’s hard to keep from wondering, “Are my horses as ready as they can be for their fast-approaching three-days? Is the dressage where it needs to be, or can I eke out a few more points? Can I leave the colored poles up on Sunday?”

In his first installment, our columnist believes elementary-level trainers deservemmuch more credit for the solid foundation they provide the sport.

One of the things I love best about teaching is that, on an almost daily basis, you can reconnect with the people from the past who made you the instructor you are today.