Belatedly, which in this case means only a few hours, I realize I owe a debt of gratitude to Bill Steinkraus. The title of my newly minted blog sounded just right to me and I went ahead and published it without a second thought.
When I realized that the title of my blog is similar to a book I have in my library — Reflections on Riding and Jumping by William Steinkraus, I immediately went to my blog dashboard to change the title to something else. Not possible. I can delete my blog and develop a new one. Or I can keep it and express my thanks to Bill Steinkraus personally, for the first time. That feels better to me.
Thank you, Mr. Steinkraus, for finding the perfect words to describe writing about riding. And for doing it — both the riding and the writing. For displaying perfect form over fences (uh oh, there I go again…I have Jane Dillon’s book Form over Fences on my bookshelf as well). For editing the Doubleday Library of equestrian books and for writing so many brilliant forewards to so many insightful texts. For celebrating the American Thoroughbred. For the perfect definition of a rogue…and the perfect advice for dealing with one. For being the consummate gentleman in the show ring and outside it. And for inspiring generations of horsemen and horsewomen.
A note to my readers: If you haven’t read Reflections on Riding and Jumping or re-read it recently, I’d encourage you to pick up a copy or take it down from your bookshelf again. While you’re at it, put his other books on your reading list, if you haven’t read them all already. Here’s a link to help you.
Reflections on Riding 
I have that book! His fabulous pictures on how to hold your hands helped me with my wrist and elbow problem more than anyone else. He also seems to have a great sense of humor, it was an enjoyable read.
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I agree 100% about your compliment to Mr Steinkraus. I first read his book fresh out of riding school. 1976?? I could not put it down for a long time. He made perfect sense, in my mind I decided if I would approach every horse as his book outlined that every horse I touched could and would be a champion at some discipline. It’s so very simple…..start with the most basic gymnastics, be consistent, follow a routine (daily ) not whenever you decide to get down to the barn. Listen to every horse as an individual soon it will become apparent what that horse was intended to be.
I reccomend his book often to trainers who insist on jumping a newly arrived horse within the first 3-4 weeks. I am always amazed, either they did not read the book, they do not have the basics themselves to comprehend, or they must be reading a Steinkraus I have never known.
I still have my original copy 38 years later, I still refer to it as a reminder of how simple it is if you just do the homework(the basics, gymnastics). His advice/theory has never failed me. Because of his thorough understanding I have never experienced failure in the training of any horse, every horse has a job he was meant for .
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Hi Debra! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment on this post. I agree with you completely — Steinkraus’ advice/theory has never failed me either. And I still think that everyone should look exactly like him — or as close to him as they can — when going over fences.
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