Reflections in Still Waters

Articles by Sarah Orloff that explore the art of horsemanship, the science of equine biomechanics, and the profound connection between horse and rider.

Reflections in Still Waters

Blog articles by Sarah Orloff that explore the art of horsemanship, the science of equine biomechanics, and the profound connection between horse and rider.

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to kindled." - Plutarch

Balance vs Mobility

Balance vs Mobility

How are they different? What Is Balance? Balance is your ability to control your body’s position—whether you’re still or moving. It’s your capacity to: Stay upright without bracing Manage your center ...

Feb 27, 2026

Momentum vs Motivation

Momentum vs Motivation

Momentum vs. Motivation: Riding Towards Your Equestrian Goals When it comes to equestrian training, many riders rely on motivation to drive their progress. The excitement of mastering a new skill or t...

Feb 27, 2026

Element 5 - Critical Thinking

Element 5 - Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, to question assumptions, and to make informed decisions. In equitation, it’s not just about solving problems - it’s about understandin...

Nov 23, 2024

Element 4 - Competence

Element 4 - Competence

Competence means being reliable and effective. It’s not just about getting results, like winning a competition or teaching a new skill. A competent horseman knows when to push for improvement and when...

Nov 22, 2024

Element 3 - Education

Element 3 - Education

Education is about more than taking lessons or earning certifications. It’s about staying curious and open to new ideas. We learn from books and clinics, but we also learn from every horse we work wit...

Nov 20, 2024

Element 2 - Skills

Element 2 - Skills

Skills are how we bring ideas and knowledge to life. They’re the actions we take to communicate with the horse and grow as riders, trainers, and coaches. Good balance, timing, and feel are essential f...

Nov 18, 2024

Element 1 - Tools

Element 1 - Tools

Riding, training, and coaching aren’t just about techniques or routines- they’re about building a meaningful connection with horses and the people who work with them. To do this well, we must use tool...

Nov 18, 2024

2 Sides of the brain, 2 Sides of the horse

2 Sides of the brain, 2 Sides of the horse

We know that horses have 2 sides of their brain. We know that you must educate both sides to have a well-balanced horse. We also know that when horses "disengage" their legs (cross over/across the mid...

Mar 13, 2022

Slow Down

Slow Down

The faster a horse moves, the less power it actually is generating. We are not talking about racehorses here, that’s another type of power. We are talking about your typical pleasure/trail or dressage...

Mar 2, 2022

Lock in the Door

Lock in the Door

I love this so much I just had to share. Would like to add that the jaw is actually very delicate and containers tiny bones and a lot of soft tissue. It is directly linked to the emotional parts of th...

Feb 22, 2022

The Big Bad "F" Word - FEAR

The Big Bad "F" Word - FEAR

I’ve been wanting to post about the big bad “F” word for a while now…. Yup, you guessed it -- FEAR -- Fear is a very interesting topic to me. It is different for everyone and affects every single pers...

Feb 8, 2022

Degrees of Comfort

Degrees of Comfort

My dad always said that one degree off in the beginning, is a mile off in the end (or something to that effect). So what does it matter to a horse when its hooves are just a few degrees off balance? A...

Feb 5, 2022

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