Homework

I love riding in winter.  The horses are full of energy, overheating is not a problem, and there is all that arena time for months (enter mild sarcasm here).  It is a perfect time to refocus after the summer months of leisure and decide what new goals to set.  So here is an idea for homework:  diversify your lateral work. 

Do laterals through figures you would not ordinarily do.  For example, ride a serpentine in haunches-in flexing your horse to the corresponding direction.   Brush up on your literature (or talk to my dad) and know where all hooves should be falling on the ground.  First rule is to design your figure well and ride it with forward motion, but not fast.  Feel your horse, set the rhythm, and when all is well you should be able to open your fingers and let the horse move through you. 

Be aware of your tendencies, such as unconsciously doing more work to one side than the other or always starting to one side first.  Feel your body level in the saddle and stirrups, shoulders lining up over hips, knees over toes, head straight, and have one eye on your horse and one on where you're going.  You can't correct what you're not aware of.  Where do you rush?  When do you give up?  What muscles get tight? When does your horse resist you?  Like my dad says, think well--do well.

Good luck!

Lessons "En plein air"

An impromptu lesson in the field, a beautiful September sky ... what more could you ask for? Riding with my father is our new working student, Klara, with Marianne, Seville and Jessica. p.s it's a bit windy on the microphone so you'll want to turn the volume down.

Opportunity for Working Student

We are offering the rare opportunity to join the work crew at Grelo farms for hands-on learning under the tulelage of my father. As our Working Student you'll have your share of slugging, mucking and sweeping (well, rather a lot of that) rewarded with daily handling of the horses and shadowing my father to absorb as much knowledge and experience as you can -- and yes, a lot of riding.


The selected candidate would live with our family on the farm, must be at least 18 years of age and in good physical condition. While experience with horses is obviously necessary, a passion for classical equitation is a plus. Length of stay is negotiable, although we prefer a 12 month commitment. Previous working students have been reluctant to leave us -- and some have even returned for a second term.  


We are looking for someone who would ideally start at the end of August/beginning of September. 
Kindly e-mail a resume and cover letter to info@grelofarms.com

Spring Gala

Our Spring Riding Gala at Grelo Farms was a great success!! Some things just worked better than the old place, particularly the ability to enter and exit while mounted, which made for a much more fluid presentation. Everyone sparkled that night, and I think that even the horses knew it was a special occasion. There was lots of cheering from the audience too, and I can’t wait to see the video to see the show from their perspective. I’d like to thank the Cedar Mills Classical Riding Club members who worked tirelessly to put this together as well as those who lent their expertise, donated door prizes, and to the audience themselves. My parents were thrilled with the night and we look forward to many more occasions at the farm to share our joy of classical equitation with you! 

PS. DVD's of the show will be available shortly - stay posted!

  

Frank Grelo Clinic

On July 17 my father will be teaching a classical riding clinic at Boavida Stables in Schomberg. This event is being hosted by Frank Psaila Jr., a long-time student of Grelo farms, who is opening his doors to guests for the first time. We encourage anyone interest in improving their riding to attend. And as usual, we'll have some terrific demonstrations to inspire you! Call Boavida to book your spot, (647) 302-8733.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Grelo Farms will be hosting a fundraising event for our Riding Club on Saturday, June 5th.  It will feature an evening of performances by students of the farm as well as the Grelos.  Tickets are already SOLD OUT!!  If you would like to see this showcase of our talent, you are welcome to attend the dress rehearsal on Sunday, May 30th at 3:00pm.  Not only will you be able to get a sneak peek of the show, you'll witness some of the behind the scenes action that makes this show possible.  A courtesy $5.00 donation is welcome.  Hope to see you there!