Author Archives: Chris Nerland

About Chris Nerland

I have had horses since age 13. Married Susan Dracy in 1978 and married R'Surene Morgans as well. Never looked back. After 30 years of cleaning barn, hauling show trunks and driving the van, I decided 4 years ago that I wanted to develop myself into the best rider I could before age 60, so I started showing our morgans. I am an amateur and always will be, but I am learning something at every show.

TMH Trainer Forum

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Chris Nerland

 The latest TMH is great.  Once again, a wide variety of interesting articles.   I really enjoyed the Trainer Forum on preparing the young horse and mounting him for the first time.   However, I was surprised and disappointed that there was … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

AMHA and horse slaughter

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Chris Nerland

Other horse blogs are lit up with discussions on the new law authorizing funds for USDA inspection of horse slaughter facilities in the US.   I don’t want to stir up needless controversy, but does AMHA have an official position on this, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 11 Comments

Revival of the Morgan Horse

Posted on December 17, 2011 by Chris Nerland

How about some comments on the amazing combined TMH that just arrived?  Looks like the Sport Horse people heard the challenge of “put up or shut up” and bought some ads.  What a thrill to see a huge magazine again.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 12 Comments

What is Happening to this site?

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Chris Nerland

Is Above Level going to be an active site in the future?  I have enjoyed visiting it in the past.

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“Buck” movie

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Chris Nerland

We went and saw the documentary about Buck Brannaman this weekend.    We really enjoyed it.   I was wondering if any other Abovelevelers (is that a word?) have seen the movie, or attended his seminars.    What did you think about him?   … Continue reading →

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Fine Harness

Posted on April 15, 2011 by Chris Nerland

  We are getting Dottie (Rsurene First Date) ready for her driving debut.   Unfortunately, in looking over our old fine harness (which we have not used for years) I find that it really needs replacing, as rot has set in on … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Physics and Horseshoeing

Posted on March 10, 2011 by Chris Nerland

   There is a discussion going on down the blog about show shoes, length of toe and weight.     I remarked that I felt length of toe was probably more stressful on the joints/ligaments of a Morgan show horse than the … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor/Opinions | 1 Comment

If Only My Horse Would……

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Chris Nerland

 Well, Convention soon, and lots of serious stuff goin’ on.  Hope some kind soul will live-blog the annual meeting…..So, I thought I would introduce a bit of light-heartedness into the Blog.     We breed horses for action, long necks, sturdiness, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

SHOW vs. USE (Revisited)

Posted on December 24, 2010 by Chris Nerland

 I imagine most of the readers of this blog are tired of the discussions covering the Plaintiffs Proposed Bylaws which will be voted upon at the convention.   I too am weary.   However, I received the mailing from Marjorie Hazelwood in the mail … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor/Opinions | 101 Comments

Empty In-Hand Classes

Posted on November 4, 2010 by Chris Nerland

  Why do so few people show in-hand anymore?  This may be a mis-impression, but I was shocked that there was apparently only one senior stallion shown at New England this year.     Do people not want the hassle of … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 33 Comments