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        <title><![CDATA[All blogposts on straightnesstraining.com]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.straightnesstraining.com/feed]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[All blogposts on straightnesstraining.com]]></description>
        <language>en</language>
        <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:35:13 +0100</pubDate>

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                <title><![CDATA[Arrival at the Horse Boy Ranch in Texas]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/new-and-events/arrival-horse-boy-ranch-texas/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[We arrived in Texas at March 13th and it was great to visit the Horse Boy Ranch of Rupert Isaacson: &nbsp;       Follow me on Facebook for daily pictures &gt;&gt;]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:24:54 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Pirouette from the Concave Side]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/romanesque/pirouette-from-the-concave-side/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[This is my horse Romanesque in the canter pirouette and I ask it from the &#39;groundwork&#39; position, that&#39;s when you are positioned on the horse&#39;s concave side&mdash;then the horse will be cantering..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:24:54 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Three to Thrive]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/three-to-thrive/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[At the moment it&#39;s just a hobby of mine to figure out how to get multiple minds, energies and bodies aligned to do some simple tasks as standing still, moving forwards and on circles. Fascinating laboratory..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:24:54 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Spring, a Time for a New Beginnings!]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/spring-a-time-for-a-new-beginnings/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:24:54 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Multiple horses at liberty]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/multiple-horses-at-liberty/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I&#39;m doing liberty in teams now with my horses Romanesque, Prince Elmelund, Maestro, El Blanco and Toronto and it&#39;s fun and fascinating! Really interesting to experience the group dynamics with all its..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:20 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Trail ride at Horse Boy]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/new-and-events/trail-ride-horse-boy/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[We had a great trail ride with the Rupert, Iliane, Josh, Steve and Vicky at Horse Boy. I was with Rino, the white horse, and he is such a lovely and kind horse: &nbsp;]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:24:54 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[ST Song by Jonathan Mann]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/new-and-events/st-song-by-jonathan-mann/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Listen to the brand new Straightness Training song!  It is catchy, full of ST essences and accompanied by a funny video!  Big chance it will have you giggling and singing..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:21 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[11 Guidelines for Laminitic Horses]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/13391/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When winter is coming to an end, the days become longer and the grass begins to grow. Then many horses in Europe return to the fields .&nbsp; But not for all horses this has been a happy moment .&nbsp; Although young,..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:24:54 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[How to Go from Groundwork to Longeing]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/how-to-go-from-groundwork-to-longeing/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[To go from groundwork to longeing isn&rsquo;t one big leap.&nbsp; It&#39;s a G.R.A.D.U.A.L. process! The Gradudal process It&#39;s not easy for a horse to walk on his own feet in a proper LFS on a large circle in the..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:24:54 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[What is your riding goal?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/what-is-your-riding-goal/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When it comes to riding it's always good to start with the 'why' . Why do you want to ride? And what is your goal ? - Do you just want to have a happy, healthy horse ? - Do you want to have a balanced horse so you can..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:23 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Do I Need to Give Up What I Love?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/do-i-need-to-give-up-what-i-love/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When people start doing Straightness Training some of the most frequently asked questions are:  Can I mix Straightness Training with (other types of) riding ? What if I do jumping/ eventing/ hacking out/ classical..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:23 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Cow Herding & Cow Cutting with Greetje Hakvoort]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/new-and-events/cow-herding-cow-cutting-greetje-hakvoort/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In July my horse Romanesque and I went to Greetje Hakvoort to do some &#39;cow herding&#39; and &#39;cow cutting&#39; together.&nbsp; &#39; Cow herding&#39; is bringing the cattle from one place to another.&nbsp;..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:24:57 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Difference Between Groundwork and Work in hand]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/difference-between-groundwork-and-work-in-hand/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[All exercises such as the circle, shoulder-in, haunches-in, renvers, half-pass and pirouette, can be done h in Groundwork and in Work in hand.&nbsp; The main difference is the equipment you use in Groundwork and Work..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:24:57 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Driving a Herd of Horses in Brazil]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/new-and-events/driving-herd-horses-brazil/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Victor Gueiros Freire's horses live in the Brazilian nature and they are brought to Hípica Flamboyant for some food and minerals on a daily basis:]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:24:57 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[ST UK Clinic - Comments of participants]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/new-and-events/participants-uk-clinic/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Sharon France (Scotland) Having done the ST Home Study course I was thrilled to be finally going to see Marijke in person as well as, meet all the other ST students! I&#39;m so glad I made the trip as it filled in a..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:26 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Protect Your Two-Headed Herd]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/protect-your-two-headed-herd/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Whenever you are doing Straightness Training, always protect your horse by introducing him to the environment before you invite your horse to the exercises. This is especially important when participating in a..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:27 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[How to Deal with a Setback]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/how-to-deal-with-a-setback/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Sometimes the training of your horse doesn&#39;t turn out as you&#39;ve expected.   Your plan doesn&#39;t equal reality .&nbsp; Then it is easy just to quit, give up and ignore the hard work you have put into your..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:28 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Straightness Training Clinic in the UK]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/new-and-events/straightness-training-clinic-uk/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Last weekend I went overseas for a Straightness Training Clinic in the UK.&nbsp; All participants filmed each other, and here is a compilation video of the weekend starring the following riders and horses in this..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:30 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Fab Four at Liberty]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/fab-four-at-liberty/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Doing liberty with four horses for the first time really made me feel like a beginner juggler , trying to keep all four balls in the air at the same time...&nbsp; Because either I lost them all, or I lost three of..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:31 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Collection on the Longe Line]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/prince-elmelund/collection-on-the-longe-line/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[At the moment, I am teaching Prince Elmelund c ollection on the longe line .   This is still &#39;work in progress&#39; but he&#39;s getting better and better.&nbsp;   In our communication, I have to wait a little..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2025 16:56:16 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[How to Become a Better Horse Trainer in One Day]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/how-to-become-a-better-horse-trainer-in-one-day/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When riders start to get enthusiastic about Straightness Training, the most common questions are:  Can I do it?&nbsp;  Isn&#39;t it too difficult?  Where do I start?  How often do I need to train?  How many days a..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:32 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[First ST Mastery Clinic in the UK]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/new-and-events/first-st-mastery-clinic-uk/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I have just enjoyed a wonderful 3 clinic days in the UK with many spectators and eight fantastic students and horses, all of which were Straightness Training Mastery or Home Study Course students. Rebecca, Roz,..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:33 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Tools or No Tools?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/tools-or-no-tools/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Oftentimes people ask me: can you also train a horse without a whip? &nbsp; The answer is: Yes, you can! &nbsp; You don&#39;t need to use a whip, as you can see in the video. &nbsp;   Why I prefer a tool  Horses walk..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:01 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Happy New Year!]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/new-and-events/happy-2016/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[&nbsp; Thanks everybody for helping to make 2015 such a great year! !!&nbsp; ⋱★⋰ It was so great to guide ST Trainee Instructors all the way up to licensed ST Instructors !&nbsp; ⋱★⋰And I got to meet so much nice new..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:01 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[ST Demo Day at Horse Boy]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/new-and-events/st-demo-day-horse-boy/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[What a great demo day we had at the Horse Boy Foundation in Elgin (Texas, USA) which was wonderfully organized by Rupert Isaacson and Iliane Lorenz and the Horse Boy staff.&nbsp; It was a very cold and windy day, so..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:35 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Your Plan Will Not Equal Reality]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/your-plan-will-not-equal-reality/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[See that last part? &nbsp; 👀 The part right before you reach your goal? 🏁 The part that&#39;s hopelessly steep with showers coming down on you?  🌧 That&#39;s what happens right before you have massive success! 🎯 So..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:56:20 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[When Love & Skill Work Together Expect a Masterpiece]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/when-love-skill-work-together-expect-a-masterpiece/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[This quote is used by John Ruskin, Tony Robbins and many others:  &quot;When Love &amp; Skill Work Together Expect a Masterpiece&quot;  But it&rsquo;s true!   Guided by love and skills we can nurture our horse&#39;s..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:04 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Get Better Quality Problems]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/get-better-quality-problems/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[The #1 problem most riders have is that they think "you’re not supposed to have any problems". But the problem isn't that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:37 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Teach your horse to turn]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/teach-a-horse-to-turn/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Every rider wants smooth, round circles . But if your horse falls in or out, the problem isn&rsquo;t disobedience, it&rsquo;s your horse&#39;s natural asymmetry. That&#39;s why you need to teach your horse to turn.  ..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:38 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Make Your Dreams Come True!]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/make-your-dreams-come-true/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Setting goals and making plans is the first step in turning your dreams into reality. In turning the invisible into the visible. If you can dream it, you can do it. Turn those dreams into action. Action turns into..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:38 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[ST Instructor Clinic in Brazil]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/new-and-events/st-instructor-clinic-in-brazil-2015/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I just wrapped up the ST Instructor Clinic in Brazil in July 2015 &ndash; AMAZING experience!! The Brazilian ST Trainee Instructors Victor Gueiros Freire, Marianne Van De Sande Lee and Juliana Dorneles showed great..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:39 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Straightness Training in Russia]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/new-and-events/straightness-training-in-russia/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[At this moment, we are in Russia to meet Marina Krasilshchikova and other horse lovers and their horses.   We visited Red Square, Kremlin, Gum, and the Four Horse Fountain within Alexandrovsky Gardens. &nbsp; &nbsp;..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:39 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Working Equitation for the first time]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/working-equitation-first-time/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In Brazil I had the wonderful opportunity to be introduced to Working Equitation at Haras do Castanheiro, the beautiful breeding of Dr.&ordf; Cl&eacute;lia M. Erwenne Ara&uacute;jo Pinto (see the video at the end of..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:04 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Start with WHY]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/start-with-why/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[All riders know WHAT they do. A number of riders know HOW they do it.&nbsp; Fewer riders know WHY they do what they do. Outside-in communication Riders who start with WHAT will communicate like this:&nbsp; ..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:41 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[How to Deal with Imperfect Conditions?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/how-to-deal-with-imperfect-conditions/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[What if your arena turns into a swimming pool every time it rains ? And afterwards are in the mud ? What to do if you are covered in snow ? What if your outdoor arena is covered in a sheet of ice ? And the ground is..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:41 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Leg-Yield, Yes or No?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/leg-yield-yes-or-no/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[A lot of riders school the leg-yield  as an exercise and as a regular part of their training programs.  Now in Straightness Training we do teach the horse to yield for the leg of the rider, but we don&#39;t use..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:42 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Do I Need to Quit Riding?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/do-i-need-to-quit-riding/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When people start Straightness Training or start with one of my online programs, frequently asked questions are:   Do I need to quit riding when I start ST? Should I treat my horse as if I am starting my horse all..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:43 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[How Often, How Much, How Long?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/how-often-how-much-how-long/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When riders start to get enthusiastic about Straightness Training, the most common questions are:  Where do I start?  How often do I need to train?   How many days a week?   How many minutes a day?    Here are 6 tips..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:44 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[What to Do When Your Horse Gets Bored?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/horse-gets-bored/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When riders start a new method, then - after practicing the basics a few times - they often say that &quot; their horse gets bored &quot;. Now, most of the time it&#39;s a projection of our own &#39;boredom&#39; ; ..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:44 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[How to Inspire Your Horse]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/how-to-inspire-your-horse/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[During Straightness Training it&#39;s important that your horse not only understands what you want him to do, but that he&#39;s is also inspired and willing and motivated to meet your request. Especialy during ST at..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:45 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Is Lowering the Horse’s Neck Enough?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/is-lowering-the-horses-neck-enough/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[The forward-down tendency and lowering the horses neck is an important part of riding horses, and it&#39;s the second key of Straightness Training , but it is not the only part!&nbsp; When a rider rides a horse only..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:45 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Toronto and Rosan Veer]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/toronto-and-rosan-veer/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Instructor Rosan Veer in action with Toronto:  &nbsp;  Rosan Veer: &quot;What an amazing and inspiring days I&rsquo;ve had!&nbsp; Together with my fellow Straightness Training trainee instructors Anouk and Zaneta..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:46 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[How to Mix ST with Other Types of Riding]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/how-to-mix-st-with-other-types-of-riding/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When people start doing Straightness Training some of the most frequently asked questions are:  Can I mix Straightness Training with (other types of) riding ? What if I do jumping/ eventing/ hacking out/ classical..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:46 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[What does LFS mean?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/what-does-lfs-mean/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[The first three keys of Straightness Training&nbsp; are also called the LFS:&nbsp; 1. L = Lateral bending&nbsp; 2. F = Forward-down&nbsp; 3. S = Stepping under Key 1: Lateral bend    The first key of Straightness..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:47 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Garrocha training with Valdeci Evaristo]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/garrocha-training-and-valdeci-evaristo/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In Brazil I was invited at Haras Villa do Retiro to do Garrocha training with Valdeci Evaristo . It was my first time riding with a Garrocha and it was very interesting!&nbsp; At Haras Villo Do Retiro they breed the..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:09 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Luis Valença]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/luis-valenca/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Luis Valen&ccedil;a&nbsp; is seen as one of the world&rsquo;s greatest living riding masters of Portugal. Reason enough to visit Luis Valen&ccedil;a at his Centro Equestre Da Leziria Grande in Portugal.         Study..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:49 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Do I need a Cavesson?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/do-i-need-a-cavesson/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Before we dive into this question, let&#39;s speak about the use of tools in general first: 1. Benefits  The benefits of using tack, tools and equipment is, that we can enhance our ways to communicate with the horse,..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:50 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Straightness Training Clinic in Russia]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/new-and-events/straightness-training-clinic-in-russia/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In August 2012, Marc and I visited Russia for a Straightness Training Clinic in Russia.  We arrived in Moscow on August 13th&nbsp; to meet Marina Krasilshchikova, and later in the week also other Russian horse lovers..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:50 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Hang Like a Monkey]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/hang-like-a-monkey/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I&#39;m in Rio de Janeiro at the moment and at the Copacabana boulevard you&#39;ll find many &#39;fitness&#39; frames to encourage people here to stretch and exercise.&nbsp; So in the video below, I&#39;ll show you on..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:13 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[4 Tips on How to Train Lateral Movements]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/4-tips-on-how-to-train-lateral-movements/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[&nbsp;To develop the horse symmetrically in body and limbs you can use gymnastic exercises. The core of the gymnastic exercises consists of the circle, shoulder-in and haunches-in. All the other exercises are derived..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2025 16:56:40 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Overview ST Exercises]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/overview-st-exercises/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[&nbsp;To develop the horse symmetrically in body and limbs you can use gymnastic exercises. Cornerstones The core of the gymnastic exercises consists of the circle, shoulder-in and haunches-in. All the other exercises..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2025 16:56:41 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Lateral Bending in Spine and Body]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/lateral-bending-spine-body/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In Straightness Training we perceive a semantic difference between the lateral bending of the spine and the lateral bending in the whole body:      The lateral bending in the SPINE  The lateral bending in the spine is..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:31:59 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Liberty with Five Horses]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/liberty-five-horses/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In this video you&rsquo;ll meet my five horses (from left to right):  Romanesque - Born 1998 - Dutch warmblood  Prince Elmelund - 2005 - Frederiksborger  Maestro - 1994 - Dutch Warmblood  Toronto - 2000 - Dutch..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:00 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Don't Wait for the Perfect Conditions]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/dont-wait-perfect-conditions/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Don&#39;t wait for the perfect conditions to get STarted.&nbsp; Maybe you live in a rural and remote area ... And you often have to deal with very high temperatures ... &nbsp; Plus you faces the burning Australian sun..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:17 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Total Immersion]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/total-immersion/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Frequently asked questions concerning liberty are:  How do I become skilled in doing liberty training with my horse?  What do I need to do?  What is the most important thing?  Let&#39;s tell you the answer in a..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:02 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Moving To Portugal - Day 2: On Our Way to France]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/moving-to-portugal-day-2-france/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[This is the third blog post in the series of &#39;Moving To Portugal&#39;, and just in case you missed the first two episodes, here they are: ► Turning Dreams Into Reality: Why Portugal? &gt;&gt; ► Day 1: Start in the..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:03 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Compound Exercises vs Isolation Exercises]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/compound-exercises-vs-isolation-exercises/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When it comes to training horses &ndash; and also when it comes to fitness training for humans &ndash; there are two types of exercises :&nbsp;  1. Compound exercises &nbsp;   2. Isolation exercises    Already in the..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:04 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Moving To Portugal - Day 4: Arrival]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/moving-to-portugal-day-4-portugal/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[On the final day of traveling, we loaded the horse's early in the morning, before sunrise.  This way, we would be sure to arrive at our new house before sunset , so the horses would be able to get to know their new..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:17 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Settling Down In Portugal]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/settling-down-in-portugal/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In September, we all have been settling down in Portugal: We have been busy with unpacking all the boxes and furnishing of all rooms. But the horses have been acting like real grasshoppers 😉.&nbsp;  Four Areas For the..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:05 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Be a Researcher in Your Lab]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/be-a-researcher-in-your-lab/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In Straightness Training we encourage STudents to be a researcher in your own lab. &nbsp; That is a metaphor we use in ST and it&#39;s about creating your own laboratory with your horses so you can experiment with the..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:05 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Moving To Portugal - Day 1: Start in the Netherlands]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/moving-to-portugal-day-1-netherlands/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[On September 6th, Maestro, Romanesque, Prince Elmelund, Toronto and El Blanco traveled with me to Portugal ! It took us four days:  On the first day we traveled to the South of the Netherlands for a final check up by..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:06 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Moving To Portugal - Day 3: Transport To Spain]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/moving-to-portugal-day-3-spain/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[&nbsp;On day 3, we moved with Maestro (23 y/o), Romanesque (19 y/o), Toronto (17 y/o), El Blanco (16 y/o) and Prince Elmelund (12 y/o) from France to Spain. The horses were fit and relaxed and ready to go.&nbsp; It..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:06 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Checklist: How To Move Your Horse To A New Home?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/checklist-how-to-move-your-horse-to-a-new-home/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Moving home will cause both you and your horse to leave the comfort zone, so for sure it will be &#39; stretchful&#39; , but it doesn&#39;t have to be stressful. &nbsp; It just requires planning and here are a few..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Sun, 19 Oct 2025 13:43:04 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Avoid Too Much, Too Long, Too Often, Sudden, Steady Pressure]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/avoid-much-long-often-sudden-steady-pressure/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When we practice Straightness Training (ST) exercises - for example the exercise &#39;forward down&#39; - we need to avoid: ❌too much pressure ❌too long pressure ❌too often pressure ❌sudden pressure ❌steady..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:08 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Turning Dreams Into Reality]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/turning-dreams-into-reality/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Every now and then it&#39;s good to ask ourselves:&nbsp;  What is it I truly want? &nbsp; Now, if you know the answer to this question, it could be that you notice that there&#39;s a gap between where you are and..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:08 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[About Conditioning and Communication...]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/about-conditioning-and-communication/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[So cool to see passionate riders from various equestrian disciplines start doing Straightness Training! And because of their background, they taught their horse, for example, the following:  To jump into the canter..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:09 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Rebecca & Milly | Groundwork Grade 4 Journey]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/rebecca-milly-groundwork-grade-4-journey/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Instructor Rebecca Gilbert from the UK passed the Groundwork Grade 4 Touchstone with her 19 y/o mare Milly . Congratulations!     &nbsp;In this post, you can view the whole video , and read about Rebecca&#39;s..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:24 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Simone Reindl & Malinn passed Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/simone-reindl-malinn-passed-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[&nbsp;ST Mastery student Simone Reindl from Gondelsheim, Germany passed Liberty 1 with her mare Malinn and with that Touchstone she passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 1!&nbsp;  Congratulations!  &nbsp;Simone has some..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:14 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Wiebke Rudolf & Jonna passed Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/wiebke-rudolf-jonna-passed-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Mastery student Wiebke Rudolf from Germany passed Liberty 1 with her mare Jonna and with that Touchstone she passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 1!&nbsp;  Congratulations!  Wiebke has some lovely words to share about..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:24 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Kim Alford & Show Girl passed Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/kim-alford-show-girl-passed-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Mastery student Kim Alford from South Africa passed Riding 1 with her mare Show Girl and with that Touchstone she passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 1!  Congratulations!  Kim has some great insights to share about..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:15 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Lisa Schrepfer & Arnold passed Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/lisa-schrepfer-arnold-passed-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Mastery student Lisa Schrepfer from Germany passed Liberty 1 with her gelding Arnold and with that Touchstone she passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 1!&nbsp;  Congratulations! &nbsp; Lisa has some great insights to..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:16 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Rebecca & Milly | Longeing Grade 4 Journey]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/rebecca-milly-longeing-4-journey/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Instructor Rebecca Gilbert from the UK passed the Longeing Grade 4 Touchstone with her 19 y/o mare Milly .&nbsp;  Congratulations! &nbsp; Here is the video link to her fourth submission for which she received a..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:24 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[What's the Difference Between Straightness Training and…]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/differences/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Riders who want to develop their horse to the highest possible level when it comes to dressage...&nbsp; ... but are not (only) interested in  Sports dressage Competition dressage Modern dressage Natural horsemanship..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:17 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Ivana Kovarikova & Spotty Doc Chex passed Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/ivana-kovarikova-spotty-doc-chex-passed-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Mastery student Ivana Kovarikova from the Czech Republic passed Riding 1 with her gelding Spotty Doc Chex and with that Touchstone she passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 1!&nbsp;  Congratulations!  &nbsp;Ivana has..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:27 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Capture What You GET, Not What You WANT]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/capture-what-you-get/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When we want to teach our horses something new, we should not be too demanding in the beginning.&nbsp; It&#39;s much more fruitful to appreciate what you GET , rather than to expect what you WANT.&nbsp; So in the..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:27 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Live With Passion]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/live-with-passion/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[I turned 50 a few days ago, and am quite proud to cover half the century! &nbsp;&zwj;&zwj; &zwj;&zwj;   Everything gets better with age! &zwj;&zwj; &zwj;&zwj;&nbsp; We have more wisdom, more experience, nothing to..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:27 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Horses Don't Want to Be A Happy Flat-liner]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/horses-dont-want-to-be-a-happy-flat-liner/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Horses love to be in the &quot;comfort zone&quot; , but too much comfort feels uncomfortable after a while. It&rsquo;s the same with us humans:  We&rsquo;d love to do things. To take action.  But after a while&hellip;..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:27 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Listen To Your (He)Art]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/listen-to-your-heart/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When we do Straightness Training (ST) we work as follows:  We are committed to a plan.  But we are always flexible in our approach.  You could also perceive it like this: The SCIENCE of Straightness Training The..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:21 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Raise Your Standard]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/raise-your-standard/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[The difference in riders ... &zwj;&zwj; &zwj;&zwj;&nbsp; The difference in performance... &zwj;&zwj; &zwj;&zwj;&nbsp; The difference in the final result... &zwj;&zwj; &zwj;&zwj;&nbsp; ... that usually doesn&rsquo;t..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:27 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[The Freedom of Unlimited Responsiblity]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/the-freedom-of-unlimited-responsiblity/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In my previous post , we were talking about responsibility. Now you might be thinking: &quot; My responsibility: where does it begin and where does it end?&quot; &nbsp; So imagine:&nbsp;  Your horse is 40 km away...]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:23 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[The 3 Secrets of Response-Ability]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/the-3-secrets-of-response-ability/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[&nbsp;When we are a &#39;response-able&#39; rider , we respond optimally to the situation around us. &zwj;&zwj; &zwj;&zwj;&nbsp; We &nbsp;make the choices to respond to events appropriately rather than complain about..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:23 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[ST Gives You the Concepts, You Have to Fill In the Details]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/st-gives-you-the-concepts-you-have-to-fill-in-the-details/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When someone has baked a great cake, and someone else wants to bake that same cake. He asks the cake baker what he needs: - The recipe - The ingredients - The materials Of course, 100% equal, the cakes will never be,..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:24 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[The Mastery Iceberg—Freeze Your Ice]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/the-mastery-iceberg-freeze-your-ice/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Problems, issues, setbacks, plateaus... We all have them...&nbsp; So the problem is not the problem:  It&#39;s our attitude about the problem.&nbsp;  You see, when you look at a professional horse trainer, an..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:31 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[The Lab Cycle]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/the-lab-cycle/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When we are busy working in our ST laboratory&zwj; , we will be going through a cycle of:  Think first Act later Check the results Change your approach  With this cycle, you can develop your skills and work ,..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:31 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Lisa Byers & Harvey passed Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/lisa-byers-harvey-passed-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Mastery student Lisa Byers from Canada passed Riding 1 with her gelding Harvey and with that Touchstone, she passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 1!&zwj; &zwj;&zwj; &zwj;&zwj;&nbsp;  Congratulations!&zwj; &zwj;&zwj;..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:25 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Riding Arena Completed & First Training Session]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/arena-completed-and-first-training-session/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Here's the final video with a complete overview on the construction of our outdoor riding arena! It was a fascinating process, and I just updated and completed my 'confession' post, so you can read all about the final..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:31 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Eva Žaludková & Area Doc Cody passed Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/eva-zaludkova-area-doc-cody-passed-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Mastery student Eva Žaludkov&aacute; from the Czech Republic passed Liberty 1 with her mare Area Doc Cody and with that Touchstone, she passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 1!  Congratulations! &nbsp; Eva has some..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:26 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Connection & Collection]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/connection-and-collection/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In Straightness Training (ST) we strive for &quot; Connection &amp; Collection &quot; ( CC ), and in this post, I will explain what these two words and this concept means.   But before we continue, just a small note: ..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:26 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Impulsion & Schwung]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/impulsion-and-schwung/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In longeing, we strive for impulsion &amp; schwung .&nbsp; &nbsp;   Now impulsion isn&rsquo;t about moving &ldquo;fast&quot;, but about moving &ldquo; forward &quot;.&nbsp; &quot;Forward&quot; means, our horse is..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2025 16:57:10 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Being Squeezed Like a Lemon]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/being-squeezed-like-lemon/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[The comfort zone is comfortable and risk-free. &zwj;&zwj; &zwj;&zwj;&nbsp; In that zone, we can be playing it safe and do the things that we find easy to do. &zwj;&zwj; &zwj;&zwj;&nbsp; And the comfort zone has its..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:28 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Canter In Hand & Two-Tempi Changes]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/canter-in-hand-two-tempi-changes/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[After a few weeks filled with groundwork and longeing with Romanesque, I started to combine it with&nbsp; work in hand . And gradually, over the last couple of weeks, we&#39;re progressing from doing the sequence in..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:31 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[How to Give Your Horse a Treat]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/how-to-give-your-horse-a-treat/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[El Blanco &nbsp;loves grapes ,&nbsp; Romanesque likes bananas. Maestro likes apples cut in slices.&nbsp; Toronto goes for carrots. And Prince Elmelund steals the pears in our garden! &zwj;&zwj; &zwj;&zwj;&nbsp; Now..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:29 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Observe First, Produce Later]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/observe-first-produce-later/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[&nbsp; This is a video of the very first training session with Romanesque and Prince Elmelund in the new riding arena. &nbsp; Now about this &#39;training&#39;, it was not really about &#39;teaching&#39; or..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:29 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Hunger, Heart & Hard Work Beat Talent]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/hunger-heart-and-hard-work-beat-talent/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[The hungriest worker in the class is always going to beat the most talented guy who doesn&#39;t put effort into the programs.&nbsp; Although it&#39;s useful, talent isn&#39;t everything .&nbsp; Of course, it will give..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:30 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[2mm—The Devil is in the Detail]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/2mm-the-devil-is-in-the-detail/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Have you ever tried playing golf?&nbsp;  I did, and then you know that the slightest adjustment in your swing can mean the difference between &#39;slicing&#39; and &#39;shanking&#39; the ball or driving it perfectly..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:31 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Momentum is Key]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/momentum-is-key/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[A key factor to get results in the long run, is to create momentum in the short term. Whatever skill we want to master, we need to get started, but we also need to keep going.&nbsp; So &nbsp;momentum is key!  ..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:31 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Two Magic Powers that Fuel Success]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/two-magic-powers-that-fuel-success/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[One of the questions people ask me is: &nbsp;  &quot;What separates a very successful STudent from a non-successful STudent?&quot; &nbsp; Of course, it&#39;s about the ice they have below the sea level , so..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:32 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Inspire the Mind, the Body Will Follow]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/inspire-the-mind-the-body-will-follow/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In this video, you see El Blanco in the first week in the new riding arena.&nbsp; &nbsp; Now although El Blanco was physically seen a bit out of shape after 10 months of holidays, I was pleased to notice that he was..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:34 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Rebecca & Milly Preparing For The Riding Grade 4 Touchstone]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/rebecca-milly-preparing-riding-touchstone-grade-4/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In October, I went to London to join a personal development course, and since ST Instructor Rebecca Gilbert doesn&#39;t live too far away from London, I visited her and her lovely horses. &nbsp; Since the beginning of..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:32 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Donna Anderson & Rhythmic Kodak passed Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/donna-anderson-rhythmic-kodak-passed-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Mastery student Donna Anderson from New Zealand passed Riding 1 with her gelding Rhythmic Kodak and with that Touchstone, she passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 1! &nbsp; Congratulations!  Donna has some great..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:34 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Chloé Vic & Raya passed Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/chloe-vic-raya-passed-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Mastery student Chlo&eacute; Vic from France passed Riding 1 with her mare Raya and with that Touchstone, she passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 1! &nbsp; Congratulations!  &nbsp;Chlo&eacute; has some great insights..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:33 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Zuzanna Poprawski & Aaghie passed Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/zuzanna-poprawski-aaghie-passed-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Mastery student Zuzanna Poprawski from the USA passed Riding 1 with her mare Aaghie and with that Touchstone, she passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 1! &nbsp; Congratulations!  Zuzanna has some great insights to..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:34 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Alison Klee & Kestrel passed Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/alison-klee-kestrel-passed-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Mastery student Alison Klee from the USA passed Liberty 1 with her mare Kestrel and with that Touchstone, she passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 1 in the ST Evaluation Program ! &nbsp; Congratulations!  Alison has..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:34 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Grade 4 Graduation: Rebecca Gilbert & Milly]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/grade-4-graduation-rebecca-gilbert-and-milly/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[&nbsp; ST Instructor Rebecca Gilbert from the UK passed Riding 4 in the ST Evaluation Program with her mare Milly, and with that Touchstone, she passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 4! &zwj;&zwj; &zwj;&zwj; Well done..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:35 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Jo Vincent & Mr Wonkus passed Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/jo-vincent-mr-wonkus-passed-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Mastery student Jo Vincent from the UK passed Liberty 1 with her gelding Mr Wonkus and with that Touchstone, she passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 1 in the ST Evaluation Program ! &nbsp; Congratulations!  Jo has..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:37 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Louise Binge & Boston passed Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/louise-binge-boston-passed-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Mastery student Louise Binge from South Africa passed Liberty 1 with her gelding Boston and with that Touchstone, she passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 1 in the ST Evaluation Program ! Congratulations! Louise has..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:37 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Effective & Efficient Training]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/effective-efficient-training/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[After a couple of weeks of groundwork and longeing, we did an observing session at liberty:  It showed that Prince Elmelund is mentally seen ready to deliver.  But physically seen , he still lacks the muscles and core..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:36 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[A Break Can Do Wonders - 7 Tips So Your Horse Learns Faster]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/a-break-can-do-wonders/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[After 10 months being &#39;out&#39; of the game, Maestro and Toronto are back in:  Toronto, 18 years old now, had a tough couple of months at the start of this year. And Maestro became 24 years old last April!  But..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:37 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Goodbye My Friend]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/goodbye-my-friend/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Last month, El Blanco passed away at the age of 18 years old. 💕🦄💕 &nbsp; &nbsp;&zwj;&zwj;  The veterinarian team at the University of Lisbon worked a whole night to save his life, but he died during a colic surgery...]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:39 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Horses Tell the Truth, People Tell a Story]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/horses-tell-the-truth-people-tell-a-story/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When meeting new students, we &ndash; as instructors - often get the whole story and history of their horse.  For example:  &ldquo;My horse has a bad history, he&#39;s a rescue horse, I saved him, now he&#39;s much..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:40 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Better Is Not Something You Wish, It's Something You Become]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/better-is-not-something-you-wish-its-something-you-become/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Read More..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:38 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[The Purpose of Learning]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/the-purpose-of-learning/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Straightness Training is an education on how to become the best horse trainer we can be for our horse.&nbsp; With the purpose &nbsp;to keep our horse healthy in body, mind, heart, and soul.&nbsp; So it won&#39;t help..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:41 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[3 Ways to Improve Your Lateral Work]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/3-ways-to-improve-your-lateral-work/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In Straightness Training (ST), we use three ways to develop a lateral movement .&nbsp; For example, if we want to develop the exercise &#39;shoulder-in&#39;, where the shoulders are more &#39;in&#39; related to the..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:45 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Hannah Chaplin & Bluebell passed Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/hannah-chaplin-bluebell-passed-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Mastery student Hannah Chaplin from the UK passed Riding 1 with her mare, Bluebell , and with that Touchstone, she passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 1 in the ST Evaluation Program !  Congratulations!  Hannah has..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:48 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Cara Reynolds & Black Magic passed Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/cara-reynolds-black-magic-passed-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Mastery student Cara Reynolds from South Africa passed Riding 1 with her mare, Black Magic , and with that Touchstone, she passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 1 in the ST Evaluation Program !  Congratulations!  Cara..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:50 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Astrid van der Laan & Annie passed Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/astrid-van-der-laan-annie-passed-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[ST Mastery student Astrid van der Laan from South Africa passed Riding 1 with her mare Annie and with that Touchstone, she has passed all 5 Touchstones in Grade 1 in the ST Evaluation Program !  Congratulations! ..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:51 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Beautiful Sunsets Need Cloudy Skies]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/beautiful-sunsets-need-cloudy-skies/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[The road to Mastery is not an easy road. And at some point, we&#39;d like to ask for a lighter road , an easier job, a less difficult task, an effortless exercise, a better something.&nbsp; But then we have to..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:52 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Freddie "Ferrari" in Action]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/freddie-ferrari-in-action/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[&nbsp; This is Prince Elmelund, he&rsquo;s my &ldquo;Ferrari&rdquo; because he is so sensitive, and has super power in body and mind.&nbsp; Prince Elmelund is not only a Ferrari but also a &quot;Freddie&quot; - a..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:52 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Stretch Yourself to the Limit]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/stretch-yourself-to-the-limit/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[During this pandemic , it&#39;s normal to have concerns&nbsp; about  the coronavirus  the spread of it, the government&#39;s decisions the amount of food in the supermarket, other people&#39;s actions, lack of work,..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:48 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Jenni von Willich & Crusader Graduate Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/jenni-von-willich-crusader-graduate-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Jenni von Willich from South Africa graduated Grade 1 in the Straightness Training Evaluation Program. Jenni is a Mastery STudent in the ST Academy, and this month, she passed her Riding Grade 1 Touchstone with her..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:56 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[The Winner Takes It All]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/the-winner-takes-it-all/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[&#39;Winners&#39; are horses that has succeeded in everything they have tried to do.&nbsp; They succeeded in doing all the unwanted behavior you can imagine.&nbsp; For example:  Escaping from the field&nbsp;  Chewing..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:48 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Hanne Friberg & Bucéfalo Graduate Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/hanne-friberg-bucefalo-graduate-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Hanne Friberg from Denmark graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1. Congratulations Hanne, keep up the fabulous work in the Premium Scholar Program!     And thanks, Hanne, for taking the time to..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:57 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[What If the Opposite is True?]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/what-if-the-opposite-is-true/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[&nbsp;When we work with our horse, we make a representation of what&#39;s going on.&nbsp; We determine what things mean and often put a label on the situation and our horse:  The weather is good / bad. The arena is..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:48 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Sarah Orr & Fernando Graduate Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/sarah-orr-fernando-graduate-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Sarah Orr from Scotland graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1. Congratulations Sarah, keep up the fabulous work in the Premium Scholar Program!      And thanks, Sarah, for taking the time to share..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:58 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Kadri Mäkišev & Lemmi Graduate Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/kadri-makisev-lemmi-graduate-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Kadri Mäkišev from Estonia graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1. Congratulations Kadri, keep up the fabulous work in the Scholar Program!       And thanks, Kadri, for taking the time to share your..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:32:59 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Discovery Of My Dog]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/discovery-of-my-dog/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In the middle of the winter, we were not looking for a dog, but Wolfee crossed our path.  Wolfee - the blond dog in the video below - was born on December 2 in a nest of three (we discovered this once we adopted her)...]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:51 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[The Function of Frameworks]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/the-function-of-frameworks/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[A picture says more than thousands of words , and that&#39;s so true.   There&#39;s so much to tell about this picture - which I did in 12 Mastery Modules in the ST Academy - and it&#39;s impossible to repeat all 12..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:33:03 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Adopting Wolfee & How She Got her Name]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/adopting-a-dog-how-she-got-her-name/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Although Wolfee was protected and sheltered by the sheep, she was on her own when it came to finding meat.  So for a few days, I spend some hours "hanging out" with Wolfee and the sheep, and I brought along some..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:51 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Bloom where You are Planted]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/bloom-where-you-are-planted/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Life is full of paradox. On the one hand, we can say:  &quot;If you don&#39;t like how things are, change it! You&#39;re not a tree.&quot; ~ Jim Rohn  On the other hand, we can say:  &quot;Bloom where you are..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:33:05 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Two Big Problems...]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/two-big-problems/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Many riders like you aspire to achieve ambitious goals with your horse in the New Year! They&#39;ve set major targets at the start of this year... On January 1st, they had a true readiness to change... &nbsp; The..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:51 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[A Confession But I'm Not Sorry]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/a-confession-but-i-am-not-sorry/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Confession: I did not train my horses for 10 months. And that might sound weird for a professional horse trainer. People assume that you train all day every day... That you keep the momentum... That it&rsquo;s never a..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:33:07 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Read Reality - Take Responsibility]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/read-reality-take-responsibility/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When it comes to successful people &ndash; artists, masters, role models, leaders - it often works like this:  First, people put the successful person on a pedestal , then they try to knock him or her down. First,..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:51 +0200</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Growing Up with Sheep]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/growing-up-with-sheep/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In the previous video , Wolfee was 5 weeks old, and in this picture she&rsquo;s 11 weeks old:&nbsp;   A few days before we took this picture, her mother and brother were rehomed , and also the horse went to another..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:33:08 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[3x4 Tips to Deal with the Dunning Kruger Effect]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/tips/the-dunning-kruger-effect/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[When the Oracle of Delphi told Socrates around 400 BC that he was the wisest man on Earth , Socrates responded by saying &ldquo;I know that I know nothing.&rdquo; &zwj;&zwj; &zwj;&zwj; &nbsp;Socrates knew that there..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:33:08 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[Part of the Team]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/part-of-the-team/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Wolfee&#39;s socialization process went very well, and she started to feel very comfortable with her new friends , the horses:   Now, Wolfee didn&#39;t have to say goodbye to her &nbsp;old friends , as they live on..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:33:09 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Pastures vs Stalls]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/pastures-vs-stalls/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Keeping our horses at home on our own property is a dream come true .  &nbsp;          Now when we arrived at our new place in Portugal in 2017, there were no stalls or boxes , so we could decide what to do: ..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:33:09 +0100</pubDate>
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                <title><![CDATA[The Noble Art of Riding - Manoel Carlos de Andrade]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/the-noble-art-of-riding-manoel-carlos-de-andrade/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Manoel Carlos de Andrade (1755 - 1817) was a pupil of one of the most well-known and most respected riding masters of his time: Dom Pedro de Alcantara e Meneses, Marquis of Marialva&nbsp; (1713 - 1799). De..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:25:54 +0200</pubDate>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Exploring A New World]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/dog-exploring-a-new-world/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In general, the socialization period for dogs is from about three to twelve weeks old. Lack of socialization during this time period can result in dogs who are frightened of &ldquo;the new&rdquo;: people, places,..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:33:10 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Laila Lorentzen & Orpheus Graduate Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/laila-lorentzen-orpheus-graduate-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Laila Lorentzen from Denmark graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1. Laila is a Scholar in the ST Academy, and this month, she passed her Riding Grade 1 Touchstone with her gelding Orpheus, and with..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:33:18 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Cynthia Adams & Dominique Basic Grade 2]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/cynthia-adams-dominique-basic-grade-2/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Cynthia Adams from Canada graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in the basics of Grade 2. This means, Cynthia passed all Touchstones from the ground, so that&#39;s in the training pillars Groundwork,..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:33:23 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Callie Klein & Rascl Graduate Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/callie-klein-rascl-graduate-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Callie Klein from Nevada, USA, graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1 for a second time! Callie is a Scholar in the Basic ST Instructor Certification Program and last month, she passed her Liberty..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:33:24 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Ivana Kovaříková & Tesstino Graduate Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/ivana-kovarikova-tesstino-graduate-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Ivana Kovaříková from the Czech Republic graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1!  Ivana is a Scholar in the Basic ST Instructor Certification Program and this month, she passed her Riding Grade 1..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:33:24 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Gisela Marnewecke & Corday Graduate Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/gisela-marnewecke-corday-graduate-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Gisela Marnewecke from the South Africa graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1!  Gisela is a Scholar in the Basic ST Instructor Certification Program and this month, she passed her Riding Grade 1..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:33:25 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Debbie Watts & Sukie Graduate Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/debbie-watts-sukie-graduate-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Debbie Watts from Nebraska, USA graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1!&nbsp; Debbie is a Scholar in the Basic ST Instructor Certification Program and this month, she passed her Longeing Grade 1..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:33:25 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Clare Frost & Salsero Graduate Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/clare-frost-salsero-graduate-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Clare Frost from the United Kingdom graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1 in all five training pillars: groundwork, longeing, work in hand, riding and Straightness Training at liberty. Clare passed..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:34:52 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Lauren de Waal & Royman Graduate Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/lauren-de-waal-royman-graduate-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Lauren de Waal from Australia, graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1 in all five training pillars: groundwork, longeing, work in hand, riding and Straightness Training at liberty. Lauren is a..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:34:53 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Gina Serkasevich & Roman Graduate Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/gina-serkasevich-roman-graduate-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Gina Serkasevich from the USA is a Scholar in the Basic ST Instructor Certification Program &nbsp; and recently, Gina graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1 in all five training pillars: groundwork,..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:34:54 +0100</pubDate>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Christine de Groef & Dimon Graduate Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/christine-de-groef-dimon-graduate-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Christine de Groef from Belgium is a Scholar in the Basic ST Instructor Certification Program and recently, Christine graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1 in all five training pillars: groundwork,..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:34:58 +0100</pubDate>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Nicole Menz & Pluto Graduate Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/nicole-menz-pluto-graduate-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Nicole Menz from Germany is a Scholar in the Basic ST Instructor Certification Program and recently, Nicole graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1 in all five training pillars: groundwork, longeing,..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:34:58 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Nora Dalüge & Alba Basic Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/nora-daluge-albas-basic-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Nora Dal&uuml;ge graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1 in the four unmounted training pillars: groundwork, longeing, work in hand, and Straightness Training at liberty. Congratulations Nora, and..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:35:04 +0100</pubDate>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Isabeau Solace & Lucky Basic Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/isabeau-solcace-lucky-basic-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Isabeau Solace from the United States is a Scholar in the Basic ST Instructor Certification Program who graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1 in the four unmounted pillars: groundwork, longeing,..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:35:04 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Christen Schweizer & Firefly Basic Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/christen-schweizer-firefly-basic-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Christen Schweizer from the United States is a Scholar in the Basic ST Instructor Certification Program who graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1 in the four unmounted pillars: groundwork,..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:35:05 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Maarten Ducrot & Pocholo Basic Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/maarten-ducrot-pocholo-basic-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Maarten Ducrot from the Netherlands is a Scholar in the Basic ST Instructor Certification Program who graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1 in the four unmounted pillars: groundwork, longeing, work..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:35:06 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Caryl Richardson & Dyna Basic Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/caryl-richardson-dyna-basic-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Caryl Richardson from the United States is a Scholar in the Basic ST Instructor Certification Program who graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1 in the four unmounted pillars: groundwork, longeing,..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:35:06 +0100</pubDate>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Michelle Masselink & Dixie Basic Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/michelle-masselink-dixie-basic-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Michelle Masselink from Canada is a Scholar in the Basic ST Instructor Certification Program who graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1 in the four unmounted pillars: groundwork, longeing, work in..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:35:07 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Adiva Murphy & El Sonador Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/adiva-murphy-el-sonador-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Adiva Murphy from Canada is a Scholar in the Basic ST Instructor Certification Program graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1 in all five training pillars: groundwork, longeing, work in hand, riding..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:35:07 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Ivana Kovaříková & Tesstino Grade 2]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/ivana-kovaikova-tesstino-grade-2/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Ivana Kovař&iacute;kov&aacute;, our ST Instructor in the Czech Republic, graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 2 in all five training pillars: groundwork, longeing, work in hand, riding and..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:35:08 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Anna van Rheeden & Super Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/anna-van-rheeden-super-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Anna van Rheeden from Indonesia is a Scholar in the Basic ST Instructor Certification Program who graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1 in the pillars groundwork, longeing, work in hand, riding and..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:35:09 +0100</pubDate>
                            </item>
                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Maria Retyunskaya & Ave Maria Grade 1]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/stories/maria-retyunskaya-ave-maria-grade-1/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Maria Retyunskaya from the Russian Federation is a Scholar in the Basic ST Instructor Certification Program who graduated in the Straightness Training Academy in Grade 1 in groundwork, longeing, work in hand, riding,..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:35:10 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Maestro 30 Years Old]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/maestro-30-years-old/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[How beautiful it is to travel, year after year on your own path, with the same horse!&nbsp; Last Sunday, it was Maestro&#39;s birthday!&nbsp; He entered my life at 7...&nbsp; Now, he&#39;s 30 years old &mdash; can you..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:27:10 +0200</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Maestro's Birthday Party]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/maestros-birthday-party/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Check out Maestro&#39;s birthday party in our garden!&nbsp; The fields are currently closed because we&#39;ve reseeded them with grass.&nbsp; That means the birthday party took place in the garden. All the animals had..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:35:10 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Why Equine Friendships Matter]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/why-equine-friendships-matter/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Did you know there&#39;s a simple way to help your horse live longer? Friends. Yes, your horse definitely needs equine buddies! This month, my horse Maestro celebrated his 30th birthday. He&#39;s still full of life..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:27:10 +0200</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[Straightness Training Instructor Retreat]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/new-and-events/straightness-training-instructor-retreat/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[In September 2024, we hosted an unforgettable &nbsp;Straightness Training (ST) Instructor Retreat in Portugal.&nbsp;  Instructors came from all over the world &ndash; USA, Canada, the UK, Spain, Germany, Norway, the..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:35:11 +0100</pubDate>
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                    <item>
                <title><![CDATA[The Legacy of Maestro (1994-2025)]]></title>
                <link>https://www.straightnesstraining.com/horse-blog/maestro/</link>
                <description><![CDATA[Maestro has  passed away&nbsp; at age 31 &nbsp; because his body said it was time to rest and let go. He was in good spirit and full of life until the very last day, and our 24-year journey was filled with..]]></description>
                <author><![CDATA[Marijke de Jong]]></author>
                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:35:13 +0100</pubDate>
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