Mountain Thyme Training

10/23/2026

Let me clarify something…

After my recent post about the conversations that happen along the rail at horse shows, I received an overwhelming amount of support. I also received some responses suggesting that I need thicker skin, that I shouldn’t let people’s opinions bother me, or that perhaps I just need to grow up.

And I think those responses are exactly why this conversation needs to happen.

My feelings aren’t hurt. I’m advocating for change. There’s a difference.

I’ve spent enough time in this industry to understand that criticism, opinions, and judgment come with competitive horse showing. I don’t expect everyone to like my horse. I don’t expect everyone to agree with the judges. And I certainly don’t expect everyone to cheer for me.

But somewhere along the way, we’ve confused having thick skin with accepting behavior that shouldn’t be acceptable in the first place. We’ve normalized talking negatively about horses, riders, trainers, and competitors as if it’s simply part of the sport.

And when someone speaks up about it, the response is often, “That’s just how this industry is.” But why does it have to be?

Why is asking people to show a little more kindness and sportsmanship considered being overly sensitive?

Why is the expectation that people should learn to tolerate negativity instead of encouraging people to be more thoughtful about what they say?

I’m perfectly capable of hearing criticism and continuing to walk into the show pen with my head held high. I’ve done it all season. This isn’t about my ability to handle someone else’s opinion. It’s about recognizing that we have an opportunity to make this industry better.

For the amateurs putting everything they have into chasing a dream.

For the trainers working tirelessly behind the scenes.

For the young riders who are watching and learning what sportsmanship looks like from the adults around them.

And for the horses who give us so much and deserve our respect, regardless of where they place.

We talk a lot about wanting to grow this industry, encourage participation, and make horse showing a positive experience.

That starts with the culture we create.

You can be competitive without being cruel. You can have an opinion without making someone else the topic of your entertainment. You can appreciate one horse without tearing down another. And you can absolutely have thick skin while still believing we should treat each other better.

I’m not asking anyone to change their opinion of my horse. I’m asking us to consider changing how we treat people.

Because “that’s just how it’s always been” has never been a good enough reason to stop trying to make something better. And if speaking up about that makes me too sensitive in someone’s eyes, I’m perfectly comfortable with that.

I’ll keep speaking up anyway. ✌️

10/15/2026

Hi friends! Almost a year ago I started making my own long lines because I was sick of paying SO MUCH for long lines that the snaps break and material frays so easily. Also who else hates that the snaps never fit in slots on driving bits?! I also found I liked different lengths for different sized equines and so did my clients- less line to get tangled up in if you don’t need all that line.

So, after letting friends and clients use a few sets and also experimenting with them on training horses this last year, I am going to start offering custom orders.

I have ‘standard sizes’ but also am happy to offer custom lengths. I am continuing to discover materials I like best and while I’m currently only offering them in black, I will expand to color options if there is the desire. These lines are lighter, thinner and while they feel slippery, the material is soft and fits easily into your hand.

Please let me know if you have any questions and if you feel so inclined to share, I’d be grateful ❤️ (I’m happy to ship outside US but shipping price will obviously vary)

10/05/2026

Hi friends! This is a bit overdue, but I have training and lesson spots available currently and for the coming months. One horse had to delay his training for a bit, and another has graduated!

Please reach out if you are interested in carriage driving lessons for yourself or training for your horse 😊

A few photos from September…

10/03/2026

When I’m not in a carriage or at the end of a set of long lines, I’m a farmer and animal enthusiast.

I’d appreciate if you went and gave my farm page a follow- Fruitless Farm ❤️

09/29/2026

Yep! 👏

09/24/2026

Glassy has some big medical bills coming up and need to sell some equipment to pay for things- my Kutzmann is the first in the list to go. If you don’t mind sharing, I’d appreciate it!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1aYearnEyF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

09/22/2026

I am so sad to hear of Hardy’s passing. He was such a wealth of information and a true horseman.

I quote him often in my lessons and anyone who has heard me try to imitate his accent and him saying ‘go to the letter!’- this is the legend I am referencing.

My condolences to his family and friends. The driving world will miss you, Hardy.

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Eberhard (Hardy) Zantke.

Hardy passed away with his loving wife at his side on September 21st, 2026 after a brief illness.

Hardy’s involvement with horses, and carriage driving in particular, reaches back to his earliest days. He learned to drive horses as a youngster with draft-teams at his grandfather’s drayage company in East Germany. He later had a formal riding education in the West German army. After immigrating to the U.S. with his wife Jutta and settling in Torrance, CA they became one of the top competitors in Combined Driving in the USA in the 80′s and 90′s with their pairs of 17 hand bay Holsteiner geldings.

Hardy and Jutta competed regularly throughout the entire U.S. and Canada and were first alternate of the U.S. team at the 1993 World Pair Driving Championship. As skilled as he was as a driver, he was equally talented in training his horses. He and Jutta brought up two pairs from importing them as three year olds to being long-listed with the US Equestrian Team. They also competed with a four-in-hand and were named to the USET List of Developing Drivers with that turnout.

Hardy remained active in combined driving even after he and Jutta retired from competition. Together, they co-organized the California Classic CDE from 1990 - 2000. With his background as competitor, organizer and judge, he was highly qualified in his role as Chef d’Equipe from 1996 to 2006 for thirteen U.S. Teams at the World Championships, bringing home five medals.

Hardy was retired from his role as an executive in the transportation industry; for many years he also represented a German carriage manufacturer. He was in demand as a clinician and was known for his kind, direct and effective teaching style.

Hardy was also a highly qualified combined driving judge. In addition to being a licensed FEI 3* Driving and Para Equestrian Driving judge, Hardy was a Senior judge with the American Driving Society and a qualified driving judge with the US Equestrian Federation. Hardy was part of the ground jury at events throughout North America and abroad and was actively officiating at combined driving events right up to a few weeks prior to his passing.

Hardy wrote interesting and informative columns for many driving publications around the world, and his regular contribution “From Between my Blinders” for the ADS publication The Whip was a favorite of readers. He was an Honorary Director of the American Driving Society, the recipient of the 2000 ADS President’s Award for his ongoing contributions to driving, and in 2014 was honored as one of the 40 most outstanding ADS members.

His contributions to driving were innumerable; he will be very much missed.

Hardy leaves behind his wife Jutta, his children Tina, Julie and Ziggy and his grandchildren Finn, Otto, Marta, Knut and Gustav.

(Elisa Marocchi)