Tip/Quote of the Day!
I always like to see horses jump into cross country complexes like coffins and sunken roads in a catlike way rather than jumping big. This means they are thinking ahead as well, and are preparing to do some good "footwork" between the jumps. Keep this in mind when
Tip/Quote of the Day!
"'Land in your feet' from every jump to avoid tipping forward." ~ Chris Bartle
Tip/Quote of the Day!
A horse has to be straight to have true impulsion. Any stored energy leaks out where the body is crooked, changing the energy in the stride from impulsion to merely forward momentum.
Dr. Haefner's Advice
Tip/Quote of the Day!
"A deep seated saddle can limit the freedom of your hips to really move with your horse and you may not even realize how much your saddle is limiting you. Try an old style dressage saddle and you might just be amazed with the difference." ~ Kelly Jennings
Tip/Quote of the Day!
"Putting in those long slow miles when you can provides a great base to fall back on." ~ Catherine Norman
Tip/Quote of the Day!
"I've been having riders glance at the brim of their helmets when they half halt. The change in upper body position is remarkable." ~ Laura Klecker
Tip/Quote of the Day!
While it is important to have a plan when riding, you should always be ready to adapt that plan as necessary. Ultimately, you ride the horse and not the plan!
Tip/Quote of the Day!
The concept of collection is often best introduced to the horse in the canter, as that is often the gait that the horse finds it easiest to learn how to "sit" more behind.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Riders should practice jumping corner jumps, skinny jumps, and arrowheads with an approach from every possible angle, as course designers are increasingly setting up situations where your preferred line may be not an option.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Riding with shorter stirrups will stretch out your leg and improve your shock absorbers.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
You will usually get more give from the horse when you ask more quietly and carefully.
