Tip/Quote of the Day!
It is possible to have contact without a real connection (in fact, it is quite common unfortunately), but a true connection always involves good contact. The connection involves the horse's entire body… with energy created in the horse's hind legs traveling through the horse's
Tip/Quote of the Day!
It can be a skill in itself to be able to pick up a quality canter or gallop in a straight line and jump a fence that is a short distance away (as you would coming out of the start box on cross country.) Like any skill, this one will
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Counter bend is a great tool when your horse tries to bulge against your outside aids. And following that up with a change of direction then further reinforces that aid, teaching your horse to have more respect for it.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
"I think the rider's attitude in the ring is transposed to the horse's attitude... I think the difference between the good riders and good trips versus the outstanding trips are in large measure the positive attitude and inspiration that one shows to the judge and
Tip/Quote of the Day!
"The relaxation of the mouth alone is not enough. It can be deceptive, because it does not necessarily lead to lightness. It has to be accompanied by the relaxation of the entire horse. When he relaxes the back, it will definitely have repercussions in the mouth." ~ Nuno Oliveira
Tip/Quote of the Day!
"Before I start, I go through a checklist in my head. Is my foot in the right position? Is my rein length correct? Is the horse in front of my leg?" ~ McLain Ward
Blog
Roundly Critiqued Lest you think I am disparaging the work of other instructors, be assured I am pure of heart. As Kim Carnes would say, “As pure as New York snow.” That said, I’m surprised how many riders will tell me they went to a clinic and spent the
Tip/Quote of the Day!
You have to push YOURSELF to get better, because no one is going to do it for you.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
"And why do we ask the horse to do two track work? To get his legs under him, and to get him listening to the aids." ~ Kyra Kyrklund
Tip/Quote of the Day!
As you complete a halt, lighten your seat slightly to invite your horse to keep his back up underneath you. This will allow you to move off after the halt without the horse hollowing and dropping his back.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
A horse can only be straight when they are equally laterally supple on both sides.
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