Tip/Quote of the Day!
When preparing for a jump from a galloping position, one should always sink down into the heel before any touching of seat in the saddle, and only THEN should you take the mouth if necessary. Taking back on the reins first will almost always cause resistance.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
"The basic techniques, or what they call basics, are more difficult than what comes later, this is the Trap of Dressage. Correct basics are more difficult than the piaffe and passage." ~ Conrad Schumacher
Tip/Quote of the Day!
"Collection without impulsion is worthless, and I’ve yet to see a horse at any level who has no issues with straightness." ~ Christoph Hess
Tip/Quote of the Day!
The most difficult horses are almost always the best ones in the end. Often because they are so darned SMART.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Circles and basic lateral work offer us the best opportunities to work on increasing the horse's understanding and acceptance of the rider's leg aids.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Any deviation from the optimal straight line from the rider's elbow to the bit acts as a block in the rein connection.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Riders should be checking for self carriage often throughout their work. Do you??
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Be careful not to let your hot horse train you to ride with no leg. Every horse must learn to accept both the hand and the leg.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
"Riders need to learn to ride the horse to the bit, and not to block from the bit back." ~ Carl Hester
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Horses brace against the bit when their RIDERS are bracing against their mouth. If you want your horse to soften, you need to be softer and more supple yourself.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Many horses are more brave and confident under saddle when they are honestly "on the aids", as they feel more truly connected with their riders.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Any backward use of the inside rein grounds the horse's inside hind leg, limiting hind leg engagement.
