Tip/Quote of the Day!
Imagine an open ditch as a triple bar, so that you come close to the edge on the takeoff, and ride forward across the back edge. Doing so will make the jumping effort easier for the horse, and give him confidence.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
"Lightness, whose characteristic lies in the elastic and springy flexibility of all joints and muscles, can only be acquired after all resistances have completely disappeared, that is, with the disappearance of all inopportune contractions." ~ Alexis François L’Hotte
Tip/Quote of the Day!
From Facebook fan Gabby Ballin: "Some rides are going to be perfect. Some rides are going to have you wondering why you don't quit riding. When that happens, take a deep breath and go back to something you know you and your horse can do easily."
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Don't copy successful riders' bad habits. Instead, look at what they do WELL. Just because they can pull off success with quirky form doesn't mean you can.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Take your time when riding transitions. Many riders seem to rush through them just to get them done. Be conscious of preparing for each one, and feeling all of the details while you are making the transition - being ready to abort the transition if things start to go wrong.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
When riders stiffen their shoulders it can cause them to also have tense, tight arms and hands. To relax your shoulders, take a deep breath in, and exhale fully... looking for the feeling that your shoulders and elbows drop and become supple.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Those riding a strong horse on cross country should generally ride with their stirrups on the short side. The increased angles give the rider more strength to deal with a puller.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
"Dressage is the passionate pursuit of perfection by the obsessively imperfect."
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Ride TO the bit with your seat and leg, and do not use the reins to lower your horse's head!
Tip/Quote of the Day!
The horse's back is like a bridge that connects its front and hind legs. It is the rider's job to keep that bridge stable and consistently level, or even better slightly lifted into an "UP" position like an arched bridge. When the horse'
Lesley's Corner
It is very helpful for a rider to know about each horse's natural tendencies. Only then can they come up with a specific plan for training that will best suit that particular horse. Learn how to evaluate your horse's natural instincts and reactions, and how to make the best use of that information.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
"The first step to getting our horses in self-carriage is getting ourselves in self-carriage. Core strength is a big part of that." ~ Carl Hester