Tip/Quote of the Day!
"I’m a big fan of ground lines. I think it teaches the horse to have better technique in front. Everything that we do is connected — the way we start on the cross rail to this, it all connects. We're building through our training." ~ McLain Ward
Lesley's Corner
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Always have a plan when jumping. Each exercise should have something to teach your horse. Don't waste jumps by jumping simple jumps with no purpose - other than for warm up, or if the horse needs them for building confidence.
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.
Lesley's Corner
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Quiet hands are only possible when the rider has an independent seat. So if you are looking to improve your hands, check your seat first.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
"A steady hand with a soft, following elbow invites a steady, soft contact from the horse. Working the bit or being busy with your fingers invites a false frame." ~ Alexis Soutter
Tip/Quote of the Day!
The most successful riders stay very much "in the moment", and are very attuned to feeling exactly what their horse is doing at any given moment.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Your horse should still be connected when stretching. No loose reins! Only when they are honestly seeking the connection and moving with power from behind into the contact will the stretch be across the full topline of the horse.
Videos
Tip/Quote of the Day!
If your trainer is not truly supportive.... find a better one! I am always baffled at how many riders stick with trainers who belittle them, and very often don't even really have their best interests at heart. Some trainers don't teach because they love teaching, but
Tip/Quote of the Day!
"There is one way to check that you are on the right way – in the high collection you must be able to stretch them so they follow the bit and they are not stuck up there. In every situation you must be able to stretch them – even a piaffe