Tip/Quote of the Day # 4514
For the horse, the learning happens on the release of the aid. That means if you don't release the aid, the horse will not learn.
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 4513
"Don't take the tempo down without revving the engine." ~ Chris Bartle
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4512
I don't even think about aiming a young or green horse at a jump until I have them 100% in front of my leg on the flat. If you do, and the horse thinks about stopping, you will have no recourse, and will end up teaching him that
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4511
From Facebook fan Joan Dunlap ~ "Fix your position first... then the horse will adjust theirs."
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4510
Because one hind foot is always in the air while at the trot, it is harder for a horse to refuse a jump from a trot approach vs a canter approach. So it can be a good idea to trot into a spooky fence that you think your horse might
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4509
Some people misunderstand the term "on the forehand," which refers to the shoulders being down and the hind legs out behind the horse - regardless of where his head and neck are positioned. A low head and neck does not mean a horse is on the forehand, any
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4508
If your upper body is leaning to the inside as you try to bend your horse on a circle or through a turn, you will likely find that your horse won’t bend very well. This is because your leaning to the inside causes your horse to also lean to
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4507
When riding a Dressage test, riding accurately to the letters and making good use of the corners of the ring shows the judge that you are aware, thinking, and have good control of your horse.
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4506
The more a horse relaxes within a lateral movement, the more gymnastic value the exercise will have on his body.
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4505
"Just as the sculptor at first chisels the future outlines of his work of art with powerful blows out of the crude block of stone, and then lets it develop in increasingly finer detail in all its beauty, the aids of the rider must also become more and more
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4504
"I like to think about making my body longer in the front to make me sit up instead of thinking 'shoulders back,' which can make you stiff." ~ Mary King
Interval Training For Conditioning the Event Horse
In the sport of Eventing, ensuring that our horses are truly fit for our level of competition is one of the best ways to prevent unnecessary injuries.
Lesley's Corner
A TEST of Your Horse's Rideability & Adjustability
Generally a good, smooth, clean show jumping round happens when you have the right quality of canter, and your horse is rideable and adjustable between fences. Here is an exercise that will show you exactly how much adjustability your horse has!
Videos
Video # 106 and Question # 320: Kayla asks if her horse looks to be accepting the bit as she lunges him in side reins.
Lesley's Corner
Does Your Horse Like Rein Contact Right Up to the Point of Takeoff at a Jump? Or Does He Prefer a Soft/Loose Rein in the Final Strides? Find Out Here!
To get the very best out of every horse when show jumping, riders need to really think about the specific way that each individual horse needs and wants to be ridden between the fences. Let me help you to figure out what kind of horse you have!
Videos
Video # 75: This is Jen again, schooling at home!
Videos
Video # 105: This is Kayla training her horse to jump!
Lesley's Corner
Do You Get Nervous When You Perform at a Horse Show??
If you are like many riders, the act of performing in front of others will make you at least somewhat nervous, whether you realize it or not! Don't despair... there IS something you can do to help you deal with this uncomfortable feeling when it happens! Read on to find out what it is!
Lesley's Corner
The "Shoulder Yield" Exercise
Learn about an exercise called "shoulder yield" (which is really more of a jumper term than a Dressage term), that tests your ability to control your horse's shoulders.
Lesley's Corner
The *Volume* of Your Aids
Learn how to lower the VOLUME of your aids, for more harmony in your riding!
Videos
Video # 323, and Question # 355: Rose would like some help with her 6 yo Connemara mare, who tends to be tense and rushy.
Lesley's Corner
An Exercise to Help You Improve ALL of Your Downward Transitions
This exercise, suitable for all levels of horses and riders, will turn you into a rider who is able to ride EFFECTIVE downward transitions - which is what is required to give you the best possible result.
Lesley's Corner
Canter Pole Exercise # 1
This canter pole exercise has applications for just about every level of horse & rider - from Training level Dressage right to Grand Prix! It will improve your horse's balance and responsiveness, by increasing hind leg engagement. You can even use it to add more scope to your horse's canter stride!
Lesley's Corner
The Ultimate Rider Hand Position Fix!
Here is a highly effective exercise, that will fix any hand position flaw that you may have!