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
Lesley is a "graduate" of Jimmy Wofford's training program, and has competed to the Advanced 4 star level in 3 day Eventing on a horse she bought off the track as a 3 year old. She has also trained through the Prix St Georges level in Dressage, and was an Equine Vet Tech at the prestigious Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY. A series of educational articles written by Lesley. If you have any requests for topics, please send them to: admin@myvirtualeventingcoach.com
Lesley's Corner
The *Volume* of Your Aids
Learn how to lower the VOLUME of your aids, for more harmony in your riding!
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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.
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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!
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The Ultimate Rider Hand Position Fix!
Here is a highly effective exercise, that will fix any hand position flaw that you may have!
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An Exercise to Help You to Find Your Abdominal Muscles When in the Saddle
This exercise will specifically help you to locate and be more aware of your abdominal muscles when riding.
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A Mental Trick to Help You to Think More About Your Horse's Hind Legs When Riding & Jumping
Most riders know that they should be focusing more on the horse's hind legs when riding and jumping. But with the temptation of the horse's head and neck visibly in front of us, this can be quite difficult! Here is a little mental trick that will help!
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A Test to See If Your Horse is in LATERAL Self Carriage
In this article, you will find an exercise to make sure that your horse is in lateral self carriage, which is a very important (yet rarely discussed) aspect of self carriage.
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Practice This the Next Time You Go Cross Country Schooling!
Here is a great exercise (suitable for all levels!) for you to practice, the next time that you have the opportunity to go cross country schooling!
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A Test of Your Flatwork Training (For All Levels!)
No matter what riding style or discipline you choose, you should be able to prove the solidity of your basic foundation by passing this simple test. And rather shockingly, there are many horses and riders at all levels would NOT pass this test!
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The Benefits of Jumping Fences at Sharp Angles
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Trotting Fences
Trotting fences, especially bigger ones, is a lot like eating your veggies... you may not especially like them at that moment, but they are good for you! Keep reading to find out why, and how to make the best use of this underutilized exercise.