You pick up trot and feel your horse getting a little quick. You can feel a speed wobble coming! So you shorten the reins, maybe squeeze a tad more, hold a little, fix a little, manage a little more… And before you know it, you’re trying to control every second of the ride. Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone!…
There’s always that rub when you realise that what got you here is not the thing that’s going to get you there. The big issue is usually that what got you to this point, here, now feels comfortable and familiar. Easy even. And so many of us, myself included, just want to double down on these things to get further.…
As riders, we tend to get to a point in our riding where we would much prefer it if our horse did not anticipate the upcoming movement or question. This is usually because it causes a lack of suppleness; physically and mentally. However, as riders, we are actually doing the same thing more than a lot of us are willing…
This morning I sat in a big school hall, surrounded by parents buzzing with anticipation, watching my six-year-old son and his classmates step onto the stage for their very first school concert. And as I was watching them put their weeks of practice into action, I began thinking how we, as riders, can learn a thing or three from these…
If your riding hasn’t changed, it’s probably not because you haven’t learned something new. It’s more likely because you haven’t committed to doing something new. I know, that might seem a little harsh! And if it stings a little for you, perhaps there is a morsel of truth in there? In fact, if your riding isn’t improving, this might be…
Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the “right things” in the saddle, but your horse just doesn’t seem to get the memo? Maybe they won’t go forward. Maybe they cut in on the circle. Or maybe they find creative ways to avoid what you’re asking. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Here’s the thing: so often the problem isn’t the…
