Does your horse go from 0 to 120 in half a stride whenever he sets his sights on a jump? If so, you will probably agree with me that jumping is definitely not the thing you find most enjoyable to do with your horse! In fact, very often it can feel terrifying! And I agree. Jumping with a horse who…
So how do you become a ‘better’ rider? What should you be focusing on in order to make progress regarding your communication skills in the saddle? I believe there are three specific areas that, if you work on, you can really begin to see a difference in your riding. There are a lot of areas in riding that you can’t…
So what do you expect to happen when you mount up? Very often we can have either unrealistic expectations of our horses. We can also find ourselves having negative expectations; usually not intentional, but they happen! Horses are great at living up to expectations. However, they do have to be realistic. Expecting your horse to perform difficult movements when we…
It is possibly one of the first things you heard when you initially took up the reins. Yet, it is one of the most enduring struggles riders have in the saddle. And even when it is mastered on the flat, it seems to crop back up again when a jump is required! Heels down is one of the most important…
Where should I start? Have you ever found yourself wondering about this with your horse? The beginning is the obvious answer. However, sometimes the beginning is not as simple to pin-point. This is especially true with it comes to your ex-racehorse or OTTB. Your retired racehorses beginning when he gets to you is not the same as the beginning with…
Have you ever considered how, in order to be a good rider, you must be a good actor? Don’t worry too much if you haven’t, you’re not alone… Many riders fail to see the connection between these two things. As a rider, you will see a marked difference in your abilities in the saddle, especially when under pressure, if you…
