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…
It can feel frustrating when you realise that you have to steady up a little in your rush to get somewhere! And, when riding, going slow to speed up is often what’s required to really allow the concept to sink in; mentally and physically. Last week’s episode about what riders are often not willing to do seems to have hit…
There’s a particular feeling most riders learn to identify pretty quickly, even if they don’t have the words for it! You know the one where, the one moment, you and your horse are moving along fairly happily together. Until the next moment, it’s as if the whole arse has fallen out of everything! You go from being carried to being…
What is it about the idea of a fresh start that is so appealing? You know, a clean slate, a blank canvas. A ‘do-over’! As riders, we often make the crucial mistake of approaching all of our work with our horse, or improving our riding this way. And this can be a mistake because we are not asking one important…
Have you ever noticed how you instantly start riding better the minute you realize someone’s watching? Your posture improves, you become more precise with your aids… And suddenly there’s a whole lot more attention to detail! Now imagine having that same benefit, even when you’re riding completely alone… Good news: your new training partner is already sitting in your pocket.…
Working alone without a regular instructor or trainer is tough. And often it’s the ‘little things’ that become the bigger sticking points for riders. Things like staying accountable, using feedback to make tweaks and changes, and creating a regular schedule filled with exercises and activities to move things forward. But all is not lost… It is still possible to move…
