Have you used ground poles in your schooling before? Do you perhaps think ground poles are only really useful for jumpers or competition horses? Ground poles are a fantastic tool for horses of all disciplines. They help to improve self-control, balance, focus, suppleness, elasticity, coordination (including hoof / eye) and strength in both the horse and the rider. Another added…
Have you tried it? For many riders, the mention of riding bareback is enough to see them running to the tack room for a saddle! However, for those that pluck up the courage – it can change so much… Bareback riding is a super way to improve your posture and position as well as balance, skills, and feel. However often…
A couple of weeks ago I was faced with a particularly irritating scenario; the clients who had booked for the final lesson of the day didn’t show… Not a word of explanation… Nothing! I am sure you have had similar experiences, whether you work with horses or not, and can relate to how I was feeling at that point; tired, frustrated and annoyed!…
There’s always a desire among riders to develop their seat in the saddle. Most riders understand that developing this one aid is a key part of improving as a rider. But what does it really mean? And how can you start to do it? Developing your riding seat begins with understanding that your seat must be used to signal to…
Why is your horse falling in? More importantly, how do you know if your horse is falling in? The quickest and easiest way I can explain falling in is to imagine you are riding a circle. One that you have planned out beautifully in your head. However, as your horse travels around it you seem to be getting more and…
Is there a more frustrating and exhausting experience when riding to match that of being on a horse that is not paying you a blind bit of notice?! You are on board kicking and pumping away. And all the while your horse is just meandering along. Ignoring you completely and acting as though he is on a relaxing Sunday outing.…
