Whether you’re riding in your back paddock, a quiet arena, or a field with a view, riding alone can feel both empowering and… well, a tad overwhelming! Without an instructor or trainer on the ground beside you, having a goal to improve your riding can seem light years away. And second-guessing yourself can become the default way of training! That…
There’s a moment in every rider’s journey, whether you’ve just started learning to ride, or you’re returning after a break, when you suddenly become very aware of everything that’s not quite right… Maybe your leg moves too much. Or you bounce in the saddle. Perhaps you struggle with consistency with your reins – they’re either too long or too tight.…
There is always a look of pure satisfaction on a rider’s face when they finally ‘get’ the rising trot! You know, they stop bouncing about and can actually work with the horse, in rhythm. And that is an important stepping stone for all riders. More than likely, when you were first learning how to ride the trot, your instructor taught…
Do your hands sometimes seem like they develop a mind of their own when you’re riding? You tell them to stay quiet, steady, and soft… But they just seem committed to waving about. In fact, they feel miles away from being the ‘steady hands’ that you want as a rider! Trust me, you’re not alone! Steady hands are a sore…
Have you ever glanced down mid-trot or canter and seen your lower leg doing a full-on windscreen wiper impression? You’re not alone. I see this all the time. Novice riders trying to figure out how to stop that swinging lower leg from distracting their horse (and them!). The issue is that so often, trying to ‘fix’ your lower leg won’t…
Ever catch yourself thinking, “Seriously, we’re working on this again? I should be past this by now!” You’re definitely not alone. So many experienced and returning riders feel frustrated when asked to revisit the basics. But here’s the thing: The basics aren’t something you master once and leave behind. They’re the building blocks of truly great riding. And the more…
