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…
Have you ever caught yourself mid-ride, wondering, “Wait, what am I even doing right now?” You’re trotting along and suddenly realise your reins have slipped, your heels are up, or you’re staring at your horse’s neck. Riding on autopilot isn’t a bad thing – if what’s running in the background is actually helping you. In fact, putting the right things…
Ask any rider what they want to make happen when it comes to their riding aids and, hopefully, creating truly independent aids will be high up there on that list. Because, let’s face it, your aids can only be as clear and useful in direct relation to how independent they are. But saying you want independent aids and working towards…
Whether you realize it or not, incorrect or bad posture is hurting your riding. And your horse’s way of going. And this habit will usually continue unchecked for sometimes years. I don’t believe that riders ever initially set out to ride in a way that will negatively impact things. Usually what happens is that riding a certain way either produces…
There is a tendency for riders to ‘hold’ a little too much during the downward transitions. And while the half halt is essential to the preparation and transition itself… Too much can lead to a very ‘stuck’ feeling when the horse actually makes it into the new gait! A little like ‘stuck in the mud’. In this episode, I am…
There are certain times of the year when circumstances mean you can find yourself with either more or less time with your horse. December, August, and April are just a few that pop into my mind. Some riders find they have more time, and other riders have significantly less! It just depends on your unique circumstances and situation. What is…
