You’ve just popped the fence and, in your mind, it was a success. Mostly because you managed to stay on board for it! However, as soon as your horse lands, you are beginning to think that your ‘upright seat’ is becoming more and more of a fantasy… In fact, every stride your horse takes is literally bumping you further and…
Have you ever had the experience of riding a horse who was so heavy on the forehand, it felt as though your arms were a couple of inches longer by the time you dismounted?! The whole experience is exhausting! It feels as though you are literally carrying the horse’s head and neck by bracing your shoulders and arms against him…
Have you ever ridden a horse and they feel so wonderfully loose and pliable underneath you? Perhaps you can remember how your horse was able to really and truly use his body and how the suppleness made it feel like he was performing movements in the best possible way that his body, fitness and confirmation allowed? True suppleness allows your…
Who doesn’t love to canter? It may just be the most enjoyable gait to ride when in the saddle for many riders, however it is also the gait that might just have us working the hardest to actually successfully get there and then, returning back to trot or walk seems to also open a whole can of worms for many…
. Do you find yourself a tad confused as to what exactly to do with your legs while you ride? Do you find that even if you know what to do, degree of pressure to use or how often to apply the aid is confusing you? You are hearing terms such as ‘Keep your leg on’, ‘use your leg’, ‘more…
The half-halt should be one of the earliest things that riders learn to master when learning to ride their horse. It is a vital part of riding well and being able to perform accurate, balanced movements with your horse. However, while many riders understand the concept of the half-halt in theory, unfortunately, the carrying out of the actual movement leaves…
