A dropped or hollowed back can be a critical roadblock in advancing the athletic development of the horse. More importantly than the sought-after aesthetics, it is a definitive indicator of weakness through the abdominals, and lack of engagement from the hindquarters. Once ill-fitting tack and pain have been ruled out as potential factors, it’s a …
Simple Exercises to stop the Bulging Shoulder
When the horse creates habits (or find points on the circle) to throw his shoulder in or out, the underlying issue is usually a simple matter of lacking strength, balance or straightness (or a little of each). Whether it’s a subtle bulging or full-on V-like bend and stumbling sideways, he needs your support and a …
Put an End to the Tug-o-War (part 1)
“If your arms are tired, you’re riding wrong.” Saying or hearing that phrase can be how you make enemies at the barn, but there are better ways of controlling speed than by pulling. It may seem like the only solution at the time, but whether your horse is constantly pulling against you to drag his nose in the dirt, or you are pulling on them to slow them down, once you fall into the trap of tugging, it can be a difficult habit to break – for us. For a horse? They tend to
Keep the “Winter Blahs” at Bay with a little Variety and a lot of Fun
Especially now that the “winter blahs” are taking hold, it’s so important to keep things fun and fresh for your four-legged friend! When the snow and ice make it too dangerous to ride outside, it becomes extra important to make sure that the inside of the arena doesn’t become the chamber of monotony. Here are …
Spice up Your Riding with Julia Kohl’s Creative Dressage Schooling
Whether your dressage partner is a schoolmaster or a greenie, this book is an awesome reference to keep variety in your schooling sessions. After a brief introduction, Kohl takes you right into easy-to-follow, progressive schooling routines that each target specific goals – transitions, bending, use of corners, impulsion, etc – to develop your horse naturally, …
Ride with Your Seat: Steering with Your Core
There are few things as entrancing as watching a Grand Prix ride where the horse and rider seem to move as one. Cues are virtually imperceptible, even to a trained eye, and yet the horse’s motions are fluid and deliberate. While the technical skills are a journey in themselves, the foundation for the communication is attainable – and should…
Solidify your Schooling with The Athletic Development of the Dressage Horse: Manege Patterns
In this eloquently written manual, de Kunffy encourages as much the individuality of the horse as he does the athletic development for a fully-fleshed, evolved, and liberating approach to training. He begins in genuine fashion of the Classical schools looking at rider education, and emphasizing the good that comes from accepting the horse’s individuality and sometimes-unique …
Improve your Riding with Anatomy of Dressage
Getting right down to the core elements of rider position, effect and influence, Anatomy of Dressage by Heinrich Schusdziarra and Volker Schusdziarra is a staple of the dressage (or any!) rider to truly understand their body in the saddle and how best to use it to for desired effect. Originally translated from German and now co-published …
Ride with Your Seat: Master the Basics
No matter your discipline, once you learn the finesse of communicating intent with your seat, weight, and legs, it opens you to a whole new level of riding. In addition to being able to guide your horse with a thought, the awareness you glean from practicing your side of the communication also educates your body into …
Be Inspired by Sylvia Loch’s The Classical Rider
When I call upon what words I could possibly use to do this book justice, I can find only: This was one of the most influential equestrian books I have ever read. Granted, it was one of the first books on training philosophies I’d read, so much like how Lord of the Rings will forever be the …