Training

Thinking Outside the Box with Steve Rother

In today’s fast paced world, many equestrians are being drawn back to the concept of developing an all-around horse – one that is willing and able to participate in anything from local horse shows to team penning events, trail rides, …

How to Navigate a Trail Gate

In autumn, the trails are often muddy and the schooling ring ground frozen. This leaves people looking for an off-season, poor-footing training idea to keep them motivated and develop their horses’ skills. In cases like this, I often suggest riders …

How to Memorize a Show Pattern

As a judge, I hate to be the “off course” whistle-blower. As a competitor, I hate to hear it. Because I was the “off course queen” as a young rider, I know well that lost-in-the-jungle feeling when you don’t know …

Give Your Horse Power Steering

If your horse is difficult to steer, it not only ruins your enjoyment of riding, but can also be dangerous. You can have a horse who steers easily and willingly without pulling into the bridle or running through your leg. …

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The Meaning of Impulsion

In dressage terms, impulsion usually refers to the forward driving power of the hindquarters. Reiners know impulsion is about responsive forwardness.
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Spooking on the Trail

The further they get from home, the less secure they feel, and spooking on the trail is a great example of how a prey animal acts when he feels in danger.
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My Horse Won’t Slow!

You’ve been there…you can’t hold your horse back any more.  He’s prancing, he’s pushing like a freight train against the bit, and he’s lunging and plunging. But you hold on with incredible determination because you know if you let go …

Game 7: The Squeeze Game

Remember, the Seven Games are progressive and you need to have the other six in place before being able to successfully play the Squeeze Game.

Game 6: The Sideways Game

Backwards and sideways have everything to do with your horse’s impulsion and emotional fitness - which influences almost everything else your horse does.

Game 5: The Circling Game

The Circling Game in Parelli Natural Horse-Man-Ship (PNH) is used to help your horse understand that it is his job to maintain gait, maintain direction, watch where he is going and all the while stay tuned into you as his …

Game 4: The Yo-Yo Game

The Yo-Yo Game is the fourth of the Seven Games. Games #1 (Friendly), #2 (Porcupine) and #3 (Driving) are called the “principle games”.