When it comes to riding, there is always more to learn. Despite becoming a coach several years ago, I still take lessons to improve my own riding. However, after so many years of being a student, becoming a coach really …
Training
The AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) describes its purpose as “designed to evaluate the exhibitor’s ability to execute, in concert with a well-groomed and conditioned horse, a set of manoeuvres [moves] prescribed by the judge with precision and smoothness while …
There are many reasons why you might want to try it. Here are some helpful points to think about if you’re interested in bitless riding.
You might want to try bitless because:
– Your horse doesn’t like the bit – …
If your warm-up consists of walking or trotting a few times around the arena, you’re not getting the best performance from your horse (or yourself). A good warm-up routine gets you both focused and ready to work – mentally and …
Carlos Tabernaberri says pushy behaviour on the ground leads to undesirable behaviour under saddles. Learn how to step up as a leader.
A Utah horse trainer with a history of launching strange and unsuccessful lawsuits has found an unlikely ally in his latest court battle.
American Quarter Horse Association hall of famer Carol Harris has leant her support to Edward Allan Buck’s …
It can take two or three years to develop a horse to the higher level of flying lead changes (lead changes in mid-air), and that’s if you’ve got a good coach, an athletic horse, and you’re doing everything right! In …
The halt is the most important and often most difficult transition for riders to perform well. Here Anne Gage explains how to improve halt transitions.
It’s hard to believe the year is nearly over, or how much we have covered in this series, from establishing trust, obedience and respect; to creating calmness and rhythm; and, most recently, developing suppleness, straightness and balance. These are the …
The most natural thing for a horse to do is to go forward. The most frustrating issue for many riders is having a horse that is not willing to go forward. So, what prevents a horse from doing what comes …
Over the years, I have seen a lot of impulsion without a good understanding of contact. This type of movement is often nothing more than nervous energy from the horse, and all it does is create a potential runaway situation. …
The reality for most people, however, is that achieving a show-worthy jog means lots and lots of hard work. Learn how to achieve that jog here.
Whether you ride for pleasure or in competition, English or western, in speed classes or judged events, in the arena or on the trail, you have to ride corners, circles or turns. Wide turns or tight turns, the elements that …
Over the past few weeks I hope you – and your horse – have had plenty of ‘thinking time’ and the opportunity to work on establishing the trust that is essential to a building a strong foundation in your training.…
As with the canter departs we discussed in the last issue, the quality of your ridden halts will depend on the level of training of the horse you’re riding, plus your own skill level. It would be unrealistic to expect …