Recent Articles

Kirsten's Blog Post # 5
Are You a Creative Rider?


When you are riding or working with horses, when you come up against a road block, do you keep drilling the problem?  Never changing how you are asking?  Never assessing the situation? (Click on Blog Title above (in blue) to read full entry)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 292
Did you know that horses push upward with their front feet to begin a jumping effort? That is why it is so important that you don't make a move forward with your body as the horse is trying to take off. Your weight leaning up the neck at this crucial moment hinders the horse's ability to raise the front end.
Question # 192: I am stuck in my training right now. I know the concept of all that is being asked of me, but I have the movement of a brick. I am unconciously stiff in my movements...
...(even my arm movement seems structured), in turn my horse is very braced. I know there are many articles are creating a supple horse, but do you have any exercises/advice on helping with rider suppleness? (Katie) 



Hi Katie!

This is a very common problem! And it often stems from trying too hard! The secret to success in Dressage lies in the rider's ability to... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full article)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 291
When training a young horse you should be fairly single minded. Your main goal should be to build your horse's confidence in you, so that they think of you as a fair but strong leader.
Video # 62, and Question # 191: I asked a Dressage Judge to score my horse's trot. She gave him a 6.5-7 at best. When I asked what we should try differently (this is a trainer/judge who knows both me and my horse) to get an 8, she said...
...that this horse isn't an 8, and that we'd only get 8's on straight lines, never circles... because he's not just that great a mover. I guess I refuse to accept that! So, please tell me what you think. I know there are some moments of tension but for a BN/Novice level horse, what should I work to improve upon? (Mandy) (Click on Video/Question Title above (in blue) to read the answer)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 290
All change is usually hard at first, often messy in the middle, and usually worth it at the end.
Discussion # 88: Let's take a look at the balance of these two riders!
Now, this is definitely not meant to be a "Eventers vs Show Jumpers" debate, but let's take a look at the balance of these two riders. Based on a recent discussion on Facebook, it seems many riders are under the false impression that an automatic release with a low hand would bring the rider's balance too far forward. But take a look at the first picture, and this rider's lovely and soft automatic release. You should get a sense that this rider could put her hand absolutely anywhere she wanted, even all the way down to her toes! ...without her balance coming forward. 

On both pictures below, locate each riders center of gravity by imagining where their belly button is.... and then note where that point is in relation to both the horse's withers, and the rider's feet. 

Because the rider in the second picture has a much more forward balance point, with the resulting pinched knee, and lower leg falling back - the only way he could possibly use the same kind of release as the rider in the first picture (if he wanted to), would be to rely on that extreme knee grip (which is his base of support in this case, rather than his stirrup.)

Both of these are great riders, who are very successful, and have a style that works for them. But we should be able to examine each rider's form and style, and learn from it. Please share your thoughts! (Click on Discussion Title above (in blue) to read this educational discussion)


Lucinda Green

show jumping
Tip/Quote of the Day # 289
The key to success when shortening the reins is for the rider to be able to keep the hand forward feeling. Think short reins, long arms.
Question # 190: Last year, my mare was a VERY solid Novice horse and I moved her up to Training level at the end of the season. She would take about 2-3 jumps to build her confidence and then there was literally nothing I could point her at she...
...wouldn't jump over on x-country. I even threw some prelim fences at her with no issues whatsoever. Along with the rest of the country, we had a really hard winter with not as much riding as I would like. I've jumped a few different times and my horse has been very good on every occasion. We've jumped at home, away from home, out in the field, etc. with no problems. I took her for her first cross-country schooling of this year yesterday, and she was very uncharacteristically stopping at fences. My Novice/almost training level horse was refusing even starter fences. And she was stopping HARD. She'd be very forward to pretty much the base of the fence, maybe sometimes a stride away, and then would just stop. Because of the slower start to the season I was planning on taking her Novice for her first event this year (about a month away), but now I am concerned about wasting my money even going if she can't get over a starter fence. Since both stadium and dressage don't seem to be a problem (or at least a money-losing one) my plan is to focus on cross country for a while and take her to the local "schooling ground" a few times, starting very small, and trying to build her confidence back up again. I'm wondering what your thoughts are? Does it sound like I maybe just tried too much too soon this year (I started the schooling rather small so I'm not sure what else I could do)? Should I maybe take her Beginner Novice instead of Novice? Any ideas/advice would be appreciated. Thanks! (Kayla)



Hi Kayla!

It is not all that unusual for horses (or riders) to find themselves back to sqaure one confidence wise after a long period of not going cross country. Although the extent to which you describe is unexpected. I think we can safely assume that she is not being bothered by a physical issue, like a minor soundness or new saddle fitting issue (from a possible loss of weight over the hard winter), since you say she is going so well in the other phases.  So that leaves us with confidence issues. Perhaps you were a bit nervous and tentative yourself out there, since you hadn't done it in a while either? She may also have just been having a really bad day (being a mare, and all!) At any rate, what I would advise you doing is... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 288
When on a cross country course that is partially on wooded paths, always keep in mind that you are never going quite as fast as you feel you are when you are in the woods. The trees may be whizzing by, but if you slow down too much you may find it hard to make the time up on the more open areas.
Tip/Quote of the Day # 287
It can be really helpful to get someone to regularly video you while you are riding, so you can actually see what you are doing right or wrong. Sometimes it can be even more beneficial than having someone on the ground. As when you can really see the problem yourself, you will be even more determined to fix it.
Guest Blog Post # 36: "Desperation, Exasperation, & Motivation" from the famous Bad Eventer!




I could hear it in her voice... (Click on Blog Title above (in blue) to read full entry)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 286
Stiff shoulders cause a rider to have tense, tight hands. To relax your shoulders, take a deep breath in, and exhale... looking for the feeling that your shoulders and elbows drop and become supple.
Question # 189: I have been riding this little 13.1h pony for this little girl at my barn for a few months now. She used to barrel race and does not know what slow is. She has gotten so much better since I first started riding her, but...
...she hates when I have the slightest contact. She does not even know what dressage means let alone contact. She runs through every single bit we put her in, right now she is in a kimberwick double jointed bit in the lowest slot. It works okay, but we are having some problems. Her teeth are fine and her saddle is fine and we have had the dentist come look at her and she is fine so we don't know what to do. What types of bits would you recommend? Also, she always rushes jumps and ducks her head way down. Even poles, she tries to skip the poles if they are "too close together" but if you place them farther apart she does a pony extended trot (over exaggerating a bit) and she just runs and pulls on the bit. She will be fine sometimes going towards the jump but after she pulls her head down and runs so what do you suggest? I am 5'1 so she listens better to me than the little girl riding her. When the little girl rides her she just takes advantage of her. Sorry I just joined today and have so many questions about this cute but naughty pony! Thanks! (Margaret)



Hi Margaret!

Gotta love the cute but naughty ponies, don't you? And those that have been started with speed events like barrel racing are often especially challenging! It sounds like you will have your work cut out for you! An article on bits is in the works, and should be up within the week. But I don't think the answer to your problem is a particular bit. I think you need to... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 285
Let your plan be... to change and adapt your plan as much as necessary on course. Ultimately, you ride the horse, and not the plan. 
Tip/Quote of the Day # 284
Sometimes on a cross country course, they will mow the grass to form a path from jump to jump. Do NOT get suckered into always staying on that path on your approach to the jumps. If it would give you a better approach to move off of that visually inviting path, then do so.
Discussion # 87: Who can tell us why this cross country rider has their hands so wide?
Who can tell us why this cross country rider has their hands so wide at this moment? (Click on Discussion Title above (in blue) to read this educational discussion)

wide hands cross country riders
Tip/Quote of the Day # 283
Courage is like a muscle. The more we use it, the stronger it gets.
Tip/Quote of the Day # 282
"Dressage is not just for competition. It is gymnastics for horses and all horses can benefit from it, as they are more likely to stay sound with a long, stretchy neck, soft body and easy movement." ~ Carl Hester
The Ultimate Rider Leg Strengthening Exercise!


Rider lower leg



A strong leg is one of the keys to the strength of a rider's position. Here is an exercise that will build up your leg strength like no other! (Click on Article Title above (in blue) to read full article)
Quiz # 22: In a two stride Show Jumping combination, how many opportunities are there for a half halt?
In a two stride Show Jumping combination, how many opportunities are there for a half halt? (Click on Quiz Title above (in blue) to read this educational discussion)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 281
Remember to breathe... it's a lot easier to remember your Dressage Test or Jumping course with the benefit of a little oxygen.
Tip/Quote of the Day # 280
When a horse collects, his shoulders will come up naturally. Don't attempt to artificially raise the front end.
Tip/Quote of the Day # 279
Lunge lessons allow you to focus more on learning to feel what your body is doing, as you don't have to worry about controlling the horse.
Brianna's Blog Post # 4


(Mac and I doing what we love most!)

It’s just what we do.

I don’t know about you but I have a need to ride! I love what I do, I absolutely live to ride. I like to think of it as a hunger. If I don’t get to ride I feel as though I am starving. There is something about the time we spend in the barn and in that saddle that just feeds a certain happiness. (Click on Blog Title above (in blue) to read full entry)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 278
"There are many horses that can only be taught through lateral bending, especially second degree bending, to let the rein aids go through to the hind legs." ~ Sigismund v. Josipovich
Question # 188: I have a student who has a hard time seeing her leads while on the horse. I've tried to have her watch the front leading leg to see what lead it is, but she says she cannot see the legs at all.
Her horse does have rather large shoulders, but I don't think it's to the point that it would be impossible to see the legs. Part of the issue is as of right now, her horse only picks up the left lead no matter which direction we're going. Since she can't see the leads, she can't tell. We've also started focusing on watching other horses while on the ground to have her see which lead they're on, and we're making progress here. My next step is to put her on a lunge line and have her focus on just even seeing the front legs at all gaits, but I was wondering if you had any other suggestions/exercises? Thanks! (Kayla)


Hi Kayla!

I have a little trick for this that you can try! Just put a... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 277
On roundness - "If you have the body, you have the head - if you have the head you don't (necessarily) have the body." ~ Jack LeGoff
Question # 187: I'm working with a horse that insists on coming above the bit in the transition into the canter. She has a solid canter, a balanced counter canter, and can do the 1* canter work pretty darn well...
...but can't seem to get it in her head that she is balanced enough to stay on the bit in the transition. She will have a good transition maybe 1/3 or 1/4 times and it's rarely the same, but the most success I've had is with a bit of outside bend and posting into the canter. Any exercises, tips, help? (Catherine)


Hi Catherine!

Transitions are a very clear test of the quality of your connection. So when your horse comes above the bit in the transition to canter, she is telling you that her hind legs were not sufficiently up underneath her body, or she was not 100% through in her back at the time of the transition. Read this article on throughness for a full description on that quality, and read this article for an exercise to help increase your level of throughness. You will likely and hopefully find that after working on this exercise in the trot until you feel like it is going well, your transitions to canter are improved. 

Also read this article on improving canter departs, where you will find some exercises and advice for achieving more fluent and quality canter departs. Many times it helps to focus on exercises which... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 276
When jumping, imagine that the jump is coming towards you on a conveyor belt... and just focus on keeping the rhythm and the quality of the canter consistent, while you wait for the jump to come to you. 
Video # 61: This is Catherine!
(Click on Video Title above (in blue) to read the critique of this video)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 275
Always keep your eyes up when walking a course. See exactly what your horse will be seeing for the first time.
Question # 186: In the sitting trot should I have a flat, straight back or more of a S shape with stomach forward of shoulders? I tried both to see if there was any difference in my horses way of going but he seems fairly ambivalent. (Katy)

Hi Katy!

While the conformation of each individual rider may vary slightly, the answer for most is.... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 274
From Facebook fan Gabby Ballin ~ "Just because something went bad once doesn't mean it'll go bad again. If you anticipate a problem, your horse will too."
Kirsten's Blog Post # 4
"Hospital or Back On"

Before I even get into this topic I want to start off with a few ground rules. First, WEAR A FREAKING HELMET. Second, these are my personal opinions and thoughts, everyone is different. Third, please use common sense and air on the side of caution when it comes to the risk/presence of a concussion. (Click on Blog Title above (in blue) to read full entry)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 273
We want the horse to understand that he is not to go against the rider's hand. But we do not want him to think that he should give to the hand. If he learns to give to the rider's hand, he will tend to want to tuck his nose when the rider is attempting to create a connection, rather than truly moving into the bit and seeking that connection. 
Tip/Quote of the Day # 272
To steady your horse between jumps, many times it is sufficient to square your shoulders and stretch up your body in a poised way... opening up kind of like a sail on a sail boat. 
Tip/Quote of the Day # 271
"Frankly, everyone from intermediate on can and should learn to jump with a following hand. The crest release may be fine for the beginner, but it is a very limited technique for anyone who aspires to ride really well."  ~ William Steinkraus
Tip/Quote of the Day # 270
Under developed muscles need building slowly. 
Tip/Quote of the Day # 269
The more the rider listens to the horse, the more the horse will usually listen to the rider. 
Tip/Quote of the Day # 268
A common cause of knockdowns in the show jumping is the rider being too "handsy" in front of jumps. The more you fuss with the bit in the last few strides, the more you take your horse's focus off of the jump. Try to keep your contact as consistent as possible to allow your horse to stay focused on the top rail of the jumps as you approach them. 
Tip/Quote of the Day # 267
When your horse backs off or gets a little weak over a fence, you must have an immediate reaction. Send him sharply forward on the landing, to help him think more forward at the next fence. To do nothing makes your horse feel like he has a passenger on his back, rather than a confident leader. 
Tip/Quote of the Day # 266
Walk is the "explaining" pace, so whenever possible ride every exercise in the walk first, until your horse thoroughly understands. 
Tip/Quote of the Day # 265
"To get a good flying change, one has to perfect the original canter above all" ~ Nuno Oliveira 
Tip/Quote of the Day # 264
When approaching a plain drop jump with no log (or other defining factor) on top, it is usually wise to trot the last few steps before takeoff, as well as allowing him to look by softening the reins. Cantering off of a plain step makes it more likely for the horse to make a mistake, and mis-judge where the actual edge of the ground is. And this can cause him to be inaccurate with his footwork on the takeoff. 
Tip/Quote of the Day # 263
As my horse's leader, it is my job to always try to be aware that I am the leader, and act accordingly. 
A Quick and Easy Rider Hand Position Self Check

Rider hand position



Despite the best of intentions, many riders have a hard time maintaining the correct hand position when riding. This is often because we have so many different things to think about! It is one thing to maintain a perfect hand position at the halt, or when riding on loose reins. But when trying to give your horse the aids for various movements, dealing with any imperfections of the connection, or just focusing on another part of your anatomy for just a moment, it is common for the hands to go astray! Here is a quick and easy little "self check" that you can incorporate into your riding on a daily basis, to monitor your hand position! (Click on Article Title above (in blue) to read full article)
Tip/Quote of the Day # 262
"A good rider rides from transition to transition, a great rider rides from half-halt to half-halt !" ~ Robert Dover 
Tip/Quote of the Day # 261
"If you get left behind jumping up a bank, your horse will HATE you!" ~ Jimmy Wofford
Tip/Quote of the Day # 260
A tense, tight back is a blocked "bridge" for the energy that should be moving from the horse's hindquarters to the rider's hands.
More Articles >>
Riding Far, LLC
www.RidingFar.com
Equivont

https://www.equivont.com

Stackhouse Saddles
Stackhouse saddles
Our Sponsors!
Your ad here!