If the horse is sound, I doubt that his previous injury has anything to do with this tendency. Most horses have a lazier or weaker hind leg, and the halt is often a consistent place for this to show up. It is common for the horse to halt with the lazier hind leg "out behind" him... and that may or may not involve resting or cocking that foot up as well. To correct this tendency, you need to focus on activating that lazy hind leg! Here's how: (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)Question # 154: I have a student who has been working really hard to move up from cross rails to 2 ft. Though she understands the mechanics and reasons behind not jumping ahead, she struggles with waiting at the base…...and tends to push off her toe on the stirrup and gets too straight in her knee/hip angle and too far forwards with her torso. Then she gets "popped" a bit over the jump since her angles are too straight and rigid. This mostly happens when she doesn't have the pony in front of her leg all the way across the jump - she will have a great canter and then two strides out she'll start leaning a bit/getting on her toe a bit and not keep the pony forward, pony still jumps because she is good, but then it gets messy. I've tried videoing her to show her, we've jumped cross rails without stirrups, done lots of two point work cantering over poles, told her to keep her hips back, to just ride the jump like its just another canter stride and stay quite and just follow with her hands etc etc. Nothing seems to really be doing the trick. Wondering if you have any exercises that may help with this? (Vita)
Well with The Bravery Test, as with most tests and guidelines, there are almost always exceptions. He may turn out to be too timid to be a good Eventer, or he may be just fine as long as you are careful about how you introduce him to things. With this type of horse, I would... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)Question # 152: I have a question regarding the seasonal planning for horse training. I used to live in Sweden, and there we got 2 quite distinct relaxation periods for our horses. In the summer, all the horses go out to pasture, and most of them get some time off. It's easy to check in on each other's horses, so as a horse owner, you could leave for a few weeks and not worry about your horse rotting in his/her stall.
In the winter, we usually had to give the horses an easier time because of very adverse weather conditions. Sure, we'd both do dressage, jump and go galloping in the snow too, but a lot of the time, it just wasn't possible because of snow and wind. Again, the horses did get out in decently sized pastures where they could run and play together.
I now live in California, and I'm not sure how to plan my horse's exercise. It's never too hot or too cold to get out and ride, so there are no natural resting periods. Also, I live in a metropolitan area, so though my horse gets turned out pretty much every day, her paddock is only about twice the size of her stall, so no exercise at all there.
I have had my 7-year-old mare for about 18 months now, and she has yet to get more than 2-3 days off in a row, ever. I do take a few weeks here and there where we don't jump at all (otherwise 1-2 times/week), and we definitely ease up on the dressage in between shows, but I feel like it would be cruel to not let her move around at all. What is standard practice here - does the horse need a real vacation, and if so, would that mean temporarily sending her off to pasture a few hours away? (Nanna)
Hi Nanna!
You bring up a very important subject here, as it is very important to keep our horses fresh, happy, and healthy! I feel that all horses.... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to reaf full answer)Question # 151: I can't seem to find a bit that my OTTB doesn't want to spit out of his mouth...The minute I put the bridle on, he instantly begins trying to spit out the bit. I've tried a plethora of bits: mullen mouth, happy mouth, Myler Level 1 (the smaller diameter version), Double-jointed snaffles with a smooth oval lozenge, etc. He definitely has a low palate, so I tried a Happy Mouth mullen mouth bit‹he hated it. The issue seems to be his tongue. I suspect perhaps his tongue was tied down on the track? I've also tried hanging the bit higher and lower. I have not tried any of the yummy bit stuff. At any rate, it's affecting our connection because he concentrates so hard on trying to spit out the offending mouthpiece! I do not overtighten his noseband or use a flash. Any suggestions? (Courtney)
He doesn't do anything bad, his neck is just tight, he's not through. His tenseness has gotten worse since we're riding Novice and our tests are early, 8am. How do I calm/relax him before our event dressage tests?
My current approach is to: 1. walk him around the dressage arena the night before 2. start warming up 1 hour before 3. walk a lot, talking to him and allowing him to stretch out 4. do lots of walk-trot-walk transitions, canter-walk transitions and shoulder in.
I'll take any ideas: preparation, warm up, supplements that might help.. drugs for him or me ;) Thanks! (Catherine)
Whenever a horse lifts one knee higher than the other over a jump, it is usually indicative of a horse that is out of balance laterally. That low right knee means that your horse.... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer) Question # 148: I'm finding it very hard to think further ahead than the next fence when jumping a course. I find I concentrate on riding that fence, then land, and think 'Now where.... ahh yes'. By then I've inevitably landed on the wrong lead.... or lost my nice rhythmical canter. Is there anything I can do - any exercises (on or off horse) to get myself thinking further ahead, or is it just a case of practice...practice...practice? I'm happy to do the practice, but if there is some advice you can give that would help now, I'd really appreciate it! Many thanks (Catherine)
This is a great question, as so many riders struggle to find that elusive elastic connection with their horse's mouth! First of all, before a rider has any real chance of finding a good rein connection, they must... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)Question # 145: I have a very busy brain. Because of this I over think everything! Unless it is a very complicated question... I can complete complicated jumps with ease, ...but I often mess up on simple outside lines. This frustrates my trainer to no end. I have only been riding 19 months and eventing for 4 months. I know that if I can fix this now I will do better in the long run. Any suggestions on how to help with over thinking? Anything helps, thanks! (Katie)
Hi Katie!
Ah, the joys of an over active mind! You are probably highly intelligent, with a higher than average ability to process and apply information. This, like any other trait, has its pros and cons. As you describe, you will thrive when things get hard... which is when many riders become overwhelmed. But you will have to learn to... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)Question # 144: I have a question about riding my horse down hills.I know that it's a great exercise for increasing carrying power in the hind legs (which is something my horse really needs, as he is built with more pushing power, and most of his hind leg motion is from hips back), but my horse is rather "squirelly" when he goes down the hill, trying to swing his body from side to side to avoid the work. What suggestions do you have for solving this problem, or other exercises to do to improve his carrying power? (Aidan)
This is a topic where there is no one right answer - as each horse and each situation can be slightly different. But there are some general guidelines to keep in mind. These are as follows: (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
Question # 142: I was asked to ride a log oxer that had a 2.5 ft drop down to a very slight down hill terrain change. I was instructed to ride it in balance (staying in the center of the horse), flowing, shoulders up and to stay with the horses motion and that it was not necessary to slide the reins and push your heels forward on drops of this size. I have had instructors who have told me to slide the reins at this jump. At what height, types of drops and when do you need to slide the reins? (Kristi)
Hi Kristi!
It is so hard to know what to do when you get conflicting advice like this, isn't it? The way I look at this situation... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer) Question # 141: My mare has been having some sort of mental breakdown for the last few weeks, and I think we've narrowed the problem down to herd separation anxiety.It is so bad that she doesn't even want to eat her grain (which we isolate her to feed her since none of the other horses get grain) about half the time. She'll eat ok if I stand with her when she is eating. The weird thing is that she has been in a herd since I've owned her (11 years). She's never had any problems with separation anxiety before, and this started about 3 weeks ago. I can sometimes ride her in the arena right by the house and she does ok, but I can't really get any good work done down in the hay field where we jump because it is too far away from the horses. I can't tie her where my tack is because it is too close to the pasture and if the horses walk away where she can't see them anymore she just paces and I can't really do anything to get her to stand still or pay attention to me. I've been doing mostly groundwork last week and she has improved some on the ground, but under saddle she is still a nervous wreck. Today I trailered her over to a nearby barn, and she was fantastic. She tied wonderfully to the trailer, was super calm, and was great under saddle. I would like to not have to trailer her in order to get a successful ride in, do you have any ideas on how to deal with this problem? (Kayla)
Hi Kayla!
I'm sorry to hear that you are having this problem! Whenever a horse has any sudden change in personality or behavior, I think it is always a good idea to have them fully checked out to make sure there is not a physical issue. Ulcers are the first thing that comes to mind. I would either have her scoped, or just do a week or so of Ulcergard treatement as a diagnostic test. If her behavior goes back to normal when on a trial of Ulcergard, then you will know that ulcers were likely contributing to your problem. You may want to have a vet check for things like ovarian cysts, which can make a mare uncomfortable enough to act unpredictably.
If everything checks out physically, then there are a few things you can experiment with... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)Question # 140: I have a question about lunging. Normally my horse is very good on the lunge line, but I have started lunging her out in pasture we also use for xcountry schooling in order to help her realize this is a place to work and get her to calm down some before we ride out there (our first ride in the field didn't go so well....). She is much less attentive to me and my commands while we're out there. The biggest issues we're having on the lunge is that she cuts in toward me for about half the circle and I can't get her to slow down. I try to spend a lot of time making her calmly walk on the lunge line and get her focus back on me. Sometimes she does, sometimes she just takes off trotting. Once she is sufficiently calm walking on the lunge, I ask her to trot, and so on. Once she's trotting (not so much at the canter), she trots VERY fast and I have a hard time getting her to slow down. At both the trot and the canter it takes sometimes up to 3-4 times around the circle for her to come down to the next gait once I've asked her to. Any suggestions on how to handle this? (Kayla)
Well, I think the very best thing to do is to practice at home to learn to feel what each speed feels like for your horse. You do this by... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)Question # 138: My horse and I haven't been jumping too long, and have just started getting to the 2'3" to 2'6" heights.As we got higher than two feet, some of her bad habits have become more apparent, such as slowing down coming towards a jump and getting the deep distance every. single. time. I'm not skilled enough to help her get the right distance yet, and I have a feeling that's the majority of her problem. She'll see the jump, feel strong and forward and excited and ready for it, then it's like she loses confidence as she gets closer, and often ends up stutter-stepping or trotting then jumping. And now with a slightly higher height, she often ends up stopping, or stopping and then jumping from a dead stop (which often ends with me on her neck or on the ground). I know I'm making things worse now because I'm anticipating her stopping. We need to be moving at a faster pace, she's cantering practically western pleasure style right now thanks to having a ridiculously tiny arena to jump in where she couldn't get a good canter. But until we get her to the right distance where she can confidently take off, our rhythm is going to be all over the place. I was thinking gymnastics might help her, but wanted to know what you thought we should do? I've dropped her back down to her comfortable, easy 2 feet for now until we get this straightened out. Thanks! (Holly)
This is a very good question! As there is a "right" amount for every situation. The outside rein connection is integral to dressage. Riders should strive for the outside rein to remain consistently and elasticly connected throughout their work. Why is it so important? It's what allows circles, corners, and lateral work to improve the balance and self carriage of the horse... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)Question # 136: I have a question about a problem that I am having with my mare on cross country. When we do our gallop sets in particular, I work on her being adjustable. When I close my hands to ask her to come back she avoids this by moving her body sideways. It is never the same direction she goes, and I try closing my leg and "outside" rein to keep her from wiggling, which helps some, but still not enough. What should I do? (Kayla)
Hi Kayla!
What you are describing is actually quite common! This is similar to what happens to the tractor trailer or a truck and trailer when the front brakes are applied too strongly. The energy in the back end of the vehicle overpowers the front end, and the result is a jack knifed situation:
To avoid a jack knife situation like this, the rear brakes (the ones on the trailer) need to be as equally engaged as the front brakes (the ones on the truck). And the same is true when you are riding. Too much hand will almost always cause a strong horse to go sideways. What you need to do instead is to... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)Question # 135: I have been having an issue with my lesson jumper horse. He's about 12 years old, been doing this job for a while now. I also ride him for tune up rides and when I need to feel what he does so I can better explain to students what they should be doing. He normally is a great jumper! Very honest and has great scope. (sometimes too much) What the issue is that he tends to switch leads in front of jumps. Not all of them, it's quite random actually. I know switching leads isn't that big of a deal, but what he does is shuffle right where he should be taking off, then taking a short spot and jumping you out of the saddle. I have had good luck pushing for the whole stride, because if he doesn't come at the fence forward, then its more likely he will do this. 8x out of 10, he will find a good spot without shuffling if you can actively drive him forward and take the right spot, but the other 2x he will take the strange step that can end up him jumping from an almost standstill and popping you out of the tack. What exercises would you suggest for me work on to help this? Thanks! (Laura)
This is a fairly common problem for riders to encounter when attempting to stretch a horse that is on the hot side. And is telling that there is... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer) Question # 130: I have a 5 yo OTTB gelding (10 months off the track) that I would really like to hack out more. However, the few times I have tried, he's been a little anxious in the open field. The last time I took him on a hack (only walking always), he bolted and left me eating dirt after running for a good minute going down hill. I was nervous to use a pulley rein since I never have before especially on uneven terrain. He is an exceptional, calm, and non-spooky horse in all other situations, and handles everything in stride. I would love some tips on building my confidence to hack out, and how to best handle this situation. I've tried pairing with a calm trail horse, but he seems the same when with or without company. I would also like to know if I should be riding him on loose reins vs on the aids. Thanks! (Anonymous)
Well that's no fun, is it?? It sounds like the poor guy is just very anxious and uncomfortable out in big open spaces. What is his turnout like? If he is currently in a small paddock, you might want to see if you can find him a large field to go in with a calm buddy. That way he can be working on his anxiety in big open spaces the whole time he is out there. Let him live outside if possible. It is such a shame how many race horses never see anything of the world outside of their stalls and the track.
Don't worry! This is a perfectly normal reaction for many people after having been away from the sport for a while! All you need to do is... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer) Question # 128: Could you explain the proper aids required (and timing) for lengthening at the trot and canter?I am preparing for first level on a PSG schoolmaster (I know! Lucky me!), so he is well trained, but I need to be more consistent with my aids - sometimes I do everything correctly and beautifully, but I never quite remember exactly what it was that I did. (Karrie)
Hi Karrie!
What a great opportunity for you! It can be so helpful to learn to do movements on a horse that is well schooled! If you find and push the right "buttons", they will let you know by performing the movement correctly. There is almost no better way to learn! I am excited for you! As for asking for a trot lengthening... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer) Question # 127: When teaching, and you are working with a student who has been taught theories that are different from what you teach, how do you handle that? How do you get them to at least try it your way without denigrating the way the other instructor teaches? I want my students to always go home feeling like they got a lot out of it instead of thinking that I don't have a clue what I am talking about! (Kelly)
Hi Kelly!
This is always a challenge for us instructors, isn't it?? There are SO many differenty theories and systems being taught out there that this is bound to happen regularly! I think the key to handling this situation is to... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)Question # 126: How much leg is too much leg? I have been riding for about 5 years and I have always ridden with almost no leg on our QHs/Appys unless I'm doing something laterally. In other words, I just pretty much let it lay there. Recently, I have been riding very large moving horses, and my lower leg is all OVER the place! At the canter, my lower leg swings forward and backward with the horse's motion. I find I have to really put leg on and sink deep into my heels to keep my lower leg half way quiet. Is that reasonable, or am I doing something else incorrectly that is screwing my lower leg up? Exercises for strengthening the lower leg would also be appreciated! (Karen)
Hi Karen!
This is a great question! As I think many riders struggle with a lower leg that swings back and forth some at the canter. Yet to keep that leg quiet by clamping it tightly to the horse's side will cause the horse to become dull to the leg aids. And we certainly can't have that! When a rider's lower leg swings back and forth, it is usually because either they have... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer) Question # 125: I have a question about bravery in the field and jumping without schooling first.My big horse is also a big chicken - when he's alone. If other horses are around he's quite brave and very tactile. If you can get him to touch it - he'll jump it. He enjoys jumping. His ears prick up and you can fel him really pulling you to the fence. But he is so spooky if there are no other horses with us. If no one else is working in the ring, I have to have a babysitter horse in there with us when I jump. This fear of him being so spooky alone has been one of the major obstacles keeping me from competing. We have lots of fun schooling cross country because I can walk him up to it, let him touch it, jump it and move on. Once he's jumped it I can put him together and have multiple fences in a row. I don't know that I could get him to a new place and have him jump BN fences without schooling... and there won't be any buddies out there either. Do you have any suggestions on how I can help build his confidence when along and how to get him to jump without schooling first? (Carolyn)
Hi Carolyn!
This can be a tough problem unfortunately, and is a reason some horses just will not make Event horses. But I have some ideas of things for you to try! First of all, I would... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
First of all, I'm sorry to hear about your hip surgery! I hope that you will have a smooth and full recovery! And second - good for you for being productive in your downtime! Going back to the basics to try to help your horse to become more even and supple will definitely pay off in the long run. I am sure you will feel the difference once you are ready to get back in the saddle.
Well Henry is no dummy, and you have done steeplechase at that facility several times! So I'm not that surprised to hear that he is quite "up". The extra fitness required for a 3 day at any level can be enough to light many a horses' fire as well! What I would do is... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)Question # 122: My horse is taking off with me in the canter! When I ride out with other horses, my horse is starting to get very strong. If we are in front, I can handle her.If we are not in front, she wants to take off. If is sit and hold her really tightly she gets angry with me (head shaking, bucking), which would be fine except it slows us down, which in turn escalades the problem, since we are then left behind! I like to ride on loose reins when I am hacking because we just want to relax and have fun with our friends, but lately she has been literally taking off with me when I do! Any suggestions? Should I try a stronger bit? (Anonymous)
Sometimes something as simple as asking for lateral flexion at the poll to the inside can completely fix this problem. And other times, usually when the horse is quite crooked in its body, you will need to do something more dramatic than that.
She is a very naturally fit horse, so I have a hard time identifying if she is fatigued or if I am pushing her too hard. What exercises would you suggest to slowly bring her back into jumping? (Kayla)
Hi Kayla!
It can definitely be hard to judge the true fitness level of a horse when you are dealing with the lively, naturally active type! They never act tired, so how do you know how fast to bring them along? And sometimes when you are trying to bring them back slowly by following a progressive program, they seem to be begging you to do more! For their sake, you need to make sure that you do not let them talk you into doing too much too soon! The general rule of thumb is to... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
Rhythm and tempo are SO important in dressage (and jumping), as rhythm and balance go hand in hand. When the horse is maintaining a good rhythm and an even tempo as he performs movements, you likely have both relaxation and a consistent level of balance.
Galloping between fences we want to leave our horses alone as much as possible, so that they can be relaxed in their bodies and move freely. Yet if we can teach them to gallop in good balance, it makes it much easier to prepare for each jump. And it can also keep them sounder! Whether or not you should let your horse stay low in front at the gallop depends on... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)Question # 116: I'm not a gadget person - I don't own draw reins, a chambon, or even a running martingale. However, after lots and lots of time (nearly a year) trying to convince my OTTB that stretching forward and down into contact is far better than..hollowing out and inverting with limited results, I'm starting to wonder if a 'gadget' might help get us on the path to success. Given that we've had some success--it doesn't appear to be painful for him, and occasionally we get good moments of forward, relaxed swinging back type movement, I'm thinking that basically, his opinion is, "Look, lady, I've been doing this for 11 years. What you're asking me to do requires building muscle in new places, and that's a lot of work." I'd love to show him that my way is better for him in the long run, but we're not seeing eye to eye! (He naturally moves hollowed out, head up in the air at liberty, unless he's showing off for a new lady--then he suddenly turns into dressage pony, all up through his back...so I know he's physically capable.) In this case, would you suggest temporarily using a gadget to help him see the light? I get a lot of different opinions on this, and I'd just like to hear your perspective. (Courtney)
Hi Courtney!
I am personally very anti gadget for under saddle work. Any device whose purpose is soley to put the horse's head down has the potential to teach the horse something that we don't really want him to learn. And that is to "give" to pressure of the bit by dropping his head or by tucking his nose closer to his chest. In dressage we want our horse to seek the connection of the bit, instead of learning to drop his head on command. When I have a horse that is so naturally upside down like yours, I usually show him how to move into the connection by... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)Question # 115: I am training my young horse myself. He is a 17.2 hand Oldenburg gelding, just turning 5. Last summer I did some basic flatwork and hacking with him, and he did great!I gave him this winter off, and am now bringing him back into work again. And now he is so different, I just don't know what is going on! He used to be so sweet and happy, and seemed to enjoy being ridden. Now he pins his ears, threatens to kick out when I put my leg on him, and doesn't want to go forward. He is still his same sweet self on the ground. I am at a loss as to why he would make such a dramatic change like this! What should I do? Maybe I'm not up to this and need to send him away for training? Please help! (Anonymous)
Whenever any horse has a drastic change in attitude, my first thought is usually that there might be a pain issue. So even if you think your horse is completely sound, I would have a lameness specialist do a full workup on him to make sure. Many times with horses that have back or SI (sacroiliac) issues, poor performance and/or a bad attitude are the only noticable symptoms. While any vet can look at these areas, lameness specialists are more apt to have seen lots of horses with inconspicuous performance issues. I would also have your saddle looked at by a reputable saddle fitter. Even if it fit him great last summer, it may not now - as he is young and is busy growing and filling out. Also make sure his teeth have been checked.
His trot to canter has improved immensely. He is quiet and remains balanced and on the bridle. We've started working on walk to canter and no matter how quiet we try to keep things, he gets a bit frazzled. The head flies up, back inverts. Mind you, this is what it was like for trot to canter last year! We ensure that he has a nice active walk behind before asking, and we're allowing a few tiny trot steps before the canter with the idea that we can gradually reduce those trot steps. Is it just a matter of time like it was with trot to canter, or is there something else we can be keeping in mind? (Nicole)
Hi Nicole!
Walk to canter transitions are actually easier than trot to canter for horses in some ways... physically they are not very hard, and there is less of a tendency for the horse to have balance issues. The main challenges involved in walk to canter transitions are that of ensuring that there is sufficient energy in the walk, keeping the horse straight, the timing and clarity of the rider's aid, and the horse's understanding of what you are asking.... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
Stretching down IS a great exercise, but is really only beneficial if done correctly. And many clever horses have figured out that... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)Question # 112: Can we talk about saddle fit for the rider? I am saddle shopping and have been for a year. (Current Freebie!)...I tend to like a deeper seated saddle, but I find myself hitting the cantle or bringing my seat too far forward when jumping seemingly as a result. Can we discuss saddle flap length and position, and seat depth and width, and how it relates to the riders' position and ability to find balance? Thanks! (Aubrey)
Hi Aubrey!
Oh I feel for you, saddle shopping can be so frustrating! What you describe is exactly why deap seated saddles are NOT usually recommended for jumping. Especially for cross country - a longer, flatter seat and a more forward cut flap allow you to move your hips back without hitting the cantle, which is necessary for security. And this becomes REALLY important on the bigger drop fences!
...I got on and he was pretty tense and I basically just walked around for a minute and then he just started bucking to get me off. It wasn’t a bad fall and that’s what gets me, I don’t know why I’m having such a hard time regaining my confidence again with him. I am pretty tense that he is going to run away with me again when I let him canter around the outdoor. But he hasn't. Whenever it comes time to canter I get all quivery and nervous. Though he has proved to have been a good boy since his odd bucking thing, he is young and it’s hard for me not to think of the “what ifs” when I ride. I lunge him before our rides and he is generally not a spooky horse. I need help getting over the tenseness which has made me into a unconfident rider. Especially at the canter I grab the inside rein to turn him (because sometimes he feels like he won’t turn if I don’t) and I have a hard time letting him go on the inside (rein). So we have the turning issue which my trainer has been working with us on a lot and it has gotten better but I still grab the inside a lot more than necessary and it is driving me nuts that I can’t let it go! But i swear we wont turn if I don't! At least that is how I feel. And then I have my confidence problem. I’ve been able to ride my trainer schoolmaster mare a lot and that has helped my confidence, but I’d like your input on how to get over this issue...I know I need to take things slow and build on small accomplishments with me and my horse. But I get really mad at myself because I never used to be so tentative like this. (Shannon)
Hi Shannon!
It's always hard to let go of those unfortunate isolated incidences! You will probably never forget what happened, but you will have to find a way to get past it. What has always helped me come back from my falls was to... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
Someone watching said that I threw myself up his neck the stride before, and when he took the deep spot a stride later, I just went flying out of the tack. Regardless of what started it, now I seem to be riding like I did in 2009 - leaping up his neck, no weight in my feet. I'm trying really hard to think positive - HEELS FORWARD AND DOWN! This is the first time I've ever felt afraid jumping. What is your advice? Keep working without stirrups? Move down a level? (Briana)
Hi Briana!
I'm so sorry to hear about that! And I'm so glad that you are OK! You may not see it right now, but there is actually a silver lining here. And that is that you... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
The stirrups are sitting on the arch of their foot instead of the ball. Can you discuss stirrup placement? Does the thinking change at the upper levels? (Briana)
Hi Briana!
Traditionally, cross country riders have often kept their feet a bit more "home" in the stirrups as they move up the levels - as it can make it less likely for the rider to lose a stirrup in a sticky moment. Perhaps because I am so short, with such short legs, it... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
This is a very common problem, and one that almost everyone experiences to some degree when they are in the process of developing the connection. It's such a great feeling when you feel those brief moments of the horse being truly connected! And then it's equally as frustrating to feel it slipping away moments later! To help your horse understand that he should stay on the aids, you need to... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)Question # 107: The lovely friesian I ride, Rhett, and I are having some troubles getting the leg yield together. First off, he is super bendy, and has what I call a "go go gadget" neck that can shorten up like nothing I have ever experienced. This is our main probelm, he uses this as an evasion when I am asking for him to leg yield. I ask, he shortens up his neck, the reins go loose, and he falls out through his shoulder, and it goes all wrong. How can I fix this? Thanks (Rebecca)
This is a common problem! Many riders experience this to at least some degree - even if they are not aware of the loss of some of the quality of their canter. And the key to fixing this problem lies in the... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
