Do you ride without stirrups on a regular basis? It has been 7 years since I began riding without stirrups, with one exception – when I go down the trail and spend a significant amount of time posting and two-point. This began as a pact with a good friend of mine to encourage one another …
I have been ponying horses for a number of years now, on a regular basis, and am absolutely convinced of its value and efficacy with young horses as well as older trained riding horses. There are many great benefits which give reason to implement ponying into your riding regimen that go beyond training the young …
[dc]By nature[/dc] we are designed to work against the horse, and the use of our hands is no different. When we sit in the saddle we respond in fear by leaning forwards rather than sitting up taller or leaning slightly backwards. We squeeze with our legs when we want to stay in the saddle instead …
[dc]My horse[/dc] refuses to stand still at the mounting block, or even get close! Sounds familiar? I discovered this clever trick to make the mounting block issues a breeze and to entice your horse to WANT to hang out nice and close… My first horse was a Paso Fino, and he loathed the mounting block. …
I am convinced that walking – be it in the form of leading, longing or riding – is greatly under-used and under-appreciated for its benefits. Not just for the benefit of your horse either, walking is a great exercise for us riders too! Especially when done correctly – when every ounce of energy is put …
This still happens? I imagine the result of this training to be a horse who is unattached to humans, works based off repetitive cues rather than the conversation with the rider, and that avoids being caught to go for a ride. And I’m not certain the purpose of having her jump over a barrel when …
I was reminded over this week the value of using riding gloves. No, I didn’t get rope burned… What I did get however was a reminder how gloves can improve the confidence in your hands. I work a lot of horses on the lunge, which has been my primary endeavor this week, and it also …
This is a great example of how playful horses are naturally… and definitely the best alternative to watching the gory display of a bull fight.
Ever feel this way as a rider? As a representative to the equestrian community? Or even more simply, as a person? I believe we all face moments like these – sometimes they occur as small notes hardly worth taking notice and we continue on our way; and other times it is one brutal occurrence after …
Have you ever worn clothes that were too loose or too snug? Remember that uncomfortable feeling you had the entire time? Or carried a backpack that almost sat on your rear, maybe worse when it was hiked up to your neck and you couldn’t take it off without intense assistance? Horses experience the same thing. …
Quick Posts are quick snippet type posts that cover a variety of topics without delving too deeply.
