It is merely a myth… and one excuse for Rollkur / Hyperflexion. This question is raised frequently – how to soften and flex a horse who is stiff in the neck. There is a problem with the question however, because it assumes that addressing the horse’s stiff neck will actually correct the stiffness. In reality, …

In a perfect world the horse is connected to us through the reins, meaning that the contact we’ve established on the reins serves as the ultimate communication tool. There is no tension, simply touch and with it the power to execute energy through the horse at a moments notice. What this means for us as …

I love days like today, that bring tears to my eyes and bring up such a well of emotion, excitement and curiosity! I managed to escape what was looking to be monotonous office work this afternoon (which reminds me I still have to do taxes!..), in order to enjoy the company of my horses. Usually …

What is the importance of the seat, hands, legs in the aiding of the horse? I am often sent information (in the form of articles), read online discussions, have pilfered through countless books, listened to other clinicians, speakers, trainers, etc as they describe and indicate the use of the aids. If you are like me, …

Part II : Direct & Indirect Rein In the first part of this article, we covered the Rules of the Aids, along with introducing and describing the Half Halt and Reverse Half Halt. We now continue on, in a very logical way, to discuss the Direct and Indirect Rein. These two aids are the means …

Part I; Introduction, Half Halt & Reverse Half Halt I should think that the best place to begin with describing the aids we use to influence the horse, is to first find the exact meaning of aid. By Definition: Aid: noun (plural aids) Help, succor, assistance, relief. The person who promotes or helps in something …