Previously on Project Horse, we’ve been working on the basics of lunging with Aligarh. It amazes me in trying to create a recap, just how far we have come along in a short period of time and with so few sessions together. Today marked our first venture into the riding arena to both groom and …

Aligarh has had a chance to enjoy a few days sabbatical from longe work and today I decided was the day to reintroduce him to the bridle. He’s worn one before but never educated in what the bit is for. Not only is it time for it, but it will help out with the longing …

I know I have written about this idea previously though I’m not sure I’ve had a post dedicated to it. There is a certain quality inherent to working with the horse in a very business-like fashion that is priceless. Particularly when you are training the unconventional horse; the horse who is older and being started …

Project Horse #2 – welcome to the introduction. Aligarh is quite the lovely gelding, both in appearance and personality. Foaled in 2004, he is sired by the Dutch Warmblood stallion VDL Orame, who has been successfully competing on the international scene in Show Jumping. Aligarh’s dam is a Bashkir Curly mare of Native American bloodlines. …

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, …

What can be said about one of the most prized elements of a well trained horse, that of a well-executed, light, balanced and beautifully collected piaffe? The stepping stone from basic gaits to airs above the ground, and while it is so sought after it also continues to be one movement that is considered difficult …

I’ve written about the importance of bend in previous posts, but I would like to once again emphasize its use, as well as expand upon and explore the benefits of correct bend further. The bend that I am referring to in the horse, is the from nose to tail. It encompasses the whole of the …

The importance of the half halt is considered bar-none to correct riding, however I think little is emphasized in the use of lateral suppling and it’s effect on the half halt. In my observations of riding, the presence of lateral suppleness maximizes the use of the half halt, while minimizing the pressure needed in the …

I’ve rekindled my need for physical activity. Still cold, still snowy after a new accumulation of 19+ inches just this week alone. I’ve got a bit of cabin fever, combined with watching videos of my old teacher talking about seat training… pushes me out the door. Scout, my love, was quite anxious to be brought …

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 …