You may have heard about “seeing” and “looking for” distances at the horse jumps. The problem with this approach is that it only deals with what occurs in the immediate vicinity of the jump. Much more important than the...
QUESTION: I’m taking jumping lessons on my horse. We were doing really well until recently. Now when we canter toward the bigger jumps, my horse suddenly gets very fast and pulls hard on the bit. It’s scaring me, but...
Most horses can be trained to jump. But many need help learning to jump well. A horse that jumps in the correct style is not only a safer mount, but he also drops fewer rails and earns higher scores...
Getting the right counts in a line can often seem like the ultimate test on a jumping course. Lines are two or more jumps set apart by a measured distance, and are meant to be ridden in a specific...
Developing confidence as a rider comes from working with a good trainer, knowing that you can ride your pony, and having an understanding of what you’re asking him to do. Developing a sense of security in the saddle is...
While this article was originally written as a preview for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, shortly after publication the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It as been rescheduled for July 23-August 8, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan....
It’s not every day you get to interview your equestrian idol. But that’s just what 2019 Young Rider Advisory Board member Lila did! Lillie Keenan is a 23-year-old grand prix jumper from New York, N.Y., who made her international...
Young Rider Gracie Elliott realized her dreams of competing at the North American Youth Championships (NAYC) and shares her story.I've always been a goal-setter. In kindergarten I had the goal of learning how to tie my shoes. Sophomore year...
Have you been accused of ducking over jumps? If so, you’re not alone. Ducking is a common bad habit. It occurs when your upper body breaks over too far, almost as if you’re lying on the horse’s neck. Sometimes...
Like many equestrians, you may dream of jumping your horse. The sensation of piloting your horse while he takes flight is like none other in riding. Simply put, it’s fun. Plus, the ability to calmly and safely hop over...
