Q. I ride lower-level dressage and am having trouble getting my horse to halt square. Can you give some pointers? How can I feel the square halt?A. The halt is an important skill to master because not only do...
Q. I have a 4-year-old warmblood that I want to begin jumping. My vet is going to examine him to determine if his bones are mature enough to start jumping, but what is the process that he goes through...
Q: Most of the time my green hunter is very brave at unfamiliar jumps. But every now and then at a show, he’ll suddenly slam on his brakes without warning. Then he makes this big effort from a standstill...
If you board your horse at home or a small local stable, chances are you don’t have a fancy course of jumps on which to practice. The good news is that you can build your own standards with a...
Are you a reining queen or a dressage diva? Does your adrenaline rise with the sight of western spins and stops, or are you left speechless during the demonstration of tempi changes and piaffes? Watch as dressage Olympian Charlotte...
The American Quarter...
You’re in the midst of a hotly contested hunt seat equitation class. Thankfully, your horse is listening to your aids and you’re zipping along confidently at the posting trot. And then the judge calls for the sitting trot. Gulp....
Q. I always have trouble knocking over barrels. What am I doing wrong?A. Most of the time this is a result of not using your inside leg (the leg closest to the barrel) to control your horse. Many riders...
Photo: Dean Gugler/flickr.comQ. What is the best way to increase my young horse’s flexibility for barrel racing?
A. Choosing the right bit and using your leg pressure effectively will help your horse build flexibility and bend. A horse must understand...
