Q. I used to do well in my hunt seat equitation classes, but my new horse has a really bouncy trot. It's fine when I post, but I have trouble holding my position while sitting his bouncy trot. If...
We’ve all been there. You’re looking forward to a great riding lesson, but from the minute you mount your pony, you’re begging him to go faster. He moves at a snail’s pace no matter how many times you cluck...
When it comes to horsemanship, much of the focus is on the proper use of our leg aids. But what about our hands? Horses are great at letting us know when our hand aids are either too rough or...
Have you dreamed of riding Pegasus as he soars through the air? Flying over jumps aboard your favorite horse gives you nearly the same feeling. Yet jumping is a specialized equestrian sport. In order to jump successfully—and safely—you and...
Every rider should strive to have soft, giving hands. As a result, your horse will have a soft mouth. Establishing correct contact will help develop your horse’s topline and make him more supple. Learning correct contact takes concentration and...
We’ve all been there. You’re looking forward to a great riding lesson, but from the minute you mount your pony, you’re begging him to go faster. He moves at a snail’s pace no matter how many times you cluck...
One of the greatest tests of balance in an equine athlete is to transition smoothly from a maneuver requiring flexion of the spine and stride to one requiring extension. For example, a dressage horse surging forward from a collected trot...
Q: My pony has a very fast trot that is really short and choppy. Are there any exercises to help lengthen it?A: Trotting is so much more comfortable when a pony learns to lengthen his stride and slow down...
Riding your horse over poles on the ground is a great way to improve his balance and to teach him to pick up his feet. It’s also a great introduction to jumping and it improves a horse’s gymnastic ability....
If you’re going to enter hunt seat equitation classes this show season, you should know how to impress the judge if you want to win a ribbon or two. In an equitation class, the judge looks at you and...
