Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Canter trot transitions. Keeping connected in balance at a new level. ...



"What if...all you needed for smoother transitions at the trot and canter on your horse is to have a step by step process to do them?"

Watch what happens as Trudy practices her canter trot transitions on Ani.  In the past we have allowed Ani to canter like a green horse.  She could basically go around the ring at the canter but was not connected or in balance.  Now the time has come to ask Ani for more of a connection (rounding up, balancing, packaging, on the aids...)  in both her canter and the transitions in and out of it.  This is new for both Trudy and Ani and you will be able to see what they are doing to go to that next level in what they are doing.

What did you learn about canter trot transitions after watching this video?

http://youtu.be/iUVqmTwb11k   

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Walk. Refining the riders aids for a longer step and more connection. S...



"How do you know if....your horse is really listening to your leg and rein aids at the walk?  Refining your connection"

Did you know the walk is often the most difficult gait for many riders to keep connected? There is something about the walk that makes us relax and not focus on the connection like we do at the trot and canter. That is fine for a rest break or a quiet ride down the trail. However, we also want our horses to stay connected and in balance when we want them to. This takes practice and a little bit of focus. It has been fun to watch the progress of Trudy and Ani these past years (this is Season 3) and now they are at the point in their training where they are refining their connection at new levels. In this session Trudy asked how she could keep Ani connected and taking longer steps. Many horses who are new to connection (rounding up, packaging, on the aids...) tend to step with shorter steps when the rider takes up the reins. Now you can see what I did with Trudy so that she could feel Ani stepping up more from behind and into the rein with longer steps on both straight lines and curves.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Canter/counter canter. Balancing for a new level. Transitions. dressage ...



"Would you like your horses canter to be easier to ride and influence?  Watch what happens as Beau learns how to stay more connected and balanced in canter and canter/trots"

If you are riding dressage, its all about balance and connection as you move up the levels. What most people do not know is that each time their horse goes to a new level, that they change their balance.  The secret is knowing that this will happen and having the tools to go to that next level of balance.  In this session we focus on keeping Beau connected (listening to Susan's aid) and and in balance (not on the forehand) at the canter and canter/trot transitions. To do this Susan focuses on where she feels Beau get tight or starts taking shorter steps.  

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Trot. Steps to Connection. Asking your horse to connect the back end to ...



"Oh what fun it is to see... horses connecting at the trot (on the aids, rounding up, packaging, coming through) at the beginning of that process"

It is week 3 of "Steps to Connection" and the timing of the aids.  In this session you will see what Susan is doing to encourage Beau to keep connected at the trot. The first week Beau was not so sure what was going on as Susan asked him to stay connected and in balance (at a new level) between her leg and rein aids.  Now you can see that Beau is listening more to Susan's aids and is "in front of or on her aids" more often. This was an exciting session as Beau is starting to move differently at the trot.  Can you see how much spring (impulsion) he is now showing while tracking up? (hind feet stepping in front of or into the hoof print of the front foot on the same side)

Monday, December 22, 2014

Balance and connection at the canter for the first time! dressage training



Would you like to see a horse balance between the riders rein and seat aids for the first time at the canter?"

Most riders have never felt, or been able to see what happens to a horse that is learning how to get "on the aids" for the first time.  In this session Trudy asks Melody for a canter "on the aids." To do this, Trudy has focuses on keep Melody soft and balanced between her leg and seat aids from back to front and side to side. The biggest change is that now Trudy is keeping a consistent contact with Melody's rein connection.  This has been new to Melody as we have been riding her in a slack or light rein.  

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Walk. Trot. The Steps to Connection. dressage, riders aids, riding inst...



"How do you know if your horse is listening to your rein and leg aids at the walk and trot? Are you sure your aids are clear? Watch what happens with Trudy and Melody to see what you might be missing"


How do you know if your horse is listening to you? It's easy. Go back to the basics and make sure they are. In this session we focus on the Steps to Connection that Trudy needs to connect even more with Melody. Now you can watch what I do with Trudy and Melody that brings both of them to a new level in what they are doing. The best news is that Melody is relaxed and seems to be enjoying herself more every session. Stay tuned as I will share what happened in the canter next. For the first time, Melody lets Trudy canter her in balance! 

Saturday, December 20, 2014

How to keep your horse straight by adding your lower legs. Walk. Dressag...



"Are you ready to finally... ask your horse to stay connected from your seat and legs at the walk?  What does that mean?"

There comes a time when a rider and horse are ready to go to a new level of balance and communication. This is Trudy's horse Melody.  Melody had some serious issues in the past. It has taken us several years to bring her  to this point and now it it is time to ask her to connect between Trudy's rein and leg aids. We would like her to "round up, connect, get packaged"  (there are so many words for this). This is still new to Melody and is the perfect opportunity for you to watch what happens when a rider first begins to ask a horse to connect between the reins and the legs of the riders.  

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Canter. Staying soft and waiting for the first time! Timing of the Rid...



"Balancing your horses canter.  When is it time? Now you can see what happens as Trudy asks Ani to stay connected at the canter for the first time!"

This was an exciting session as Trudy takes Ani to the next level of connection in her canter. In the past we have let Ani canter pretty much like any green horse does. Her nose was out and all we wanted was for her to to stay relaxed, keep cantering, and go in the direction we pointed her at. Now it is time for to take Ani to the next level in her canter. We want her to balance between Trudy's rein and leg aids. Lucky you to be able to watch what happens... I was happy to catch this on video as I know that most riders may never have seen what a horse looks like when it is moving into a new balance and connection.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Steps to connection. Timing of the aids of the rider at the walk. Week...



"Oh, how much fun. Here we are on week 3 of the Steps to Connection and the Timing of the Riders Aids. Check out Trudy and Ani at the walk."

In this session we go back to the basics at the walk.  First, Trudy will check to see if Ani is connecting (responding) to her aids.  Trudy starts with the rein aid and continues through the use of her lower leg.  Once we add Trudy's lower leg  Trudy becomes aware of how crooked Ani has been moving and that now...  she can keep her straighter. This is what all riders go through when they first feel straightness like this and is perfect for everyone to see.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Canter Trot transitions. Timing of the Riders Aids. Week #2 2nd Level...



"Would you like to improve the way your horse changes its gait from a trot to a canter?  Than it's time to think about the timing of your aids. Watch what Susan does with Beau"


In this session Susan is riding the transition from the trot to the canter, and the canter to to the trot.She is focusing on the timing of her rein and leg aids and how Beau is responding to them. Lucky you as you will get to see a horse as it is learning how to re balance at a new level. (Susan and Beau will be competing in 2nd Level dressage this upcoming year and need to have more of an uphill balance)

Can you see the difference in how Beau is moving as he works through these exercises?  


Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Trot/Canter. Timing of the Rider's lower leg. Week 2. Moving the haunche...



"What if... you could improve your horse's canter by adding your lower leg?  Now you can watch to see how Susan is able to bring Beau to a new level of connection and balance at the trot and canter"

Watching Susan's progress with Beau has been fun.  As you know, Beau came to us with a few issues...  but now, you can barely see them!  In this session we focus on improving the quality of Beau's canter.  In the past, his tendency has been to be a little 'heavy" on the forehand at times, he was also a little "lateral" in this canters. As you can see, he is now much more consistent and is looking like a 2nd Level Dressage horse more every day.  

What have you been learning from Susan and Beau this past year?  How have they made a difference for you?

Monday, December 8, 2014

Walk/trot Week 2. The timing of the rider's aids. Lower Leg. Stepping in...



"How do you know if your horse is listening to your lower legs when you ask it to step up or move from side to side?  The only way to know... is to check"

This is week 2 of "The Timing of the  the Riders Aids".  In this session Susan continues with feeling how she can influence Beau with her riding position and aids.  Now, she asks Beau to move his haunches with her lower leg. Watch what happens as both Susan and Beau connect at a new level in their balance!

Can you see how much better Beau is listening to Susan's lower leg aids now?  

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Timing of the riders aids. Trot. Week 2. Staying connected in transition...



"Week 2. The Timing of the Rider's Aids at the Trot. Adding the riders lower leg to control the direction of the horses hind feet"

Check out the changes! In this session,we continue to focus on the timing of Susan's aids and how to get Beau to respond to them. Now we are now going to see what we can do to get Beau to respond more to Susan's lower legs for both moving forward and side to side. Of course, as usual, Beau's is thrilled about this change. The difference is that now he seems to be aware that it is OK to change what he is doing. He might have a little temper tantrum but now comes through them faster. In this video you will see what Beau looks like as he tries to understand the balance Susan wants him to be in with his shoulders up and his poll the highest part of his head position. Of course, to do this, Beau has to step under his center of balance more with his hind feet. You will be able to see Beau working through this process during this video. It was very exciting for me to catch that moment in a horses training. The facts are, Horses do have to change what they are doing before they can move up to a new level of balance or connection. So do the riders....
Can you see the changes in what is happening with Beau?

Thursday, December 4, 2014

The timing of the riders aids. Adding the thigh to move the shoulder. ...



"So...  you really want to start riding more lateral work?  Let's start by becoming aware of how you can influence and control your horses shoulders more....with your thighs"


Oh, yes.  Your legs will burn as you practice this awareness exercise.  :) However, the good news is that you will also find that you really can ask your horse to communicate with you in a different way as you add your thigh (the inside) in time with the horses rhythm.  Now you can watch what happens with Trudy as she focuses on asking Melody to listen to what she is asking her to do with her thighs.

Have you tried timing your rein and leg aids to your horses movement yet?  How it is working for you?

http://youtu.be/meJBOXGrxn4 

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Timing of the aids.Walk.Thigh for shoulders. Ani goes into fear Mode. Ho...



All of a sudden, out of no where appeared, a cat in the sunlight... on a fence, We started this session with a focus on the riders adding their thigh muscle (inside) to have more control and influence over the horses shoulders. We had a slight detour with Ani going into fear mode, but Trudy knew what to do with that situation and so Susan and I continued the concept with Beau" 

This is from the "Timing of the Rider's Aids series. We start this session by checking to see if the riders could feel their horses listening to either their rein or leg aids. It was during this time that Ani decided to show us what a horse looks like that is not "softening at the jaw" or "softening to the rein connection" Meanwhile, Susan continues focusing on Beau and his responses to the rein and aids. Susan is aware of when Beau is locking up his jaw or poll, she can also feel how his next reaction is to drop his poll and go behind the vertical with his nose, It's time for a different sequence of aids. We are going to teach Beau to keep his poll up with the outside rein and leg. Watch what happens in this session as both of these riders and their horses get through some pretty interesting challenges.   

 http://youtu.be/qihw_cZu5Qw   

Monday, December 1, 2014

Trot. Ani and Beau. Balancing between the inside and outside aids



"A trotting we will go... a trotting we will go... How the timing of your rein and leg aids can make everything smoother"


We are back with Trudy Adams on Ani and Susan Faulkner Evans on Beau. In this session we focus on the timing of the riders aids at the trot. Ani needs to slow down (on this day...) and stay connected with Trudy. Meanwhile, Beau decides its time for a holiday. Susan is riding him on a longer rein, (always asking for some type rein connection) and is checking to see where his favorite places are to lock up in his jaw, poll and neck. Since he likes to go behind the vertical we have added the outside rein and leg to position his poll. We start doing that in this video. We will be using that technique more now. 

What do you feel about the timing of the aids for riders now? Can you see how they make a difference?

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Ani and Beau walk Where is your horse not responding?



"Is you horse really listening to you?  How can you be sure?  Now you can watch as we take the time to see if these riders are using their aids in ways their horses can really understand"


At first when we started this exercise, both the riders and horses were now sure what was happening.  It was not that what they were doing was new... instead it was the timing of the aids to using the rein and leg aids on the side where the horse is stepping off the ground with the hind foot on that side.  It sounds complicated at first, but is easily felt as the rider becomes more aware if when their horse is really listening to their aids or not.  As a result, both the horse and rider connect more at different levels. Now you can watch as Trudy and Susan practice the timing of their aids at the walk.

What do you see happening?  

Friday, November 28, 2014

Timing your aids at the walk. The beginning steps. #1 Group. Dressage ...




"Did you know... that your aids (legs and hands) should be timed with the horse's movement for a better connection?  Check out this video to watch how these two horses and riders change as they focus on the timing of their aids"


In this session we have two riders, Trudy Adams on Ani and Susan Faulkner Evans on Beau.  In this walk session we focus on how the riders should be using their aids, while keeping in rhythm with their horses feet.  This is where the timing of the aids or so important. Now you can see the step by step process that you can use get your horse to listen more to your aids and as a result, be more comfortable to ride and easier to influence.

What do you see changing?  Have you been able to try this on your horse yet?

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Canter. The timing of the aids. Dressage tips Riding Instruction



"When should you be using your reins and legs at the canter?  Have you ever thought about the timing of your aids?  Now you can watch what happens with Susan and Beau"

Many riders are not sure when to use their aids when their horse is cantering.  The right time is when the horses inside hind (on the lead) is off the ground. Of course, this may not make a lot of sense until you see if first.  Now you can watch how this works with Susan and Beau.  This was an exciting session as Ani went into serious "fright mode" after seeing a monster on the fence. (This is not her home)  Since the sun was shining behind it, who knows what she really saw, but she was really afraid. This also effected Beau who knew there had to be some reason for Ani to be so afraid and he begins to look for monsters. Susan continues to keep his attention with her aids by adding simple lead changes to make sure he is listening to her aids.  At first she has to really ask him to soften his jaw with a stronger rein to get him to pay attention, than Beau gets back to connecting and does some of his best canter work ever.

Have you thought about your timing of aids as you are cantering?  Try this and see what it can do for you and your horse.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The timing of the riders aids. #3 Adding the thigh to influence the shou...

Would you like to improve your lateral work or have more control of your horse's shoulders? It's time to add your thigh! This is #3 the timing of the rider's aids"

We have covered the timing of the aids at the walk and trot so that we can feel when the horse is responding to our aids with the rein and legs on straight lines and curves. Now, we are ready to focus on how to influence the shoulders or front of the horse by adding our thigh in time with the horses movement. To do this, you will add your thigh to the aids. Trudy has never used her thigh before (as an aid) and you will be able to watch her work through the process and see how it effects Melody. This is especially important if your are riding lateral movements or would like to have more control of your horses shoulder.

Have you tried timing your aids with the horses movements yet? 


   

Monday, November 24, 2014

The timing of the rider's aids at the trot. The steps. #2 Dressage tips



"The trot. Have you ever felt like your horse was not listening to what you are asking with your reins and legs?  You are not alone.  What if what is happening is as simple as not knowing when to use your reins and legs?"

In this session Trudy becomes even more aware of how important the timing of her aids are with Melody.  First, Trudy needs to know when Melody's hind leg is off the ground. That is when Trudy will use her hand and or leg aids on what ever side she is focusing on.  To do this, Trudy asks Melody to "soften to the rein" by closing her fingers to feel when Melody "unlocks" her jaw and neck muscles. From there Trudy is ready to check if Melody is also soft on the outside rein. This is the rein that adjust where Melody's poll is and also unlocks the neck and back of the horse. This is when Trudy is ready to see if Melody is listening to her lower leg at the same time as she is using her rein aid. By the end of this session, Trudy is able to balance Melody softly between her reins and legs both side to side (laterally) and from the back to the front.  

Can you see the changes that have happened with Melody?  


Sunday, November 23, 2014

The timing of the rider's aids at the walk. The steps. #1 Dressage Trai...



"The timing of the riders aids at the walk.  Is your horse hearing what you want them to do?"

In this session I ask Trudy to really become aware of when Melody is listening to her aids. These are the steps that she is using. 1) First Trudy needs to be aware of when Melody's hind foot is off the ground.  2) Melody needs to soften her her jaw. 3) Melody will flex her neck (so the muscle falls to the outside) 4) Trudy aids her inside calve muscle to see if Melody is responding to her leg by shifting her weight to the outside.  5) Next, we add the outside rein and leg to soften Melody's poll.  Sounds easy right?  Watch to see how what we are doing makes a difference in how Melody is responding to Trudy's aids.  What was must interesting is that by asking Trudy to say words as she is riding that it is easier for her to time when she is using her aids.  

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Keeping a light, following rein at the trot. The basics of Riding Positi...





"What can you do to finally know if you have an even rein contact... at the trot?"

This is Camille on Polo.  In this session we focus on Camille feeling that she can follow Polo's mouth at the trot and in changes of direction.  The horses head and neck stay pretty much the same at the trot, It is the rider that often finds themselves going all over the place with the trot movement.  Now you can watch as Camille discovers (this is typical for most riders)  when she gets heavy on the reins and when she disconnects her connection through the reins with Polo.  We are bringing Polo back from an injury and have decided it is time to go back to the basics.  This is a good thing for all of us to do in our riding. 

Are you ready to try this at the trot?  Be patient with your process as you might be surprised at what is really happening with your hands.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Trots. Training/1st Level Dressage. Metronome. #1 Susan and Beau



"How to Improve a Horse's Trot with the Metronome"

It's amazing what a metronome can do for a horses balance. By finding the right rhythm we can improve the gaits of a horse, which also makes them more comfortable to ride.  If you are showing,  the judges will notice the difference between a horse with regular gaits, and one that is going in and out of rhythm.  It shows in how the horse uses its legs!   In this session, Susan Faulkner Evans is focusing on the trot rhythm. As you will see, the quality of Beau's gaits gets better. 

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Are you riding through your elbows or hands?



 "Are you ready to ride your horse more from your seat and legs?  Now you can watch these riders as they go though the process of becoming aware of if they are riding more from their hands or elbows while asking their horses to stay more connected for the first time."

In this session we focus on a common issue for many riders. They are not sure how to connect more with the horse from their seat and legs at the same time that they are focused on keeping a connection with the reins. This is a step in the training process that those who ride their horse in balance all seem to have to go through. It sounds so easy... but does not make sense until you finally feel it in your riding position and in the connection you have with the horse. This was from our Green Horse Class and was from a few years ago when we were first starting to connect these horses and riders.

http://youtu.be/RtUz0CMVwcQ

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Canter/trot transitions. What are you doing with your riding position? H...



"What happens to your riding position and lower legs when you are cantering?"

Most riders either stand on their toes, or have the tendency to raise their seats out of the saddle when they ride a transition of or down into the canter.  Have you noticed if you do this?"

Now you can watch what happens as I focus on what Camille has been doing with here lower legs and seat. We start with her feeling if she is standing on her toes, instead of stretching into her calf muscle. Next, we focus on what she is doing at the canter as she changes to a trot and back up into the canter where she is standing in her irons and lifting her seat, instead of following Polo's movements   Watch what happens as both of them start to connect at a new level.   


Tuesday, November 18, 2014

How to fix your lower leg position at the trot. Riding instructor



"What if... you could finally find a way to get your lower leg to stay where it is supposed to be while you are riding the trot.  Is it possible?"

Now you can watch what I did with Camille to help her become aware of when she was standing on her toes in the irons instead of letting the weight of her riding position sink into her heels. This is a common riding challenge for many riders at all levels.  First Camille needs to become aware of what she has been doing, than we focus on how she can do to find the correct position. 

Are you ready to improve your lower leg position?  Tell us how this techniques make a difference for what you are doing. 
As always, we do not edit what we show you.  This way, you can see what happens to real horses and riders as they go through the training process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4pUYd1znh8

Monday, November 17, 2014

Stretching for the first time! Cooling down with the stretchy walk. Dres...



"What if you... could finally understand how to get your horse to do a stretchy walk?  Now you can see what we do with Trudy as she asks Melody to stretch at the walk"

This is Trudy Adams on Melody.  This was a break through session as it was at the beginning when we were first asking Melody to stretch into the reins.  This was very difficult for Melody at the time of this filming as she had just started to let go in her mind and body. Finally, she was beginning to relax. We had been trotting  and are using the stretchy walk to cool Melody down. Now, we ask that Trudy keeps Melody under her seat and connected as she focuses on doing the same exercise on a longer rein. This is not as easy as Trudy makes it look. The stretchy walk is much more difficult to keep a horse under the riders seat and connected as the result of a longer rein.  Trudy is now much more aware of when Melody is really under her seat and leg/aids. Melody is still not sure, but is now more willing to allow Trudy to "drive her" from her back end intstead of steering from the front. As a result, Melody is much lighter on the reins and more responsive to Trudy's seat and legs.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Canter. How to connect your riding position for a half half, adding the ...



"Is your horse listening to your seat and legs at the canter?. Now you can see what I do with this rider to help her become more aware of how to use her seat and legs to create a half halt to get her horses attention"


This is Susan on Darrien. When Darrien first came to us he had a few issues and our goal was to get him to relax more to what Susan was asking him to do. In this session added the neck strap so that Susan could focus more on connecting him to her seat and legs through the half halts. She is riding him on a long rein. Watch what happens as Darrien become more aware of what Susan wants him to do. You will see his shoulders and back start to come up as he goes into a better balance.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

How to connect your riding position for a half halt. #2 The magic of the...



"What if... there was a way that you could improve your rising/posting trot and your horses movement at the same time?  There is!  Try the neck strap"

Here we move up into the trot work. Now that we have added the neck strap, it is easier for Susan to feel when she is in the right place with her riding position for the posting/rising trot and to focus on feeling the  half halt at the trots. All we want Beau to do is to track up (step into the hoof print of his front foot, or in front of it, with his back hoof print)  as Susan focuses on what she is doing with her riding position. This is the first time we have let Beau go on such a long rein and he is not sure what to think about it. It takes about 3 mins before Beau starts responding more to Susan's seat and legs. As a result, he starts moving better!

Can you see the changes happening?  Are you ready to try the neck strap?

(This should only be done in an enclosed area on a safe horse)  
http://youtu.be/ptzEJRie8fY

Friday, November 7, 2014

How to connect your riding position for a half halt.#1 The magic of the ...



"What if... you could finally understand how a half halt works on a horse when you are using your riding position the right way"

Half halts are a mystery to so many riders.  The fact is, until you feel them in your riding position, and your horse responds to your change in position, you may not really know what they are or what they can do for communicating more effectively to your horse. Beau is ready for a higher level of balance and connection and it is time for Susan to refine her half halts.  All Susan is doing is holding the neck strap with her hands like they are the reins.  When she feels the neck strap getting tight in her hands she knows her seat has slid back in the saddle. This is usually a result of a horse dropping their back and going behind the aids.  It is time for a halt halt!  Now you can watch as Susan begins to ride Beau more from her seat and legs instead of the reins at the walk and halts.

How are your half halts?  Are you sure they are working?

Thursday, November 6, 2014

How to connect your riding position for a half halt. #3 The magic of the...



"What is a "half halt" They really do not make sense, until a rider feels them through their riding position and when the horse responds to them. Now you can see what happens with this rider as we focus on what she is doing with her riding position and reins"

Now, thanks to the neck strap, Lisa is more aware of how to use her riding position for a half halt. Lisa's first "Ah ha" moment came when she realized how often she had been dropping, pulling or leaning on the reins, instead of adjusting her riding position, when she has been doing a half halt. Like most riders who try this awareness technique, Lisa was surprised when she felt how a half halt should feel in her riding position. She also felt the difference in how Sonyador responded to them. In this session you will be able to watch as Lisa learns how to use the half halt to get Sonyador in front of her legs/aids and taking up a connection through the reins. 

Can you see the changes that are happening with Lisa and Sonyador? Are you ready to try this yet?

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Are you riding from your seat and legs? #2 Trot walks. The neck strap. D...



"What if... you have been leaning on the reins when you use them.  How can you tell and how does your doing this effect your horse?"

 This is part 2 where we focus on the walk trot transitions and changes of direction. Lisa is holding the reins and is using a neck strap. This was a big break through for Lisa as she became aware of when she was leaning on the reins to balance her riding position, and she felt how her riding position was not staying connected to Sonyador as she was riding.  Now you can see the changes that happens in both Lisa's riding position and Sonyador's movement.  Tomorrow I will share how to use the neck strap so that you can finally... understand how a half halt should feel.

Even though using a neck strap sounds a little strange, you will be amazed at how much it can teach you about how you are using your riding position and the reins.  Are you ready to try it yet?

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Are you riding from your seat and legs? Let's see. The neck strap. Walk ...



"How can a rider have a better feeling of how to ride from their seat and legs? Take away their reins! In this series I tie a twine around Sonyador's neck (I call it the neck strap) and ask Lisa Dutra to ride her that way"

What did Lisa learn? First, she became aware of how often her seat slides to the back of the saddle (this happens with many riders). Next she discovered that she had not been following Sonyadors movement with her seat. As a result of doing this awareness exercise Lisa felt a big change in her riding position. Now you can watch Lisa's process and try it when you ride. This is part #1 of this series. I will share the trot work next. So you know, this is not as easy as Lisa makes it look. 


Are you ready to take your riding to the next level? Try the neck strap and see how it makes you a more effective rider. 

Monday, November 3, 2014

"Would you like to improve your seat and hands at the canter? Try the n...



"Would you like to improve your seat and hands at the canter?  Try the neck strap and you will be amazed at the changes you can make"

In this session we focus on Camille's riding position at the canter.  To do this, we have added the neck strap so that she keeps her hands in the right place to balance her riding position.  As an added benefit, you will see that she also discovers how to keep an even feel on both sides of the reins (she is holding the neck strap at the same time). At first Polo is a little resistant.  This is when Camille is holding the reins to short and brings his nose in to far to control the canter and keep Polo straight.  Watch as her position improves and Polo moves more freely as Camille starts using her seat and legs more effectively.   

What do you see changing?  Are you ready to try this on your horse?

Sunday, November 2, 2014

"Is your horse getting fussy when you are riding? Maybe it's your hands!



"Is your horse getting fussy when you are riding? Maybe it's your hands!"


In this session Camille discovers that she has been twisting her riding position and keeping an uneven feel on the reins when she is focusing on keeping Polo straight. Now you can watch as Polo become fussier when Camille asks him to balance. Since Camille is using the neck strap, she realized that when she is asking for straightness or lateral work with Polo, that she has been twisting her riding position and what she was doing with her hands! This was a huge break through for her! Once she could feel what she was doing, Camille was able to ride more with her riding position and keep an even feel on the neck strap.
What did you see changing? Can you see how the neck strap made it easier for Camille to understand what she was doing with her riding position and rein connection?

Saturday, November 1, 2014

"Hill work for a better leg position and connection" #1 Trudy and Ani Dr...



"Would you like to know how you can keep your lower leg in the right position? One of the best techniques I have seen is to practice the correct feel of your lower leg as you go up and down small hills"

Of course, first you need to be sure that your seat is over your lower legs.   What does that mean?  Watch what I do with Trudy and you will have a better understanding. We start with focusing on what she should be feeling her seat over her lower leg on the flat than move up to seeing if she can keep connected to them as she rides up and down hills.  

Are you ready to try this rider awareness exercise?  Tell us how it works for you. 

http://youtu.be/62102OiREqg

Friday, October 31, 2014

Riding Position. Stop riding with your heels! How to use your lower leg...



"In the old days we were taught to use our heels to get a horse to move forward or sideways. Those who use spurs, also tend to use their heels. This takes the riders legs off the horse, disconnecting them from their riding position. What can you do to fix this common issue?"

The facts are, when a rider uses their heels, they often are riding on their toes, their heels come up and their entire leg rolls off the saddle from the thigh down as the rider uses the back of their leg instead of the inside. When this happens, it is impossible for the riders to keep a secure, anchored lower leg position. Now you can watch as I show Trudy how to focus on changing that habit that she has had for many years.
What do you see changing as Trudy gets a more secure feeling with her lower legs?

Thursday, October 30, 2014

"Rising trot. What are you doing with your riding position? Dressage In...



"What is really happening to your riding position at the posting trot?  Are you moving with the horse or bouncing all over the place?" 

The rising/posting trot is a common challenge for many riders.  Finding the right riding position takes a lot of practice.  Once the rider "gets it" they find that their horses trot also improves. The issues that most riders have include: standing on their toes (instead of sinking into their heals) and posting faster than the horse is trotting. Now, you can watch what I do with Camille to help her become aware of what she is doing in the rising trot.

Have you noticed what you are doing at the rising trot with your riding position?  


Wednesday, October 29, 2014

"Can You Keep Your Horse on the Outside Rein and Leg at the Trot?" Trai...



"Would you like to watch the process we use to connect a horse to the outside rein and leg at the trot? Now you can go back in time and see what these riders did to teach their horses what it means"

This was when Susan and Beau and Trudy and Ani were still working their horses at training level. The time had come where we were able to ask the horses to stay more connected from side to side. This is when most riders start focusing on what they need to do to keep their horse balanced between their legs and reins by keeping them lightly balanced against their outside rein and leg. This is not as easy as it looks. Those who have been watching these horses and riders have seen a lot of changes since this video was filmed.

What did you learn from watching what they are doing in this session? Does it help you to understand the outside rein and leg better?

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Outside Rein and Leg. Trot #3 Ani and Trudy Adams



"Is your horse on the outside rein and leg? How do you know?"
  Now you can watch as Trudy begins to teach Ani how to stay in lateral balance at the trot. This is a new concept for both the horse and rider.  To keep Ani against her outside rein and leg Trudy will need to make a few changes in her riding position.


What did you learn about the outside rein and leg from watching what Trudy is learning?


Monday, October 27, 2014

Outside Rein and Leg. Can you hold it on a circle? Walk halt. #1 Dress...



"What is really meant when someone asks you if your horse is on the outside rein and leg? Can you hold it on a circle?  Walk halts"

Is your horse on the outside rein and leg?   We start the warm up with asking Trudy to keep Ani on a 20 meter circle.  To see if she is using her outside leg and rein, Trudy has to let go on the inside rein!  Not as easy as it sounds.  

What did you see changing in Ani as she became more connected?  Are you ready to try this on your horse?
This series continues with Ani and Trudy's other horse Melody.  You will see amazing changes happen with Trudy and her horse's in front of your eyes.

http://youtu.be/VrqIkvG1YaU  

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Everyone talks about riding a horse from their seat and legs, but what d...



"Everyone talks about riding a horse from their seat and legs, but what does it really mean at the stretchy walk on a longer rein?"

This is Trudy Adams on Melody, we had been trotting (another session that is shared here) and are using the stretchy walk to cool Melody down. Now, we ask that Trudy keeps Melody under her seat and connected as she focuses on doing the same exercise on a longer rein. This is not as easy as Trudy makes it look. The stretchy walk is much more difficult to keep a horse under the riders seat and connected as the result of a longer rein. Trudy is now much more aware of when Melody is really under her seat and leg/aids. Melody is still not sure, but is now more willing to allow Trudy to "drive her" from her back end instead of steering from the front. As a result, Melody is much lighter on the reins and more responsive to Trudy's seat and legs.

=

Saturday, October 25, 2014

How To Keep Your Lower Legs Anchored so Your Horse Stays Connected in th...



"How To Keep Your Lower Legs Anchored so Your Horse Stays Connected in the Transitions" 

While I am at the away... I wanted to share this series with you. Now it the perfect time for you to take the time to focus on your riding position. This is Trudy Adam on Ani. I asked Trudy what she wanted to focus on, and she said that Ani tends to through her nose up in the air, and disconnect in the transitions. When this happens to riders, it is usually because the rider has disconnected in the transitions. This usually starts in the lower leg. It is easy to see as their heels are higher than their toes. Now you can follow Trudy as she focuses on staying anchored through her lower leg for her transitions in this series.

Are you ready to invest in your riding success? Now is the perfect time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bN9y3-5xf8k

Friday, October 24, 2014

Rider position. Isolating the lower leg position. #1 Coming back after w...



"Riding Position.  Isolating the lower leg"   Have you always wanted the tools that you could use to create a steady leg position that will support your riding position?   Watch this video to see what we do with this rider after she has had time off.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Balancing the canter/counter canter with half halts. In front of the aid...





"Is your horse heavy on the forehand when it canters? You are not alone.  What can you do to help your horse understand how you would like it to balance?  


A balanced canter can seem like a mystery to many riders. What can you do to balance your canter and counter canter more elegantly?  Watch what Susan does in this video.  We continue to refine (the never ending process)  Beau's  canters with half halts and more. 

How can you tell when your horse is in balance when it is cantering?


Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Halts. Backs from walk to trot. Dressage training



"Have you noticed that sometimes it feels like your horse has forgotten what you have taught it?  This week Beau has decided that he wants to back his way. Now you can see what we do to bring him back."


In this session we are focused on the walk trot transitions in and out of the halt and back.  Beau had been backing easily and on a light rein until this past week.  He decided to change the rules and at the time of this filming is leaning on the reins and dropping his nose to his knees at times.  We were preparing for the Regional Championships and so this was a little concerning. Now you can watch what Susan does to isolate where that issue came from.  This happens to all riders.  At some time or another it is like their horses go backwards in their training and we need to bring them back to where they are.

Have you noticed that your horse seems to have gone backwards in it's training at times

http://youtu.be/NKG4KP6o9wU

Monday, October 20, 2014

Trot Connecting from back to front. Rounding up, in front of the aids....



"Have you wondered what people mean when they say they are "asking their horse to step up from the back end into the connection of the rein?"  Now you can watch it happen at the trot"


Now it is time for Susan to connect Beau even more at the trot.  We spent several months going back to the basics and now are ready to re balance him at a different level.  He is moving forward from behind and has excepted a following rein.  The time has come to ask him to connect even more.  We want him to step up into a more uphill balance and self carriage. This is the 2nd week that we have focused on this. Watch how Beau begins to change his balance and movement as a result.

Did you see Beau changing?  

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Walk. Connecting from the back to the front. On the aids, rounding up. ...



"Why would your horse want to move up from your leg aids and into the connection of the rein? Watch as we ask this horse to connect and balance at a new level"

We spent a few months "going back to the basics" with Beau.  Now, the time has come to see if all that work has made a difference in how he responds to Susan aids.  Those who have been watching Beau know he has some issues...  unless he is in the mood, he will not move forward freely. To get him to move forward better we let him go on a looser rein. Now, it is time to ask him to step up into the rein connection and into a better balance and connection.  Beau was not thrilled...   This is similar to what happens to many riders when they start to really connect their horse and is a perfect way to show you how to do that, even on a horse that is "complicated" to ride.

Does this give you more ideas on how you can connect and balance your horse as you move up the levels?   

http://youtu.be/XMI7GpqKV1Y  

Walk. Connecting from the back to the front. On the aids, rounding up. ...



"Why would your horse want to move up from your leg aids and into the connection of the rein? Watch as we ask this horse to connect and balance at a new level"

We spent a few months "going back to the basics" with Beau.  Now, the time has come to see if all that work has made a difference in how he responds to Susan aids.  Those who have been watching Beau know he has some issues...  unless he is in the mood, he will not move forward freely. To get him to move forward better we let him go on a looser rein. Now, it is time to ask him to step up into the rein connection and into a better balance and connection.  Beau was not thrilled...   This is similar to what happens to many riders when they start to really connect their horse and is a perfect way to show you how to do that, even on a horse that is "complicated" to ride.

Does this give you more ideas on how you can connect and balance your horse as you move up the levels?   

http://youtu.be/XMI7GpqKV1Y  

Walk. Connecting from the back to the front. On the aids, rounding up. ...



"Why would your horse want to move up from your leg aids and into the connection of the rein? Watch as we ask this horse to connect and balance at a new level"

We spent a few months "going back to the basics" with Beau.  Now, the time has come to see if all that work has made a difference in how he responds to Susan aids.  Those who have been watching Beau know he has some issues...  unless he is in the mood, he will not move forward freely. To get him to move forward better we let him go on a looser rein. Now, it is time to ask him to step up into the rein connection and into a better balance and connection.  Beau was not thrilled...   This is similar to what happens to many riders when they start to really connect their horse and is a perfect way to show you how to do that, even on a horse that is "complicated" to ride.

Does this give you more ideas on how you can connect and balance your horse as you move up the levels?   

http://youtu.be/XMI7GpqKV1Y  

Friday, October 17, 2014

Canter. Collection, rounding up, balancing, packaging, in front of the a...



"Row, row row your boat (or horse). Connecting at the canter. Can you keep your horse balanced? How can you tell?"

What can you learn from an upper level dressage horse? A lot! Susan has now had Darrien a year and he continues to get better every week. In this session we focus on Darrien's canters. Now his back is up (collection, rounding up, packaging, coming through...) most of the time which is a huge change from even a month ago. He is also much more relaxed. In this session we are working on all of the movements he needs for Intermediate 1. However, everything we do can be applied to what ever you are doing with your horses canter. For example, focusing on keeping their weight balanced on the inside hind, keeping an uphill balance, and of course, keeping the horse connected.
What did you see in this video that you are going to try on your horse?

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Trot. Half passes How to check if your riding position is right. Dress...



"Have you ever thought about what you should be doing with your riding position while riding a circle, shoulder in or half pass? Watch how easy it can be as I focus on what Susan is doing" 

Now that Darrien is more starting to connect more with Susan it is time to focus on Susan's riding position again. We have been playing with it a little, but now it the perfect time to isolate what she is doing, especially in the lateral work which includes the half passes and shoulder in. The positioning that you see in this video with Susan will also work to make your circles better.

Try this riding position tip on your horse and see how it works for you. Can you feel the difference?

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Counter canter. Halt and backing. Keeping the connection and balance. Dr...



"Issues in training. Time to ask for more balance and connection in the counter canter and halt backs"

In this session our goal is simple. All Susan has to do is keep Beau in an uphill balanced and without showing issues. Those who have been following Susan and Beau know that is not always so willing to move forward freely. He has never been thrilled about "adding more activity" or taking up the "connection" from Susan's legs to her rein. This week, he also decided to change the way he is backing. For what ever reason, Beau has decided he should lean on the reins and stick his nose towards his chest. Now you can watch what we do to teach him another response...

Does your horse ever tell you that it does not feel like doing something you want it to do? What do you do to get past those issues?


http://youtu.be/R2QNdu1BagE

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Canter. 2nd level. Improving the balance with 10 meter circles. Dressag...



"Once upon a time... someone has told you that it is possible to get a more comfortable canter with your horse. Of course, they may have forgotten how long it might take to get there... or what the rider needs to do to show the horse how to be there..."


That is where Susan is with Beau during the filming of this video It was time to ask him to connect more from behind for the balance he needs for 2nd level. To help Susan isolate the feeling of Beau being in balance (under Susan's seat) we add either circles, or bringing h is shoulder over as if he is doing a circle. This is when you will see Beau start to "round up", "go in front of the aids", "connect", "go into self carriage" "package" or what ever you might call what happens

Are you ready to change the balance of your horse's canter?

http://youtu.be/SjL1Bf3BpJA

Monday, October 13, 2014

Trot Warm up. Finally! Packaging and connecting Beau. Dressage training



"Packaging a horse, rounding a horse up, connecting your horse, getting your horse on the aids.. there are so many terms for what these phrases mean to different riders."

It's time to start getting picky with Beau.  This was filmed two weeks before the USDF Regional's and we need to focus on the connection and balance that he needs for competing.  Susan has how shortened the length of her rein and is asking Beau to step up more into that connection and balance at the trot.  Now you can see how Beau's balance changes as Susan asks him to round up, package, balance, engage, come through, get on the aids, keep your horse under your seat, or what ever you might call it) 

What do you see changing as Beau get's more connected?

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Canter. Adding circles for better balance. Dressage training.



"How can circles improve your horse's canter?  Let me count the ways...."

How do you know if your horse is in the right balance at the canter?  Start adding circles and curves.  This is such an easy way for any rider to become aware of what they really are doing with their riding position and the horses balance at the canter.  Well, maybe it is not so easy, but with a little practice and lots of praise you will notice a difference in how your horse canters. 

Are you ready to add a few circles to your canter work?

Friday, October 10, 2014

Trots. Collected to Med Trot. Adding circles and lateral. Dressage Tips



"What can you do to improve the quality of your horses's trots?  Try adding curves and circles.  Watch how they make a difference for this horse and rider"

In this session Susan is focusing on the balance and connection of the trot work she is doing with Darrien.  To do this we add circles and curves so Susan can feel when Darrien is really under her seat and on her aids.  You will see how much this changes Darrien's trots.

Have you added more circles to your training program yet?  Can you see how they can be used to take both you and your horse to a new level?  

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Walk. Improving the balance and connection of shoulder in and half pass ...



"Shoulder in's and half passes. Have you wondered how to ride a shoulder in or half pass?  They can be easier than you think by adding circles to get the correct feeling and balance?"


Now you can watch as Susan focuses on improving the quality of Darrien's shoulder in's and half passes at the walk.  In this series we are adding circles and curves to isolate the feeling of these lateral movements.  This encourages Darrien to step under more with his hind feet which will also help him to "sit down more" (dare I say the say collection?) and keep uphill in his balance. 

This was filmed 3 weeks before the USDF Regional Championships where Susan competed Darrien in the AA Intermediate 1.  They came in 3rd place.   

Have you tried adding circles or curves to your shoulder in or half pass?   This is also a great way to get the feeling of doing them if you are new to riding them.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Susan and Beau. 2nd level Dressage Championships. 63% USDF Regional Ch...



"Show Results. USDF Region 1 2nd level AA Championships with Susan and Beau. 63% 8th Place"

We went into the 2nd level AA Championships not sure what would happen. This was Susan and Beau's 6th show at that level and they were competingagainst the Region 1 top 2nd level riders. When the top 8 winners were announced their 63% score put them in the top 8 riders! Of course, being in the winners circle is always fun, but... we were not sure how Beau would react in the victory lap. Last year he was not thrilled with what was happening and Susan had to dismount as he got a little unsafe. This time, Beau was the perfect gentleman. (Whew!!) Congratulations to Susan and Beau. 

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Susan and Darrien USDF Region 1Intermediate 1 AA Championship 62+% 3r...



"Region 1 Dressage Champions. Susan and Darrien earn 3rd place at Intermediate 1!"

This is Susan's ride with Darrien at the 2014 Region 1 Dressage Championships. Darrien is now much more relaxed in the show ring and with what is happening in his training. They placed 3rd with a score of 62+% (the winning ride was 5 points higher). Those who have been following this team's progress know how much Darrien has changed this past year as Susan has worked him through so many issues. At the end of this test you will see where they lost the most points. Darrien flipped his head coming down the center line for the final halt and salute. Other than that, this is their best test yet. 

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Renvers and shoulder in trot. Adding the activity with curves and circle...



"Renvers (haunches in) and Shoulder In. Do they confuse you? Now you can watch how we practice them by adding the feeling of a circle or curve"

In the world of dressage competition the riders and horses are required to show both the shoulder in and renvers starting at 2nd level. Why would anyone else want to use them? Because they connect our horses more with us! How can you ride them more effectively? Add circles and curves that will show you if your horse is really moving it's shoulders and haunches where you want them to be. Now you can watch what Susan is doing with Beau to as she practices moving the different parts of his body. Beau is not so thrilled about this...

Have you tried riding a shoulder in or renvers yet? What do you find is happening?

http://youtu.be/l-BO1hH55J4

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Canter Adding the activity with curves and circles Dressage tips



"Do you feel like you might never get your horse to balance right at the canter? You are not alone. Watch how we add curves and circles to make a difference in how Beau is cantering"

The canter can be such a tricky gait for rider's. Especially those who ride their horses in balance. In this session you can watch what I do with Susan and Beau. Now that they are ready to compete in the USDF Dressage Regional's (a few weeks after this filming) it is time to get Beau into a better balance. The balance that he needs to do for the 2nd level dressage tests requires that he be able to adjust his canter from a collected to a medium and counter canter. It is time for Beau to shift his weight back even more than he has before while he stays active with his hind feet. (Beau prefers not to be active...) To do this, we add curves and circles. Now you can watch to see how much Beau changes as a result.
How is your horses canter? Are you ready to add curves and circles to make it better?

Monday, September 29, 2014

Trot Keeping horse on inside hind. Shoulder in into 6 meter circle #2 D...



"Have you always wanted to ride a shoulder in and were not sure how? Now you can watch as we use circles to improve what Beau is doing with them at the trot" Part 2

This is Susan on Beau. In this session we focus on keeping Beau's weightover his inside hind at the trot. To do this we are using the shoulder in and shoulder fore by riding 6 or 8 meter circles that isolate the feeling of the bringing the horse's shoulders over so that Susan can feel when Beau's weight is on the inside hind. Once Susan has that feeling, she asks Beau to step up more with his back feet. Watch how much his balance and movement improve!

Have you tried riding your horse in a shoulder in yet? Can you see how using circles and curves can make a difference in how you are riding them?

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Shoulder in basics. Keeping the horses weight on the inside hind with cu...



"The shoulder in. Have you always wanted to do know how to  know if you are really doing it the right way with your horse?"

Now you can watch what happens with Susan and Beau as they focus on improving the quality of their shoulder in. We are focusing on the basics at the walk and you will notice that first we isolate what Beau is doing with his body as he does the shoulder in. Since he needs to be on his inside hind, we add curves and circles as they help Susan become aware of what is really happening with both his hindquarters and his shoulders. 

Have you tried adding curves and circles to how you are riding a shoulder in? Are you ready to try this on your horse?

Friday, September 26, 2014

Keeping the horses weight on the inside hind. #1 Walk and trot. Dressage...



"You have probably heard people say that a well balanced horse keeps it's weight on the inside hind foot on curves and circles. What does that mean and how can you know if your horse is really doing it?"

This is Susan warming Beau up and asking him to carry his weight on the inside hind foot right away. Of course, Beau was thrilled and showed us what he thought of that.  Yet, even with a few protests you will be able to see that Susan is able to balance him even in the warm up. We start out nice and slow and add more activity towards the end of this video.

Can you see when Beau is on his inside hind? Are you ready to try this on your horse?

http://youtu.be/lj0_nuPptgg

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Connecting from the back to the front. Trot, canter, Week 7 "Back to th...



"What can you do.... to know if your horse is really staying connected with you at the trot and canter? Check out what we are doing with Darrien"

Those who have been following the progress of Susan and Darrien have seen some big changes these past weeks. Now, Darrien is much more relaxed mentally. He is stepping up more from behind (engaging) and is accepting Susan's contact with the reins. As a result, Darrien is starting to stay more connected and "rounder" in his balance. This is the 2nd week that he has been lifting his back.

This is the last video from the "Back to the Basics" series. The horses have all made very nice changes and now it is time to get them ready to compete again. It is time to bring everything they have been doing together so we can "package" them. Some people call this rounding up, others connecting, others engaging... the words all mean the same. Stay tuned as the changes that have happened since this video are awesome!

Can you see the difference in Susan and Darrien since we took them back to the basics?

http://youtu.be/1Mf-o3VZBZs

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Walks, trots, halts circles. Week 7 "Back to the Basics" Dressage training



"What can you do.... to know if your horse is really staying connected with you? How about going back to basics?"

These past weeks have been very exciting for us. We took the horses and riders you have been watching back to back to the basics so that we could bring them back at a new level with more connection and a better balance. This is week 7 with Darrien and Susan. In this session we focus on keeping Darrien's back up as much as possible while keeping him relaxed. This is a huge break through! in fact, this is the 2nd week that Darrien has finally started using his back and starting to step under more with his back feet. It has taken us almost a year to get Darrien to let go of the tension and tightness in his body to do this. Darrien is still not sure what he should be doing, or how to stay balanced but Susan has done a great job of getting him comfortable with the process

Have you ever taken a horse back to the basics like this? Have you tried any of the techniques we have been sharing on your horse?

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Packaging. Walk trot. Keeping a horse round, and in front of the aids. ...



“This is a “Sneak Preview” of the next Horse and Rider Series. It will be on “Getting a horse on the aids. How to package your horse” 

These past few weeks, we have been focusing on the “Back to the Basics” series. We have seen big changes in all the horses. Do you remember when we first put Darrien in the snaffle (instead of his usual double bridle) His nose was higher than his poll those first few weeks. Now, as you will see even in this video, we continue to school him in snaffle. What a difference!

We are now preparing Susan’s horses for the USDF Regional Finals that are coming up. For competition, they need to be more connected. There are many terms that horse people use for what this means. Some people say this is when a horse is “in front of the rider’s aids,” others call it “rounding a horse up, others ‘packaging a horse”. We have never really asked either of her horses to stay more connected before the week of this filming and you can see what we are doing.

I hope you have been enjoying the “Back to the Basics” series. Have you been practicing these techniques on your horse?

http://youtu.be/xTukUQVwxEI

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Warm Up Canter Week 7 " Back to the Basics" Susan and Darrien. Dressage



"Have you ever tried to keep your horses back up in the warm up canter?  If so, you know how hard that can be. Watch what this rider does to warm up her horse"

Susan and Darrien make this warm up canter look a lot easier than it is.You will notice we do a lot of changes in movements and patterns.  I think this makes the process more interesting and fun both the horse and the rider.  What are you doing in your canter warm up?  Is your horses back up? 

 Those who have been following this "Back to the Basics" series have seen some pretty big changes in both Susan and Darrien.  Now you can see what we do in week 7 for our canter warm up.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Warm up. Walk/trot "Back to the Basics week 7" Susan and Darrien



"Your rider test for the week. Can you keep your horses back up during the walk trot warm up?"

Warming up your horse can be fun and challenging at the same time. In this session you can see how Susan is warming up Darrien at the walk and trot. Can you see how we keep changing the movements and patterns? 

How do you warm your horse up? 

Monday, September 15, 2014

Transitions. Canter halt, trot halts. Back to the basics. Week 6. Susan...



"Have you tried canter halt, or trot halt transitions yet? What can you do to improve them? Now you can watch as we teach an older horse how to do them more elegantly"

We have made it!  This is week 6 of "Back to the Basics" and the changes in Darrien are remarkable.  We are now schooling him in a snaffle bit and are excited as this (at the time of the filming) is the 2nd week that Darrien has been finally lifting his back in the movements. This is a sign that he is shifting back on his haunches and lifting his shoulders. 

Now that we are preparing to return to competition it is time to focus on the transitions that Susan and Darrien will need to compete. This includes the canter halts and trot halts. Even though Darrien is not as connected as he will be, the changes in what he is now doing are exciting for us to watch. 

What did you learn about the transitions you have been doing with your horse?  Are you going to try anything new with them after watching this video?