Sunday, December 18, 2016

Dressage Instructors Webinar.Horse Business 101. Social Media Marketing



Horse Business 101. How are people finding your horse business or service? Did you know that over 80% of your potential clients are looking for what you have to offer online first? Will they find you or your competitor? Now you can use Facebook to have the online presence you need! Join us as we discuss how our businesses have changed as a result of social media. You can also listen as we share the secrets to success when marketing your horse business on social media. From the Dressage Instructors Webinar #1

Join our new Dressage Instructors FB page at https://www.facebook.com/dressageinstructors

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Dressage Instructors Webinar Teaching Techniques. Stretchy Movements an...



Now you can listen in to the Dressage Instructors Webinar as we discussed "Teaching Techniques" Our topic was the "Stretchy Movements" and we shared tips that you can use when coaching your students. We also chatted about metronomes and where you can get one that clips on your rider!


Check out the comments on the Dressage Instructors page as there has been one added with the metronome.
What tips where you favorite? Have you tried any of them yet?

Join the new Dressage Instructors FB page. We will be sharing more webinars and live events. Stay tuned.

Friday, December 16, 2016

Dressage Instructors Webinar #1 From the Judges Box. Circles




Dressage Instructors Webinar. From the Judges Box. Circles... We had a lot of fun and shared tips on circles and different ideas on how you can teach them to your student.

Still a few glitches at times as we learn how webinars work, but onward we go on this amazing adventure.

Hosts are Randi Thompson and Jodi Lees. Our Moderator is Laura Kelland-May.

There are 3 topic areas in each of the Dressage Instructors Webinars. This is "From the Judges Box" where we discuss the all important circles. In Part #2 we go into "Teaching Techniques". The stretchy movements in dressage. What do you need to know about teaching it? Part #3 "Horse Business 101". Facebook marketing. How social media will make a difference in your horse business!

From the Judges Box. Circles... We had a lot of fun and shared tips on circles and different ideas on how you can teach them to your student. Still a few glitches at times as we learn how webinars work, but onward we go on this amazing adventure. Hosts are Randi Thompson and Jodi Lees. Our Moderator is Laura Kelland-May. There are 3 topic areas in each of the Dressage Instructors Webinars. This is "From the Judges Box" where we discuss the all important circles. In Part #2 we go into "Teaching Techniques". The stretchy movements in dressage. What do you need to know about teaching it? Part #3 "Horse Business 101". Facebook marketing. How social media will make a difference in your horse business!

Join our Facebook Dressage Instructors Page at https://www.facebook.com/dressageinstructors and our Google+ page at https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/107989485145511234576/+Horseandriderawarenessdressagetryonnc

and our Google+ page at https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/107989485145511234576/+Horseandriderawarenessdressagetryonnc

We will be sharing more webinars and live events. Stay tuned.

Friday, November 25, 2016

3 Magic Riding Position Fixes with Randi Thompson




"Would you like to have 3 Magic Riding Position Fixes that you can use to improve your riding position or your students?"

This is Randi Thompson of Horse and Rider Awareness and was filmed at West Equestrian Services and Training in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. (http://www.westhorse.net) During the "Ride with The Masters" clinic with Cheryl West. Most of the riders are currently competing in USDF Dressage, USEF Western Dressage and Cowboy Dressage. There were more western saddles there than I have seen in a long time!

Monday, November 14, 2016



Are you a dressage instructor in the horse world? If so... then this Dressage Instructors Webinar is what you have been looking for!

The Dressage Instructors Webinar is designed for riding instructors who want to improve what they are doing as a horse business while coaching riders who are competing in dressage.

Topics include:
"From the Judges Box"
Are you coaching riders who are competing in dressage? Would you like to hear what a judge has to say about what they are seeing? What do you need to know to bring home more blue ribbons and higher scores? How to use the dressage test movements to show your horse best qualities to the judge.
"Teaching Rein Connection"
Contact. What does it really mean and how can you teach it to your students? Watch as Jodi and Randi demonstrate techniques that you can use right away! We will also talk about Double bridles and how they should fit inside the horse's mouth.
"Horse Business 101"
Marketing Your Horse Business with Facebook and social media. How promoting your horse business can be easier than ever!
Your Hosts:
Jodi Jones Lees is a dressage trainer, instructor and USEF "R" licensed Dressage judge. She has been competing for over 35 years and instructing for over 25 years. Jodi is currently waiting for her upgrade to "S" status. Website: Rivers Edge Farms
Randi Thompson is the founder of the International award winning Rider Awareness Educational programs. Randi has been coaching professionals in the horse world for over 20 years in horse and rider training, business and marketing. She has recently produced National and Regional USDF riders that have competed and won through Intermediate 1. Website: Horse and Rider Awareness
Register today for your FREE Dressage Instructors Webinar! Those who register will be able to watch what we are doing, even if you are unable to attend as it will be recorded. You can also join us for the live Dressage Instructors webinar where you can join in on our conversations! and you can ask questions! Register here
Those who would like to invest more in their success stay tuned! The Dressage Instructor Bootcamp that will be held in spring 2017-Tryon NC area.
Are you interested in sponsoring special prizes and gifts for the DRESSAGE Instructors Webinar? Contact the organizer for more information
Check out the new Facebook page Dressage Instructors. We are sharing topics on teaching techniques for those who are coaching or competing riders in dressage, winning in the show ring.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Jumping Instructors. Teaching Techniques and Tips Episode 2



Jumping Instructors webinar. Episode #2 Teaching Techniques and Tips

In this episode we chatted about how the reins should be held, Pelham bits and the posting canter.
What other topics would you like us to focus on?

This is Randi Thompson with USEF "R"Judges Paddy Nygard-Downing and Laura Kelland-May.


Jumping Instructors. Teaching Techniques and Tips Episode 2



Jumping Instructors webinar. Episode #2 Teaching Techniques and Tips

In this episode we chatted about how the reins should be held, Pelham bits and the posting canter.
What other topics would you like us to focus on?

This is Randi Thompson with USEF "R"Judges Paddy Nygard-Downing and Laura Kelland-May.


Jumping Instructors. Teaching Techniques and Tips Episode 2



Jumping Instructors webinar. Episode #2 Teaching Techniques and Tips

In this episode we chatted about how the reins should be held, Pelham bits and the posting canter.
What other topics would you like us to focus on?

This is Randi Thompson with USEF "R"Judges Paddy Nygard-Downing and Laura Kelland-May.


Sunday, November 6, 2016

Jumping Instructors Webinar Judges Pet Peeves Part 1





Pet Peeves of the Judges. Episode 1 from the Jumping Instructors Webinar.  Nov 2016  

This is Randi Thompson with USEF "R"Judges Paddy Nygard-Downing and Laura Kelland-May.

Join our Facebook page, Jumping Instructors today!  





Tuesday, November 1, 2016



 Meet the hosts of the Jumping Instructors Programs!  We are getting so excited about the new Jumping Instructors webinar this week. We have been busy practicing... This past weekend we did a short video to promote what we are doing. Learning how to market is so important for each of us as professionals in the horse world. We started with graphics (artwork for the event) press releases and of course, social media. Join the new Jumping Instructors FB page to watch how we market these programs. Click on this link to watch the first video we did together to promote Jumping Instructors.


Attention Jumping Instructors!   New programs designed for riding instructors who want to focus on, or improve what they are doing in the horse business while coaching or competing over fences and on the flat.

The Jumping Instructors webinar will be hosted by Randi Thompson, founder of Horse and Rider Awareness and Paddy Downing-Nygard, USEF “R” Hunter/Jumper/Equitation Judge (25 years) It will be moderated by Laura Kelland-May Canadian Sr. Judge (hunter/jumper/equitation/hack) and USEF "R" Judge.

According to Ms. Thompson "The FREE Jumping Instructors Webinar is filled with information that we feel are important riding instructors who are doing business in the horse world.  Each program will feature topics that range from teaching techniques to business topics.
Already, the response to the Jumping Instructor Webinar has been great!  Over 130 people have registered and we have started the Jumping Instructors Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/jumpinginstructors)   We are looking forward to connecting more with everyone soon”

States Downing-Nygard “As a USDF "R" judge and instructor/trainer I have seen what happens in the horse business. I have watched professionals who have a hard time figuring out where they fit in the equine world.  I know that there are many topics I can add my knowledge and have teamed up with Randi Thompson to create the Jumping Instructor Programs.  It is a venue where we will be able to all learn from each other, join us.  

Topics include: 

"From the Judges Box"

Are you coaching riders who are competing over fences?  Now you can ask the judges what they are really seeing and what you need to know to win more blue ribbons.

"Teaching Rein Connection"
How should the rider hold the reins and where do they need to be positioned when going over the fences or on the flat?  Watch as Paddy and Randi demonstrate teaching techniques that you can use right away!   We will also talk about Pelham bits, what makes them different and what you need to know about how to use them.

"Horse Business 101"

Equine Liability Statues.  How do they affect your horse business?  If you think the Equine Statutes protect you from everything, you, like many other professional horse people, are wrong!   What steps do you need to take to protect your horse business legally?

Your Hosts

Paddy Downing-Nygard is a USEF "R" Judge   Hunter/Equitation/Jumpers (25 years).  Paddy is well known in the hunter/jumper world where she has judged at shows that include: Devon, Harrisburg National, Palm Beach (Winter Equestrian Festival) Pebble Beach, the Arabian Nationals and more.
Randi Thompson is the founder of Horse and Rider Awareness. Randi has been coaching professionals in the horse world for over 20 years in horse and rider training, business and marketing. Website:

Moderator

Laura Kelland-May   Canadian Sr. Judge (hunter/jumper/equitation/hack) and USEF "R" Judge.
Kelland-May says, "I am honored that these amazing women choose me to moderate the Jumping Instructors webinar.  Kelland-May goes on to say, "To be able to learn from horse people who have been such a success in the horse world is such a gift for professionals in the horse business.  They will be sharing secrets and tips that we all want to know.  Not just from a training and teaching standpoint but also from the judge’s point of view and of course, the business side of operating a horse business. People taking part in the Jumping Instructors webinar will get some tasty morsels to help them with their horse business right away.”

Join us in the FREE Jumping Instructors Webinar. We are going to share tips that you will be able to use right away to improve what you are doing in the horse business!   Those who would like to invest more in their success can join us for our live Jumper Instructor Bootcamp Spring 2017, Tryon NC area.

Register today for the FREE Jumping Instructors Webinar! Register today for your FREE Jumping Instructors Webinar!  Click on this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jumping-instructors-free-webinar-tickets-27765156330

Would you like to be a sponsor or have a special gift that you would like to share with other Jumping Instructors?  Contact us today!  We will be giving away free prizes during our webinars and the live Jumper Instructor Bootcamp. 



                                                                                         # # #

Would you like to feature the Jumping Instructor programs?  For interviews and more information contact Randi Thompson at randithompsonlive.com or call her at:  828-697-4274.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Dressage Instructor Tips. Hips and Thighs. Teaching riders how to use them











Dressage Instructor Tips. How to use your hips and thighs for turning a horse.


This is Cheryl West and Randi Thompson, Master Clinicians and Instructors demonstrating how it works. 


                            Ride with the Masters!


Tulsa, Oklahoma.   Join with Cheryl West and Randi Thompson. Improve your riding and training skills!   Randi has produced National Champions in Dressage, Jr. Jumpers, Natural Walking Horses and Arabian Western Pleasure. Check out her website at:  Horse and Rider Awareness      Clinic dates Nov. 17th and 18th.  Limited Private and Semi Private sessions with Randi are available.  Contact West Equestrian today! 



Saturday, October 15, 2016

Are you a dressage instructor in the horse world? If so... then this Dressage Instructors Webinar is what you have been looking for!

The Dressage Instructors Webinar is designed for riding instructors who want to improve what they are doing as a horse business while coaching riders who are competing in dressage.


Topics include:
"From the Judges Box"
Are you coaching riders who are competing in dressage? Would you like to hear what a judge has to say about what they are seeing? What do you need to know to bring home more blue ribbons and higher scores? How to use the dressage test movements to show your horse best qualities to the judge.
"Teaching Rein Connection"
Contact. What does it really mean and how can you teach it to your students? Watch as Jodi and Randi demonstrate techniques that you can use right away! We will also talk about Double bridles and how they should fit inside the horse's mouth.
"Horse Business 101"
Marketing Your Horse Business with Facebook and social media. How promoting your horse business can be easier than ever!
Your Hosts:
Jodi Jones Lees is a dressage trainer, instructor and USEF "R" licensed Dressage judge. She has been competing for over 35 years and instructing for over 25 years. Jodi is currently waiting for her upgrade to "S" status. Website: Rivers Edge Farms
Randi Thompson is the founder of the International award winning Rider Awareness Educational programs. Randi has been coaching professionals in the horse world for over 20 years in horse and rider training, business and marketing. She has recently produced National and Regional USDF riders that have competed and won through Intermediate 1. Website: Horse and Rider Awareness
Register today for your FREE Dressage Instructors Webinar! Those who register will be able to watch what we are doing, even if you are unable to attend as it will be recorded. You can also join us for the live Dressage Instructors webinar where you can join in on our conversations! and you can ask questions! Register here
Those who would like to invest more in their success stay tuned! The Dressage Instructor Bootcamp that will be held in spring 2017-Tryon NC area.
Are you interested in sponsoring special prizes and gifts for the DRESSAGE Instructors Webinar? Contact the organizer for more information
Check out the new Facebook page Dressage Instructors. We are sharing topics on teaching techniques for those who are coaching or competing riders in dressage, winning in the show ring.




Are you a dressage instructor in the horse world?  If so... then this FREE Dressage Instructor Webinar is what you have been looking for!

Are you a dressage instructor in the horse world? If so... then this Dressage Instructor Webinar is what you have been looking for! The Dressage Instructors Webinar is designed for riding instructors who want to improve what they are doing as a horse business while coaching riders who are competing in dressage.


Topics include:

"From the Judges Box"

Are you coaching riders who are competing in dressage? Would you like to hear what a judge has to say about what they are seeing?  What do you need to know to bring home more blue ribbons and higher scores? How to use the dressage test movements to show your horse best qualities to the judge.

"Teaching Rein Connection"

Contact. What does it really mean and how can you teach it to your students? Watch as Jodi and Randi demonstrate techniques that you can use right away!   We will also talk about Double bridles and how they should fit inside the horse's mouth.

"Horse Business 101"

Marketing Your Horse Business with Facebook and social media. How promoting your horse business can be easier than ever!


Your Hosts:

Jodi Jones Lees is a dressage trainer, instructor and USEF "R" licensed Dressage judge. She has been competing for over 35 years and instructing for over 25 years. Jodi is currently waiting for her upgrade to "S" status. Website:  Rivers Edge Farms

Randi Thompson is the founder of Horse and Rider Awareness. Randi has been coaching professionals in the horse world for over 20 years in horse and rider training, business and marketing. She has recently produced National and Regional USDF through Intermediate 1. Website: Horse and Rider Awareness

Register today to watch the FREE Dressage Instructors Webinar or to listen to the replay as many times as you like.    Dressage Instructors


Those who would like to invest more in their success stay tuned!  The Dressage Instructor Bootcamp that will be held in spring 2017-Tryon NC area.

Are you interested in sponsoring special prizes and gifts for the DRESSAGE Instructors Webinar? Contact the organizer for more information

Check out our new Facebook page Dressage Instructors



#dressageinstructor   #dressage  #dressageinstructors

Are you a dressage instructor in the horse world?  If so... then this Dressage Instructor Webinar is what you have been looking for!


The Dressage Instructors Webinar is designed for riding instructors who want to improve what they are doing while coaching riders who are competing in dressage. Running a horse business is more than just coaching... we also need to know how to make it a business. Now you can discover the "Secrets used by Top Trainers" as Jodi and Randi share valuable tips that will make a difference in your horse business.

Topics include:

"From the Judges Box"

Are you coaching riders who are competing in dressage? Would you like to hear what a judge has to say about what they are seeing?  What do you need to know to bring home more blue ribbons and higher scores? How to use the dressage test movements to show your horse best qualities to the judge.

"Teaching Rein Connection"

Contact. What does it really mean and how can you teach it to your students? Watch as Jodi and Randi demonstrate techniques that you can use right away!   We will also talk about Double bridles and how they should fit inside the horse's mouth.

"Horse Business 101"

Marketing Your Horse Business with Facebook and social media. How promoting your horse business can be easier than ever!

Your Hosts:

Jodi Jones Lees is a dressage trainer, instructor and USEF "R" licensed Dressage judge. She has been competing for over 35 years and instructing for over 25 years. Jodi is currently waiting for her upgrade to "S" status. Website:  http://www.riversedgefarms.com

Randi Thompson is the founder of Horse and Rider Awareness. Randi has been coaching professionals in the horse world for over 20 years in horse and rider training, business and marketing. She has recently produced National and Regional USDF through Intermediate 1. Website:  http://www.horseandriderawareness.com

Register today to watch the FREE Dressage Instructors Webinar or to listen to the replay as many times as you like.    Dressage Instructors


Those who would like to invest more in their success stay tuned!  The Dressage Instructor Bootcamp that will be held in spring 2017-Tryon NC area.

Are you interested in sponsoring special prizes and gifts for the DRESSAGE Instructors Webinar? Contact the organizer for more information

Check out our new Facebook page Dressage Instructors:  https://www.facebook.com/Dressage-Instructors



#dressageinstructor   #dressage  #dressageinstructors

Sunday, October 2, 2016








This month I will be honored to speak at the Certified Horsemanship Association International Conference (CHA) This is a wonderful organization for those who are coaching horse back riding of any discipline. So many great speakers and programs designed with techniques that riding instructors can use to improve their riders skills and of course... the all important aspects of doing business in the horse world.
You can sign up for the CHA International Conference, or check out the list of speakers at: http://cha-ahse.org/…/pages/47/International_Conference.html  
I look forward to meeting old friends and meeting new friends there soon!
Certified Horsemanship Assn. International Conference

Sunday, September 25, 2016

"Attention Jumping Instructors! FREE webinar designed for you!





"Attention Jumping Instructors! Check out this FREE webinar designed for you!"

Topics include:

"From the Judges Box"

Are you coaching riders who are competing over fences? Now you can ask those questions you have always wanted answers for.

"Teaching Rein Connection"

How should the rider hold the reins and where do they need to be positioned? How should a rider hold the reins in a Pelham bit?

"Horse Business 101"

What you need to know as a professional in the horse world. Let us show you what you need to know. Record keeping, Marketing, liability and safety issues.

Your Hosts:

Paddy Downing-Nygard is a"USEF R' Judge Hunter/Equitation/Jumpers (25 years). Paddy is well known in the hunter/jumper world where she has judged at shows that include: Devon, Harrisburg National, Palm Beach (Winter Equestrian Festival,) Pebble Beach, the Arabian Nationals and more.

Randi Thompson is the founder of Horse and Rider Awareness. Randi has been coaching professionals in the horse world for over 20 years in horse and rider training, business and marketing. She is also a Master Instructor with the Certified Horsemanship Assn. Check out her website at: http://www.horseandriderawareness.com

Paddy and Randi are going to share tips that you will be able to use right away to improve your coaching skills!

Register today for the FREE Jumping Instructors Webinar! Click on this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jumping-instructors-free-webinar-tickets-27765156330

Those who would like to invest more in their success are invited to attend live Jumper Instructor Bootcamp in the Tryon NC Spring 2017. Stay tuned for more information.


Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Bending. The most amazing technique you have seen. From halt to walk. S...







"What does bending mean and how should your horse be positioned in front of your seat? You are going to love this technique!"

Horse people everywhere are not sure of where they should be positioning their horses head for the right "bend". By looking through the ears of the horse you will find that you will be riding the horses shoulders instead of simply bringing their head over! How cool is this?

Now you can watch as I show Trudy, from the halt than at the walk, how to do this and what she is going to feel it. Are you ready to try this on your horse?

Friday, August 26, 2016

Keeping a horses focus and head position... when it doesn't want to. Wal...




"My horse throws its head up in the trot walk transitions. What am I supposed to do? How can I keep my horses focused and soft to my rein connection?"
This happens to so many riders. It is a common challenge that can be solved by understanding the Steps to Connection. Now you can watch this Blast from the Past to show what I did with Trudy and Ani to keep them connected with the walk trot transitions and the different trots. Ani was still new to being on contact/on the aids/on the bit/in front of the aids at the time of this filming. . Like most horses that are new to this level of connection she is not sure what she should be doing when Trudy takes up the contact. Now you can see what we did with the walk trot transitions and changes of gait at the trot to help her understand how to stay connected.
Does this give you a better idea of how you can ask your horse to stay more connected? Practice this Horse and Rider Awareness technique and tell me how it works for you.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Is your horse in front of the aids? Check out this easy technique to kn...




"Did you know... that when a horse is in "front of the riders aids (connected from the back to the front) that the base of the horses neck gets thick?" Now you can watch this blast from the past to see how this concept brought Trudy and Ani to a new level of connection"

In this session we continue with Trudy teaching Ani how to stay on "contact". Before this Ani was ridden on a loose rein. This is new for Ani and like most horses she is not sure what is happening. In this session you will see how Trudy and Ani connect better when Ani is “thick in the base of her neck. (I was thrilled to be able to film this part of the training process as many riders have never seen what happens with a horse and rider going to the next level)

The next time you ride try this on your horse. Can you feel the difference in the connection when they are thick in the base of their necks? 

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Metronome Magic. Is your horse connected? How do you know? #2





"What if.... there was a technique you can use to really know if your horse is moving in rhythm and balance? Watch what happens when we add a metronome...."

Our goal in this session was to keep Shadow connected (the Steps to Connection) so that he can keep an even gait (walk trot) instead of falling into the walking horse gait. To do this we continue to focus when he starts to disconnect, losing his balance and rhythm. Our rider is Bronze Medalist, Marilynn Basset. 

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

The Rainbow (in a horses neck)at the trot/canter transitions. Is your h...









"The Rainbow... An easy way for you to know if your horse is connecting the way you want it do. Check out this easy to use technique to see if your horse has a "Rainbow" in your trot/canter transitions today!"
For most of us, keeping our horses balanced and in connection is important. We like the way it feels when our horses connect with us at that level. An easy way to be able to "see" (yes, sometimes we do look down) is by keeping a "Rainbow" in your horses neck. Of course, it is much more than that... However, this is an easy technique that will let you know when your horse is really on the aids/in front of the legs/on the bit, round, packaged, the beginning of self carriage.
The next time you ride, check to see if you have a "Rainbow" in your horses neck. Let us know how it works for you!

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Contact. The beginnings. Walk trot. The Steps to Connection. S4 dressage





"What if... you have finally come to the point in your horses training where you are ready to ask them to stay connected from your leg to the reins (contact). What should you expect and what should you do?"

When a horse is learning how to stay connected they are not sure what is going on. Especially if this is also new for the rider. Now you can watch what happens as I use the "Steps to Connection"with Trudy to show her how to keep Ani focused and connected walk halt transitions for the 4th time. 

Can you see how important understanding the Steps to Connection are to what you are doing with your horse?

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Connecting at a new level with Metronome. Mini stretches and even rhythm...




"What if you have a gaited horse (or in fact any horse that does not seem to want to stay connected between your aids? Now you can watch how Marilyn rides with the metronome and adds mini stretches and the outside rein and leg to keep Shadow more connected" This is Part #1 of 2 Watch the changes!"


This is Marilyn Basset (USDF Bronze Medalist) riding Shadow a Walking horse cross with lateral gaits. (Pacey) This is our first session together. To isolate what Shadow is doing with his gaits (this works on any horse with uneven gaits) we add the metronome. We also focus on if Shadow is really softening to Marilyn's aids. Is he listening to her? Than we practice how the outside rein can be used to keep a horses balance and mini stretches on both reins. One of Marilyn's questions about Shadow is what to do when he leans on a rein. Now you can watch the process we use to keep a horse soft on the reins. Could you see the difference in how Marilyn is now able to communicate more clearly with Shadow? Did you see how he lifted his back and started moving better as a result?

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Retraining a Schoolmaster. Is your horse on the aids? Trot. 10 meter cir...





Can you retrain a schoolmaster?  Why not? Now you can watch what happens as Cheryl West discovers what having Comet (21 yr. rescued Rhinelinder) in front of the aids really feels like as I add the metronome"



These are the topics that we discussed. I added a metronome so that the rider, Cheryl West would be more aware of Comet's rhythm.  This made it easier to keep him in front of her aids and connected.



10 meter Circle.  How to ride one.

Metronome to keep rhythm

Four corners of a circle

Front of saddle pointed in

Rising trot allows more freedom for rider and horse

Outside rein  and leg to inside rein and  leg.  Use leg yield to check.

Shorten length of outside rein until horses shoulder starts to lift

Check that your outside seat bone feels like it is coming through your outside elbow

Point your belly and the front of the saddle in the direction you want your horse to go towards

Praise the horse often.

Breath through your belly

Eyes up. Look where you are going.

Shoulder in.  Size of 10 meter circle.  Can you keep the rhythm?

Is your horse stretching down and in?

Is your horse tracking up?



Which tip are you going to try?  Let us know how it works for you!



Sunday, July 24, 2016

Retraining a Schoolmaster. Is your horse in front of the aids walk/trot? How do you know?




"Is your horse really in front of your aids?  Now you can see how to use a metronome to know.... Watch what happens with Cheryl West-Master Instructor and her rescued dressage horse Comet (age 20) as we go over the basics of reconnecting a horse and rider"   



These are the topics that we discussed... (Yes, just in this video!) Adding the metronome for rider awareness of rhythm and if horse is in front of the riders aids or not.

Rising vs sitting trot. Which one should you do? 

Is your horse "Stepping up from behind into connection" of your reins?

Ask your horse to step up with the inside hind to an "alive" rein on inside. When you get the horse to step up to one side, praise them than switch sides.

When does your horse drop the connection?

Frame of rein and aids. What does that mean?

From back to front

Side to Side

How do you know if your horse is on the outside rein and leg?

Leg yield for checking outside reins and legs.

Front of the saddle should be pointed in on curves 

Mini stretches. Can your horse do them on both sides?

Keeping connection with rhythm of the gait. Metronome.

Bring your inside seat bone towards the horses inside ear.

Lunge line to feel what that size circle should feel like for the rider and horse.




What did you discover from watching this Horse and Rider Awareness Video that will make a difference in how you are asking your horse to stay connected with you?


Retraining a Schoolmaster. Is your horse in front of the aids walk/trot? How do you know?




"Is your horse really in front of your aids?  Now you can see how to use a metronome to know.... Watch what happens with Cheryl West-Master Instructor and her rescued dressage horse Comet (age 20) as we go over the basics of reconnecting a horse and rider"   



These are the topics that we discussed... (Yes, just in this video!) Adding the metronome for rider awareness of rhythm and if horse is in front of the riders aids or not.

Rising vs sitting trot. Which one should you do? 

Is your horse "Stepping up from behind into connection" of your reins?

Ask your horse to step up with the inside hind to an "alive" rein on inside. When you get the horse to step up to one side, praise them than switch sides.

When does your horse drop the connection?

Frame of rein and aids. What does that mean?

From back to front

Side to Side

How do you know if your horse is on the outside rein and leg?

Leg yield for checking outside reins and legs.

Front of the saddle should be pointed in on curves 

Mini stretches. Can your horse do them on both sides?

Keeping connection with rhythm of the gait. Metronome.

Bring your inside seat bone towards the horses inside ear.

Lunge line to feel what that size circle should feel like for the rider and horse.




What did you discover from watching this Horse and Rider Awareness Video that will make a difference in how you are asking your horse to stay connected with you?


Friday, July 22, 2016

Magic Square. Straightness, Pirouettes and more amazing changes Dressa...







"The Magic Square.  Improve your straightness and connection with this amazing Horse and Rider Awareness technique!  2 new riders of 2 levels show you how it makes a difference in their riding"


This is Cheryl West of the West Equestrian Services and Training in Sand Springs (Tulsa area) Oklahoma  She is riding Comet, a 21 yr old rescued Rhinelander.  Our other rider is Jr. rider Marjorie, riding  Eclipse off track appendix TB who is 19 years.  Both of the riders have been watching or working with me this week and this was the last ride that I was able to film.  In this video you will see how the magic square can be used to keep a horse on the wall (or straight) on a lower level horse and how it can also be used to improve the quality of a walk pirouette.

Can you see how the Magic Square can make a difference in your training?

Retraining a Schoolmaster. Is your horse in front of the aids walk/trot? How do you know?




"Is your horse really in front of your aids?  Now you can see how to use a metronome to know.... Watch what happens with Cheryl West-Master Instructor and her rescued dressage horse Comet (age 20) as we go over the basics of reconnecting a horse and rider"   



These are the topics that we discussed... (Yes, just in this video!) Adding the metronome for rider awareness of rhythm and if horse is in front of the riders aids or not.

Rising vs sitting trot. Which one should you do? 

Is your horse "Stepping up from behind into connection" of your reins?

Ask your horse to step up with the inside hind to an "alive" rein on inside. When you get the horse to step up to one side, praise them than switch sides.

When does your horse drop the connection?

Frame of rein and aids. What does that mean?

From back to front

Side to Side

How do you know if your horse is on the outside rein and leg?

Leg yield for checking outside reins and legs.

Front of the saddle should be pointed in on curves 

Mini stretches. Can your horse do them on both sides?

Keeping connection with rhythm of the gait. Metronome.

Bring your inside seat bone towards the horses inside ear.

Lunge line to feel what that size circle should feel like for the rider and horse.




What did you discover from watching this Horse and Rider Awareness Video that will make a difference in how you are asking your horse to stay connected with you?


Friday, June 17, 2016

How to keep your horse straight by adding your lower legs. Walk. S3 Dres...




"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.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Half Halts at the trot. Is your horse listening to you? Adding the breat...





"Can Your Horse Feel Your Half Halts at the Trot?  What can you do to improve your half halt and become more aware of when your horse is responding?"


In this session Susan practices the half halt as taught by Robert Dover.  To do this, she breaths in deeply.. bringing that breath up her chest and back into her shoulder blades. She finishes by bringing her seat forward, hugging her legs and closing her fingers on the reins.  This entire process takes only 3 seconds.  Beau  has been doing half halts but has never really been thrilled with them. (for what ever issues he might be having that day)  Since he is now competing in 2nd level we need to be able to balance him more than ever so that he starts to "engage" his back end and shorten his body from the back to the front.  Lucky you as you get to watch him go through the process. This is their warm up trot and Susan is already asking Beau to listen to her half halts.  By the end of this session you will see that Beau is starting to get it. 

What have you been doing for your halt halts?  Is your horse really responding to them or are you hoping that it is?

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Half Halts at the canter. It's time to connect and balance for 2nd level...




"The canter. Is your horse responding to your half halts? Watch what happens as Susan asks Beau to stay connected even more at the canter"


In this "blast from the past"  Susan practices the half halt as taught by Robert Dover. To do this at the canter she feels when Beau starts to disconnect. When Susan feels that happen she breaths in deeply.. bringing that breath up her chest and back into her shoulder blades. Susan finishes that breath by bringing her seat forward, hugging her legs and closing her fingers on the reins. This entire process takes only 3 seconds. As those of you who know Beau expect... He is not thrilled moving up into the balance he needs for second level. This is a time of great change for Susan and Beau and I am so happy to have caught it on film as most riders never get to see what can happen as a horse is asked to balance and connect at a new level. 

Can you see how Beau started to understand the half halts better?

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Canter Trot Transitions. Adding the Shoulder In and Leg Yields for better connection an balance.




"Would you like to improve your Canter Trot Transitions? Try adding the shoulder in and leg yield movements! "

In this blast from the past we focused on getting Beau more balanced in his canter trot transitions. At that time, Beau had the tendency to flip his head up, and dropping his back as a result, in the canter trot transitions both up and down. To balance Beau for the transitions we add shoulder ins and leg yields to get him to be in a better balance.
Can you see how Beau's transitions begin to change as Susan prepares him in different ways to see how to get the response she is looking for? Can you see how this could help your horse?

Friday, June 10, 2016

Canter Trot transitions. Timing of the Riders Aids. Is your horse really connected to you?




"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 and your Steps to Connection. Watch what Susan does with Beau in this blast from the past"  


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.  This was the 2nd session where we focused on keeping Beau connected at this level" 

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

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Transitions and Half halts. Riding Position. Is your horse responding? ...





"The secrets to the half halts and Steps to Connection. Everything you need to get started on connecting your riding position to your horse when you ride"

On this day Trudy asked me to isolate what she was doing with her riding position for her half halts and to improve how she is connecting (The Steps to Connection) with Ani. For the first time, we started the process in the warm up. Now you can see the steps that we are using as we continue this series into the trot and canters.

Are you ready to try this on your horse? We would love to hear how these techniques are working for you. This is also a great place to ask any questions that you might have about these Horse and Rider Awareness techniques.

Saturday, June 4, 2016

The Rainbow (in a horses neck)at the trot/canter transitions. Is your horse really connected?






"The Rainbow...  An easy way for you to know if your horse is connecting the way you want it do.  Check out this easy to use technique to see if your horse has a "Rainbow" in your trot/canter transitions today to know if your horse is really connected or not"



For most of us, keeping our horses balanced and in connection is important. We like the way it feels when our horses connect with us at that level.  An easy way to be able to "see" (yes, sometimes we do look down) is by keeping a "Rainbow" in your horses neck.  Of course, it is much more than that... However, this is an easy technique that will let you know when your horse is really on the aids/in front of the legs/on the bit, round, packaged, the beginning of self carriage.



The next time you ride, check to see if you have a "Rainbow" in your horses neck.  Let us know how it works for you!


Friday, June 3, 2016

Contact. The beginnings. Walk trot. The Steps to Connection. S4 dressage




"What if... you have finally come to the point in your horses training where you are ready to ask them to stay connected from your leg to the reins (contact). What should you expect and what should you do?"


When a horse is learning how to stay connected they are not sure what is going on. Especially if this is also new for the rider. Now you can watch what happens as I use the "Steps to Connection"with Trudy to show her how to keep Ani focused and connected walk halt transitions for the 4th time.

Can you see how important understanding the Steps to Connection are to what you are doing with your horse?

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Warm up trot. The Steps to Connection that you need! S4 Riding instruction




"What would it feel like if you could connect to your horse at the trot in the warm up? Have you ever thought about it? Now you can watch to see what I do with Trudy to help her balance and connect with Ani sooner than in the past"


Once a horse is past the "Green horse" phase we can start asking them to connect and balance sooner during our riding time. Now that Trudy as been able to take Ani to the "next level" she is now asking her to connect sooner from her leg to the rein. This is a big change as before Trudy warmed Ani up on a loose rein (like a green horse) and pretty much allowed her to do any speed she wanted in the warm up phrase. Now you can watch the changes and see how adding connection earlier can make a difference in your riding and training.

What do you do in your warm up? Are you asking your horse to connect in the warm up yet?

Friday, April 15, 2016

Warm up trot. The Steps to Connection that you need!

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<b>"What would it feel like if you could connect to your horse at the trot in the warm up?  Have you ever thought about it?  Now you can watch to see what I do with Trudy to help her balance and connect with Ani sooner than in the past"</b>

Once a horse is past the "Green horse" phase we can start asking them to connect and balance sooner during our riding time.  Now that Trudy as been able to take Ani to the "next level" she is now asking her to connect sooner from her leg to the rein.  This is a big change as before Trudy warmed Ani up on a loose rein (like a green horse) and pretty much allowed her to do any speed she wanted in the warm up phrase.  Now you can watch the changes and see how adding connection earlier can make a difference in your riding and training.

What do you do in your warm up?  Are you asking your horse to connect in the warm up yet?  

Friday, April 8, 2016

Rider position. How to keep your seat over your lower legs. #1 S3 Riding...






"What if... the real reason your lower legs are not staying where you want them to be, is that you have not been keep your seat over them?  This is what happens with most riders.  It sounds so simple, but is a huge shift in how you will be able to maintain your balanced riding position.  Now you can watch how I show Trudy how to be able to feel when her seat is in the right place to keep her anchored into her lower legs"



What did you learn from watching this video? Can you see how important it is for you to keep your seat over your lower legs so that they are in the right place?  Are you ready to try this?  Please let us know how it works for you.


Saturday, April 2, 2016

How to Ride a Shoulder In or Renvers/Travers. What to Look For and Wha...

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"Can you control the shoulders of your horse ? How about the haunches? Now you can with the The magic of the shoulder in and renvers/travers"

Horse people have been using the "shoulder in" and "renvers/travers" for centuries. These are great exercises that improve a horses balance and the connection a rider has with their horse. What is the difference between them? Basically, in the shoulder in the rider brings the outside shoulder in until the horse crosses it's inside front over the outside front foot...as they keep the horses back end straight. The renvers/travers, are really the same is movement if ridden on the center or quarter line. When ridden in the dressage tests, the renvers is tail to the wall, while in the travers the horses tail is to the inside. In that movement, the horses front feet move straight ahead and they cross the outside hind foot in front of the inside. Both movements require that the horse is "bent" around the riders inside leg. They are easy to see from behind. Watch this video to see how.

Have you explored the possibilities of the shoulder in or renvers/travers with your horse? Are you ready to try them now?