Horsemanship
All is Fair in Love and Training?
When riding, training, and competing, it seems we are constantly trying to balance how to be kind to our horses while still establishing boundaries that…
Category:
Training
Training
Master Canter Transitions and Controlled Turns with the 3s and 5s Exercise
A little inspiration can go a long way! Whether it’s beginner group lessons, advanced gymnastics, exercises for a young horse, or schooling a specific skill,…
1 month ago
Training
Developing an Elastic Arm and Independent Seat
“When you have elastic arms and an independent seat—you support your upper body from your security in the tack and balance in the stirrups, not…
2 months ago
Training
The ‘Long-and-Low’ Path to Real Collection
For a horse to be able to be collected, learning to give to the rein and flex at the poll is vital. “A horse that…
2 months ago
Pro Tips
Riding Fit: Trot Pole Squats
Do you think of yourself as an equestrian? Do you think of yourself as an equestrian athlete? If you aren’t accustomed to including the word…
4 months ago
Dressage
7 Rules for Getting Riding Aids Right
We all know that while in the saddle, the rider communicates with the horse using a language of succinct signals. Oh, yeah…and these signals are…
4 months ago
Training
Winter Coping Strategies
So another December has rolled around. And for Americans in all but the most southern tier of states, this means that the toughest time looms…
4 months ago
Training
The Power of Intention
Probably the greatest example of the power of intention is found in the world of Quantum Physics. In this world we learn that literally everything…
5 months ago
Training
One Exercise, Eight Lessons, Any Discipline
It’s no secret that the arena can become a dreadfully boring place. Even the strongest, healthiest, most loving and connected horse-and-rider team are sometimes driven…
9 months ago
OTTB
How To Be a Horse Trainer
So you want to become a horse trainer, huh? Sounds like fun—doing what you love and getting paid for it? Score! You are about to…
10 months ago
Training
Improving Balance in the ‘Non-Traditional’ Dressage Horse
My Connemara cross, Anna, is not known for being the most forward thinking of mounts. While she is pretty willing to do whatever is asked,…
10 months ago
Training
Silly Walks For Better Riding
Remember that ridiculous Monty Python comedy sketch “The Ministry of Silly Walks”? It has inspired all manner of copycat moments over the years, and while…
11 months ago
Training
Are You Listening?
Riding horses is exhausting. No, I’m not talking about the physical exhaustion that comes with hours in the saddle. I don’t mean the sore muscles,…
12 months ago
Training
Improve Your Flying Lead Changes With Bernie Traurig
Automatic flying changes. It sounds like a desirable skill in a horse. But is it in practice? USET veteran and EquestrianCoach.com founder Bernie Traurig says…
12 months ago
Training
Cross Training: Good for Humans, Good for Horses
In 1996 I participated in a Natural Horsemanship clinic given by the late Tom Dorrance. Even though he was a cowboy, well over half of…
12 months ago
Training
The Jig is Up: 7 Ways to Change Prancy Habits
When I was a kid, we used to call it “parade gait”…the bouncy jig our ponies performed when we all lined up in an open…
1 year ago
Horsemanship
Pain and Patience: Befriending My Father’s Horse
This article was supposed to be a new installment in my Liberty Training for Amateurs series, however, I’ve been consumed by a terrible tragedy. My…
1 year ago
Training
Beginner’s Guide to Free Riding
There are a few things to consider before hopping on your horse without a saddle and bridle. First, your seat and leg should be proficient…
1 year ago
Eventing
The Happiest Loser in the Barn
I left the ring with a huge grin on my face and signaled my student with a thumbs up as we made eye contact. I…
1 year ago
Horse Health
Muscle Health for the OTTB
Transitioning a Thoroughbred from racehorse to sport horse is no easy task. The process of rehabilitating and retraining these amazing athletes for success in other…