Horse shows can be a great place to test your riding skills and how well you and your horse work together as a team. Competing can be a very fun and rewarding experience when you take the proper steps to prepare your horse and yourself for a exciting, stress-free day. Continue reading Preparing For Your First Show
Category: Showing
Hunter Round Do’s And Don’ts
Have you ever been upset or at least confused about a placing that you have received after a hunter class? If so, a common response to not placing in a class is “The judge doesn’t like my horse.” “My horse is a paint and the judge doesn’t like paints.” Usually a response like this comes from a lack of knowledge about how hunter classes are judged and how the judge keeps score. Continue reading Hunter Round Do’s And Don’ts
Beginning Dressage
Dressage is the heart of all riding activities and disciplines. Dressage is training the mind and body of the horse to learn the basics for any discipline, all the way to advancing him to preform high level movements. Continue reading Beginning Dressage
Showmanship
Showmanship is a great opportunity for you to show off the horse’s manners and your handling skills. No matter what level of riding or your discipline, showing your horse in a showmanship class has many great benefits. Continue reading Showmanship
Jumping In and Out of Water
A water jump may seem daunting but it is actually simply made up of a sunken road filled with water. Before attempting the water fence, be sure you and your horse are both comfortable jumping up and down banks and riding through sunken roads that don’t have any water in them. All of these tips will boost your confidence and prepare you for the water. Continue reading Jumping In and Out of Water
Combination Fences
Combination fences can be challenging, and require you and your horse to be athletic and adjustable. These fences also allow you to show off your riding skills and your horse’s ability. Lots of practice is necessary to master combinations as they are fast, fun, and can make or break your course. Continue reading Combination Fences
Jumping Up and Downhill
The added difficulty of jumping fences that are placed on hills builds your skills and challenges the horse’s athletic ability. Jumping up and downhill will improve your communication with the horse while strengthening your partnership. Continue reading Jumping Up and Downhill
Jumping At Speed
Jumping fences at a full gallop is thrilling for all experienced riders. Mastering this exercise takes a lot of practice and control from both horse and rider. Continue reading Jumping At Speed
Canter Departures From the Walk
Transitions between gaits are more difficult for a horse to preform as it takes strength and coordination, as well as a good understanding of your aids. This lesson allows your horse to become more adjustable and collected, adding to his repertoire of cues as well as preparing him for events where this exercise is asked for, such as hunter under saddle classes and dressage tests. Continue reading Canter Departures From the Walk
Hunter Under Saddle Training Checklist
Hunter under saddle classes are a great opportunity to create obedience in your horse on the flat. This checklist goes over all the basics, as well as covering a few tips and tricks that will help you place higher and give you both more enjoyment. Continue reading Hunter Under Saddle Training Checklist