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Teaching Haunches In

Haunches in provides another element of control over the horse’s body. This comes after you have already established the basic cues and can yield the hindquarters from the halt, both with your horse’s neck bent and straight. Haunches in is one of the easiest lateral movements to teach and I like to teach this lesson to my horses first, followed by other exercises like leg yielding and shoulder in. Teaching haunches in is also the first exercise used to start teaching canter departures from a walk. Continue reading Teaching Haunches In

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Bridleless Riding Part 1

To achieve controlled bridleless riding you must rely on your entire body to steer your horse instead rein cues. To start teaching this, you need to use your legs and seat to cue your horse before using the reins on a regular basis. Even if you never plan to ride your horse bridleless, teaching him to stop and steer using your seat and legs can help you advance and eliminate the need for strong rein cues. Continue reading Bridleless Riding Part 1

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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

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Hunter Under Saddle Training Checklist

hunter under saddleHunter 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

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Is Your Horse Right For You?

Finding the perfect horse is similar to dating. You may have to try out a few different ones before you find the perfect match, or you may stumble upon the right one the first time. Nevertheless, if you are having second thoughts about you and your horse’s compatibility revisit your wants and goals to make sure you have the right partner. Continue reading Is Your Horse Right For You?

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Correcting Stall Vices

By nature horses are designed to live outside twenty four hours a day, rain or shine. They are made to graze and move almost constantly in a herd environment. When horses are stalled all the time because of cosmetic reasons, are injured, etc they can easily get bored if they aren’t socially and physically simulated and this boredom can translate into stall vices. Continue reading Correcting Stall Vices

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Tying 101

All horses need to learn to tie safely. No matter what discipline you ride in, having a horse that stands tied in any environment is essential. Knowing how and when to tie a horse is just another part of good horsemanship. Continue reading Tying 101

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Cloverleaf Pattern

This pattern is just as it sounds, a four leaf clover. Great for improving your horse’s steering and will balance out a horse’s speed so he stays at a consistent pace. Fast horses will slow down and lazy horses will speed up. All around, the cloverleaf is a good pattern for every type of horse. Continue reading Cloverleaf Pattern