Posted on

Creating a Relationship

The dream of most riders and horse owners is to have a special bond with their horses. A lot of people also have problems because they want this bond so much that they let the horse do whatever he wants, as the owner wants to be the horse’s friend. But in horsemanship this just doesn’t work. We have to teach the horse rules in order to safely interact with each other. Continue reading Creating a Relationship

Posted on

A Balanced Horse

Having a balanced horse is not only a physical term but also a mental one. Mentally, horses need to be balanced in order for us to ride them correctly and safely. A horse who is not balanced will not be content where he is.  Instead, he will be attracted to magnets such as the gate, barn, and other horses. When your horse is balanced mentally, he will be on your aids ready to do anything you ask while staying relaxed. Continue reading A Balanced Horse

Posted on

Trail Training Part 1: Going Away From Home

The reason that many horses bolt, buck, rear, or balk on the trail is because they want to go back to the barn, other horses, their pasture, etc and you aren’t letting him. If the horse misbehaves by doing any one of these behaviors he learns that he can escape the pressure, go back to where he wants to be, or you may even end the ride, get off and take him home. You must start at the cause of the problem and figure out the source of your horse’s need to be at a certain place. Continue reading Trail Training Part 1: Going Away From Home

Posted on

Trail Training Part 2: Logs and Brush

Crossing over logs and through brush are obstacles that you will most likely encounter while on the trail. Some horses may become worried when underbrush touches their legs and may buck or bolt in response. If you properly prepare your horse first crossing through the woods won’t be a challenge. Continue reading Trail Training Part 2: Logs and Brush

Posted on

Strengthen Your Position For Jumping

To achieve a great position all of the parts need to work together to properly balance you on the horse, while also creating a beautiful picture. Continue reading Strengthen Your Position For Jumping

Posted on

Trotting Grids

Now that you are comfortable with the sensation of jumping over a single obstacle, it’s time to move on to multiple obstacles in a row also called a grids or grid work. Grid work prepares you for jumping full courses; it also develops your position, helps you learn to find the correct distance to each jump, and helps your horse’s rhythm and shape in the air. Continue reading Trotting Grids

Posted on

Two Point and Cross Rails

Two-point position keeps you close to the saddle but off your horse’s back as he gallops and jumps. In this position you will be over your horse’s center of gravity and in correct balance for jumping.  Once you can get into and stay in a two-point, it is time to start going over small cross rails. Cross rails are the easiest obstacle for your horse to jump. Continue reading Two Point and Cross Rails

Posted on

Basic Riding Patterns Part 3

riding patterns 3Riding patterns are used for almost every equine sport, from dressage to western horsemanship. Even if you only trail ride, patterns will help your steering and your horse’s focus.  Continue reading Basic Riding Patterns Part 3

Posted on

Basic Riding Patterns Part 2

Riding patterns are great for any discipline or skill level. Patterns teach horses to be more focused on their rider and teach the riders precise steering, speed control, and to have a plan for their ride.   Continue reading Basic Riding Patterns Part 2

Posted on

Basic Riding Patterns

Riding patterns will greatly improve the communication between you and your horse. When you give the horse a specific job to do he will become focused rather than wandering aimlessly around the arena. Patterns are a very important part of training; which keep him listening to you while working on fine-tuning your riding skills. Continue reading Basic Riding Patterns