Having your horse consistently pick up the lead you want and maintain it when you ask improves your performance in flat classes, helps get you to the right spot over fences and ground poles, and makes your horse more balanced overall. Continue reading Correct Canter Leads
Backing up correctly can become confusing for a horse when unclear or clashing aids are given to him. Also, the fact that moving away from pressure is unnatural for horses as they are programmed to press into pressure to escape from predators. However, with consistent cues and training your horse will be backing up as fast and as far as you want him to. Continue reading A Better Back Up
Teaching a horse to be light in your hands and listening to your aids isn’t a hard thing to do if you do it correctly. Here I will describe the basics on how to get the horse to become comfortable in the bridle and responsive to bit pressure. Continue reading Accepting the Bridle
A few holes in your horse’s training can turn an easy stroll from the barn into a fight when your horse decides he doesn’t want to go and plants his feet. Despite all of your pulling and coaxing he still won’t budge. You may also have the opposite problem, when your pony morphs into a race horse charging ahead and dragging you around instead of you leading him. Regardless, any leading problem can be solved by going back to the basics. Continue reading Leading
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
This question is very common and there isn’t a general answer that works for every horse or situation. Knowing what type of conformation your horse has and what sport he is suited for will help you decide when to start him. Continue reading When Should I Start My Young Horse?
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
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
The horse is tacked up, the sky is clear, and the trails are calling your name. You and your horse are all set to go, but right as you go to mount up your horse walks off preventing you from beginning your ride or any ride for that matter. Continue reading Mounting Problems
Horses who throw a fit every time you try to leave the barn by refusing, turning back, or even rearing are barn sour and rather be at the comfort of the barn or with his buddies instead of riding with you. Horses can also exhibit a barn sour habit by rushing toward the barn on your way back from a trail ride. Here I will give you some exercises to cure your horse’s barn sour behaviors. Continue reading Barn Sour Behaviors