tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32459524454554549842024-03-13T00:49:44.073-07:00Schooling Your HorseIdeas and tips on all aspects of riding for riders of any level. A different schooling idea each week. All comments, questions and suggestions welcome.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-19628469580367731222012-03-02T23:43:00.001-08:002012-03-02T23:43:35.152-08:00New Post - New SiteThe schoolyourhorse blog has now moved. This week's post can be found here - <a href="http://www.schoolyourhorse.com/2012/03/03/show-schedule/">http://www.schoolyourhorse.com/2012/03/03/show-schedule/</a> It's all about warming up at a show and how the way you do it affects your horse. For all future posts please click on the logo above to go to the new site at www.schoolyourhorse.com Thank you :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-73146725804215622362012-02-25T01:03:00.000-08:002012-02-25T01:04:54.882-08:00Thumbs Up or Down?<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Thumbs Up!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Great news! On Thursday 1<sup>st</sup> of March a new schoolyourhorse
site opens at <a href="http://www.schoolyourhorse.com/">www.schoolyourhorse.com</a>
This blog will still be a central part
of it but there are two new additions. With massive support from <a href="http://esequine.co.uk/">http://esequine.co.uk</a> a new range of <b>downloadable schooling guides</b> will be
launched from the SYH shop. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Get Started, Teach Yourself and Read to Succeed series are
perfect if you need to brush up your skills, you’re looking for help with a problem or you want to know the finer details of a dressage test. At 99p they’re sure to suit everyone’s
budget.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s early days and there are just two guides per series at
present but more guides are in the pipeline. The aim is to produce at least one
new title per month. There ought to be something that suits you or your horse
but if it’s not there - ask! It could be in the pipeline or you could inspire a
new idea.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Regular readers of this blog will appreciate it’s all
about positive thinking and riding. Have you succeeded with your horse when
those around you were sure you’d fail? Why not share your story on the schoolyourhorse
forum? Or if you do buy one of the guides please share your thoughts on its contents, how the series could be improved or any new ideas that you think would be helpful.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d just like to thank everyone who has supported the blog
so well over the last year. Riding is all about confidence and self belief – so
is writing! Those of you who have been so positive about SYH have given me just that. THANK YOU <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Anyway – back to business - </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 42px;">Thumbs Down</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Most riders have heard the expression
“Thumbs on top” but on top of what exactly? There are two things guaranteed to
have a negative effect on your horse. One is the where you put your thumb. The
other is how you hold it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
All riders know they shouldn’t carry
their hands as if they’re pushing a pram. Their thumbs should be on top of
their fist. That’s the general position anyway. But the more you relax in the
saddle and start to trust your horse the more habits you get. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Next time you ride concentrate on
your hands. Where is your thumb <i>exactly</i>?
Is it on top of your<i> rein</i> or your
hand? It’s easy to wrap your thumb around your rein rather than clamp it on
top. Don’t think it matters? Are your reins always too long? How many times do
you shorten them in a session? Where does your whip point? It should be
pointing diagonally back and down towards your horse’s hocks. Is it lying
straight down his shoulder like a baton? Are your fingers closed around your
reins or open?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
A loose or intermittent contact
isn’t a good one. Nor is it kind to your horse. Imagine having a bit in your
mouth and not knowing when the next tug is coming. Take hold of both reins,
clamp your thumb down on top of the reins and let him know exactly where you
are. Then he’ll be able to relax. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If your elbows are bent and next to
your body there should be a straight line from your elbow through your arm,
down your rein to the bit. If your reins are too long you’ll draw your hands
back to get a contact. Your elbows have to go somewhere so they stick out to the
side. Instantly the line is broken and the tension in your arms goes straight down
the reins to the bit. Your horse will tighten his mouth round the bit to avoid
the pressure. The next time he pulls think twice before you blame him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your thumb should point towards the
bit. It will have a huge effect on your horse. Take a look at yours. There’s
every chance it points upward towards his eye or his ear. If it does your rein
will be supported by your third finger. There will be a ‘kink’ in your wrist
that tips your hand up and back breaking the direct line to the bit. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The pressure from this ‘kink’ creates
a backward pressure on the bit. Your horse will tighten his mouth against it
and tighten his jaw and poll. Tip your thumb forward and down so it’s pointing
towards the bit. Your wrist will straighten up and relax which removes any
tension from your arm. Your horse’s reaction will be instant. He’ll relax.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Breaking any habit is hard work but
this is one that will have a dramatic effect on your horse. It will take as
much effort as jumping twenty fences or practising trot to halt transitions but
it’s worth it. Put yourself on this simple exercise to try it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Ride a 20m circle at E/B in any
pace. (It’s well worth spending time in walk while you get a feel for it.) As
your body turns onto the line of the circle your arms should move with it. Your
hands should stay directly in front of your body. Push your thumb down onto the
rein and tip it slightly forward so it’s pointing to the bit. Nag at yourself
to keep at it. Your horse’s response should be encouragement enough.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Go large for half a circuit and
return to the circle. It’s a simple thing but it’s enough to send you back to
old habits. If your wrist is in line with the rein it stays relaxed and so does
your horse. Tip your thumb towards the bit and keep it there. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is such a small thing to
change but it’s one that affects everything in such a positive way. You’ll find
your horse is more willing to accept the contact in upward and downward
transitions. Instead of pulling him back to a contact you’ll be pushing him
forward to it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In walk ride large round the school
and get your leg on! If your wrist is in line with your elbow, rein and bit
you’ll find your horse going into your hand – not coming back at you or
jogging. Instead of pulling back when he nods his head you’ll start to feel as
if you’re pushing him forward. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If you’re struggling to keep your
horse in a steady outline, if he resists your hand the second you take up the
reins or you think getting him on the bit is physically impossible try it.
You’ve got very little to lose and everything to gain. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.
(And if you get a minute on or after the First of March come over to <a href="http://www.schoolyourhorse.com/">www.schoolyourhorse.com</a> and say hi!)<o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-14307172000235764282012-02-17T23:23:00.000-08:002012-02-17T23:23:43.741-08:00Don't Fall Out - Get Even!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If your horse falls in or out do
you bend him to the outside? Many riders do. In fact some seem to spend more
time ‘flexing’ than they do riding forward. It works, of course, but why? It’s all
to do with your contact on the outside rein – or lack of it. You take it up to
flex him, balance out your contact and straighten him up. So if you’d had an
even contact to start with … you get the idea.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Unlike you your horse doesn’t have
a collar bone. His shoulders can go in two directions at the same time.
Whatever you do with your hands he’ll do with his shoulders. Allow your hands
to drift apart and so will his shoulders.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Wherever your hands point your
horse will go. Things get complicated if they point in different directions. If
your left hand is ‘pointing’ to the inside but your right hand is pointing
straight on that’s what he’ll do. His inside shoulder goes left but his outside
shoulder (and the rest of his body) goes straight on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If your hands are together but your
rein contact is uneven it has a similar effect on your horse. If the pressure
is stronger on your inside rein he’ll lean towards it. His outside shoulder has
nothing to bring it round so it carries on up the track. <i>Eventually </i>it has to turn but by then it’s too late. In a dressage
test it’s a 4. In a round of jumps it’s probably 4 faults.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If your horse falls in he turns
inside the line you want him to take. It’s caused by an uneven rein contact (a
stronger inside rein) or by moving your inside hand to the inside. Turn your
body to show him where you want him to go. Keep your contact even in both
reins. Turn his shoulders before you turn his head by moving both hands
together not by putting pressure on the inside rein. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If your horse falls out his head
and neck turn before his outside shoulder. He takes a wider line than you wanted.
It won’t matter how much outside leg you use – if you haven’t got a contact in
your outside rein he’ll still fall out. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It can seem illogical keeping hold
of a rein you want your horse to move away from but think of your reins as a
pair of tram lines that keep your horse’s shoulders together. Keep his shoulders
between those lines and whether you want an accurate turn, a square halt or a
shoulder in you’ll have a much better chance of getting it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Don’t use your hands to make
corrections to your horse’s body or quarters. Use both legs. The more forward he
is the straighter he’ll be. Increase the pressure from your outside leg if he
doesn’t leave the track when you ask. If he tries to cut the corner a sharp
nudge with your inside heel should pick him back up again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Practise in walk and trot on a
figure of eight. Use the two long diagonals rather than two circles. The two
ends of the figure of eight are half circles but forget about asking for an inside
bend. Focus on keeping an even amount of weight in both reins and pushing your
horse forward to it from both legs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
As you reach a corner marker turn
your body towards the marker at the end of the diagonal. Your horse will copy
what you do and turn. Your contact shouldn’t change. Make a conscious effort to
close your fingers around your outside rein as you leave the track.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The second your horse turns onto
the diagonal straighten your body and hands to straighten him. Squeeze both
reins to tell him to stop turning and push forward. And don’t get any ideas
about lengthening his strides! Get him back on his hocks and into your hand.
Leave the medium for another day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
As you reach the other side don’t
do anything. The diagonal naturally takes him onto the new rein. Hold your
contact and push him forward. He’ll go into your hand and – more importantly –
his shoulders will turn onto the track together. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In canter ride half 10m circles between
the ¾ and ¼ lines. With a younger horse ride half 15m circles from the track to
the ¾ line. The lack of track or fence will make you aware of his shoulders and
straightness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
As you start the half circles focus
on holding both reins. Turn your body onto the line you want to take bringing your
hands round in front of you. And look
where you want to go! There is no better way of getting somewhere than looking at
it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Keep your horse’s head and neck
straight in front of you until you’re sure you have total control of both
sides. When you do introduce an inside bend do it by increasing the pressure
from your inside leg NOT by increasing the pressure on your rein.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Many schooling problems are caused
by lack of control of the shoulders. When things go wrong don’t panic. Forgetting
about bend and getting your horse straight isn’t a backward step. It’s a giant
leap forward towards a far more exciting level of riding.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your
schooling. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-29213328244545515182012-02-11T00:30:00.000-08:002012-02-11T00:30:41.669-08:00Don't Stop into Trot!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When you ask your horse for a
canter to trot transition does he tip his head up? Tuck his chin into his
chest? Poke his nose? Tank off? Have you
ever stopped to ask yourself why? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The easy answer is because he’s
resisting your hand but surely there’s more to it than that? Why does he choose
to resist your contact at that particular time? Could it be the instant you
think about trotting you stop riding?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Riders have an uncanny knack of
taking their legs off at the very moment they need them! You may be trying to
stop your horse rushing off into trot by sitting as still as possible but
that’s exactly why he can. Keep <i>your</i>
body moving through your transitions and you’ll find his will too. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Establish canter on a 20m circle at
E/B. It’s the best place to use as your horse won’t have the fence to guide him
and you won’t be able to rely on it. Avoid using unnecessary aids and turn your
body in line with the curve you want him to follow. He’ll copy what you do with
your body. When his shoulders and hips are turned to the inside his body will
bend round the circle. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Stay in canter for at least three
circles. Think of the number of circles you’d do in trot without thinking and
start to use your canter in the same way. It’s just a pace. Use it as such and
you’ll find problems with transitions disappear as your horse starts to think
canter is (depending on his temperament) less exciting or less exhausting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The trick to this exercise is
positive riding – and thinking. You have to believe your horse can do it. He
can, of course, as long as you ride him forward – which is exactly what you
haven’t been doing before. Your position is vital to keep his weight back on
his hocks. Pull up through your body to get yourself as balanced as possible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When your canter is settled the
idea is to ask for trot as you cross the ¼ line (still on the 20m circle) and <b><i>whatever
happens</i></b> change the rein onto a 10m circle as you cross the centre line.
Sound impossible? It isn’t if you get your legs on! With a young horse just
make the circle slightly bigger but keep the change of rein in. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Ask your horse to trot by closing
your fingers around both reins to create a restrictive contact. Think of
yourself as a clothes peg and press into the saddle with your thighs and knees
to restrict his shoulder muscles. (Check this out to see how <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/other-way-of-stopping.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/other-way-of-stopping.html</a> ) As y<span style="line-height: 200%;">ou feel him trot hold the pressure until
you’re happy with the speed. Releasing him too quickly allows him to rush,
making him unbalanced, which is why he tightens his back, lifts his head or pokes
his nose and tanks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Never take your lower leg off
because you’re slowing down. Push harder to keep your horse’s hocks under his
body. When he steps under his body with his hind legs he stretches his back
muscles (so he can’t tense or hollow) and he’s in a much better position to
stay balanced.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
As you approach the centre line be
quick to turn your body towards the new rein. Turn your head so you’re looking
at least half a circle ahead. Your horse will pick up this change in your body
and copy you. Keep your contact even in both hands. But DON’T lift your inside
hand! Do that and it won’t stop him falling in on the circle – it will only
make him tip his nose to the inside. Support him with a strong inside leg and draw
him away from the 20m circle with your outside leg.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Using a small circle to steady a
horse isn’t a new idea but it can make matters worse if it’s on the same rein.
Riders often get hung up on the inside bend and unwittingly start to draw their
inside hand back - especially in canter. That draws their hand towards their
hip and they curl their body to the inside. Their horse does the same.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If you’ve got this problem turning
onto a small circle on the same rein just accentuates it. The smaller the
circle the tighter you both curl up. This puts your horse out of balance and
he’ll get faster and faster. (This is why when your instructor tells you to sit
up it works. You sit up and straighten out your body and your horse instantly
relaxes his.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The change of rein stops horse or
rider fixing on the inside simply because the inside suddenly becomes the
outside. Even if you should make a grab for the new inside rein you’ll just balance
out the pressure and your horse will go straight – and be balanced.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Ride the 10m circle for as long as
it takes to settle your horse. The first few are likely to come as a bit of a
shock to you both but he’ll settle quicker the more you do. In time you’ll be
able to ride one circle and rejoin the 20m circle immediately. Ask for canter
again and ride at least three circles before repeating.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
With a more advanced horse you can
move this exercise to the centre line. Canter down the centre line, trot after
D/G and change the rein onto a 10m circle at X. Rejoin the centre line and ask
for canter before the turn at the end. Put your horse to the test by varying
the lead you ask for.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Having to ride the instant change
of rein will really make you realise how little you usually do as you trot. This
exercise is all about <i>your </i>faults not
your horse’s. It’s one thing admitting that his problems are caused by you but
how often do you really try to find out why?
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-51462368099578445362012-02-03T22:53:00.000-08:002012-02-03T22:53:40.575-08:00Halt - The Stationary Pace<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Will your horse stand still? Nobody
likes a fidget, especially at the end of a dressage test, but before you blame
him stop and think about what you do as you halt. There’s a strong possibility
you’re trying to avoid him fidgeting. And<i>
that’s</i> the problem!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If your horse is fairly sharp the
chances are as you ask him to halt you relax your legs and hold your breath. If
you don’t move he won’t move – right? Wrong! The trouble is the minute your
legs leave his sides he’ll be thinking “What’s going on?” he’ll also tense up
in anticipation of the next bit of leg that comes on to say walk or trot on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
However much your head is telling
you not to when you ask your horse to halt you need to keep your legs on. This
has two effects. It will reassure him – he’ll know where you are and be able to
relax. It will also keep him listening. If your leg is there he’ll know
something is about to happen and he’ll be waiting for your next aid.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Don’t think you’re immune if your
horse is lazy either! There’s a fair chance that as he halts you both collapse
in a heap because “at least you can stop pushing then”. Think again. Halt
doesn’t just mean die. It needs energy and he needs to be ready to either move forward
or rein back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In any pace you know to ride your
horse from your leg to your hand. Halt is no exception. Your contact is
essential to contain the energy your legs create. Imagine a bottle of coke
shaken up. With the lid on the drink fizzes and the bottle expands. With the
lid off the drink leaks out and goes flat. Your hands are that lid. No contact
= flat paces.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Think of halt as a <b>stationary pace</b>. Your horse should be
so charged up that his back rounds as the energy inside him tries to escape but
can’t. Tighten your fingers around your reins and keep them closed. Keep your
calf muscles against his sides but leave your heels away. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If you’ve read <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/other-way-of-stopping.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/other-way-of-stopping.html</a> you’ll know if you press your thighs and
knees into the saddle you can bring a horse to a standstill. Try it from walk
to halt. Walk round the arena and try halting at E and B. Get straight on the
long side before you push your thighs into the saddle as hard as you can. This
puts pressure against his shoulder muscles and he <i>will</i> slow down. As you reach E/B press both knees in tight and
he’ll stop. You may need a slight squeeze on both reins to start with but he’ll
soon learn.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
To move on again release your thigh
and knee and use a nudge with both heels. If your contact and calf muscles have
kept your horse on the ball he should move straight into walk or trot. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Use the E/B line or the ¾ lines to
practise walking or trotting into halt and out of it. Avoid the centre line as
the last thing you need is your horse thinking he should halt halfway through
your entry centre line. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When your horse stands in halt you
must have some pressure in your hand. A horse that is light or nonexistent on
your rein has no contained energy. He may swing his quarters to one side or
ignore your aid to walk on again. The more you push him into the contact the
more likely he is to stand still. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Sharpen him up by riding large
round the school and asking for halt at every marker. Halt, count to three and
then release your knee and use both heels. Soon he’ll be as attentive in halt
as he ever is in trot and canter. When the halt is good you’ll feel him rock
back onto his hocks. Keep your weight on your seat to help him stay balanced.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If your horse is crooked <i>as</i> he halts then it’s probably down to
your position. He copies whatever you do with your body with his. If you’ve
turned your body to the inside to come round a corner he’ll have done the same.
If you straightened your shoulders up but forgot your hips then he’ll have done
the same. As he halts his shoulders will be square on the track but his quarters
will be to the inside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If your horse moves <i>after</i> he’s halted it’s more likely to be
uneven pressure. Most riders have a stronger and a weaker side. Be aware of
yours. If the contact is heavier in one hand he’ll move his shoulders towards
it. If the pressure from one leg is greater or one leg is further back than the
other he’ll swing his quarters away from it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Most dressage tests ask for immobility,
salute. Be proud of the fact your horse will stand still. It’s a sign of
engagement. Only a horse that is balanced on his hocks and moving forward into
the rider’s hand can halt square, straight and still. Halt and immobility need
as much energy as trot or canter – you just need to be prepared to create it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.<o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-5353627929258315842012-01-27T23:00:00.000-08:002012-01-27T23:00:01.678-08:00Are You Sitting Comfortably?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
How many times have you been told
to sit back on your seat? It’s good
advice, of course, but the way you do it can have a huge effect on your
position and your horse. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Most riders are aware of their two
seat bones but what about your fork? That’s your pubic bone – or the front of
your seat. (The bit nobody dares to mention!) It has to take some weight. How
else can you support the weight of the <i>front
</i>of your body? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Think about it. There’s a reason
your feet stick out in front of you – they give you a broader area to support
your body weight. When you get on a horse you take both feet off the floor yet
suddenly you think you can support your whole weight on two small bones at the
back of your seat. That’s like walking around on your heels. If you did that
you’d spend most of your life falling over backwards! You can balance on your
heels – try it – but your muscles would be so tense to maintain it you’d soon
get tired.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Tip back onto your seat bones and
you’ll put direct pressure onto your horse’s back in one small area. It’s the difference
between being prodded with a finger or pushed with the palm of a hand. Is it
any wonder some horses get tight behind the saddle?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Tip back onto your seat bones and
your legs naturally swing forward, just as they do when you sit in a chair.
Your body would like to tip backwards too but if – like many riders – you look
down or lean forward you’ll end up in a slumped position or you’ll have a back
like a banana. These things can all be corrected BUT if your seat is still at
fault then tension moves to your hips and lower back as your body tries to hold
everything in place.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Ideally you should aim to get your
horse to take roughly ¾ of his weight on his quarters and ¼ over his shoulders.
Think of your seat in the same way. Whilst your seat bones take the majority of
weight your fork supports the rest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Get on your horse and in halt sit
straight down in the saddle. Forget about trying to find your seat bones. Aim
to distribute your weight across the saddle as best you can. Allow your bum to
look big on it! Anyone anticipating cutting themselves in half shouldn’t worry.
If your saddle is big enough and you’re not tipping back (and therefore
‘exposing’ your fork) then you’re actually better protected! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In halt feel how your legs just hang
down when you sit flat onto your seat. The weight should fall directly onto
your stirrup. Let it. Leave your foot in a fairly flat position and move it so
your heel is directly underneath your hip. A good guide is to look down at your
knee. Your toe shouldn’t be visible. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Sit and focus on how it feels to
have your weight supported over your whole seat. Now breathe in and pull your
body up as if you’re trying to pull your vertebra apart. Pull the bottom of
your ribcage out and forward. Be careful as you breathe in that you don’t
tighten your seat, everything needs to stay soft.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In this position you are in self
carriage. Your weight is evenly distributed, your muscles are relaxed and each
part of your body is carrying itself without causing tension through the rest
of your body. It’s what you expect your horse to do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Still in halt push your heels down.
As your heel pushes down your lower leg will swing forwards. Your seat will
slip back and tense up. You’ll feel your knee tighten against the saddle. In
halt this has little effect on your horse but do the same in trot or canter and
you’ll find it’s impossible to sit in the saddle. If you can’t remain in
contact with his back then you’ll find it difficult to control his speed, keep
him balanced or shorten him up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Ride forward in walk, trot and
canter on 20m circles and serpentines but forget about your horse’s carriage
and focus on yours. As your seat relaxes your leg will naturally hang longer
meaning your heel will be lower than your toe but don’t force it. Keep your
foot flat on the stirrup and allow your weight to fall directly onto it.
Practise sitting trot with your weight spread over all three points of your
seat and instead of thinking ‘heels down’ think ‘foot flat’. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
On turns and corners concentrate on
keeping your whole seat relaxed and in contact with the saddle. Keep the weight
evenly spread and you’ll avoid direct pressure points. When you turn your
shoulders onto the line you want your horse to take don’t forget to turn your
hips. He’ll copy what you do with your body. If his shoulders turn but his hips
go straight on his quarters will swing out on a corner or turn. You can put
your outside leg back to correct it but whose fault was it anyway? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Some of the lightest riders can
actually sit quite heavy in the saddle. It’s not about your weight in stones
but what you do with it. Take responsibility for your own body weight.
Distribute it around your saddle and make yourself as easy for your horse to
carry as you can. Once you’re in self carriage you may be surprised to find he
is too. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-46083100876536970752012-01-21T00:28:00.000-08:002012-01-21T00:28:55.229-08:00Set in Stone?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Once again can I just say a huge thank you to everyone who has voted so far to get me into the final 10 at the Equestrian Social Media Awards. If you like this blog and you haven't there's still time! Click on the logo at the top of this page and find me - Lorraine Jennings in section 21. Thank you :)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Does your horse set his neck? If he
does it can feel as if you’ll never get him to bend but don’t despair! Before
you head out to buy yourself some weights to build up your arm muscles take a
look at where the tension is coming from and why.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your horse could be setting against
you for any number of reasons. It can be hard to believe when he appears to be
doing his best impression of a rhino but there’s a good chance it comes from
your hands. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The source of this tension usually
lies in your horse’s lower jaw or at the base of his neck. If your hands are
fixed or heavy he’ll set his jaw against them. Try it. Grit your teeth together
and smile. Feel how the tension spreads to the front of your neck? If that’s
what he’s doing his bottom line will be more developed than his topline.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If your horse started setting his
jaw and tightening his bottom line then there’s a good chance you’ve tried to
‘get him off your hand’ by squeezing one rein and then the other. (That’s
putting it mildly!) Don’t feel bad – most riders have done it. BUT tighten your
jaw again, smile and then move your head from side to side and tilt your chin
up. NOW you’ll feel the tension move to the back of your neck and settle at the
base. If he’s doing this you’ll see a noticeable dip in front of his withers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
You may well be reading this
thinking “But HE started it!” Maybe he did but unfortunately he’s a horse and
so you’re the only one who can stop it! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In the case of the tightened jaw
you need to look at your balance. When a horse starts to set themselves most
riders lean back. There’s a big difference between leaning back and <i>pulling up</i>. Check out this post which
shows you how to sit up and stay balanced to help your horse - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/10/pull-up-to-ride-forward.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/10/pull-up-to-ride-forward.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When you lean back your weight goes
to the back of the saddle and often your legs swing forward. This does two
things. Firstly it puts direct pressure on one point of your horse’s back –
that’s going to make him tighten his back. Secondly it means you’ll lean back
against his mouth. Without realising it the one thing you’re doing to try to
stop the problem could actually be causing it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Pulling up through your body puts
you in the perfect position for your horse to carry. Imagine if he was to
disappear from under you. If you’re balanced then you’d land on your feet and
stay upright. Lean back and if he disappeared you’d fall over backwards – which
is exactly how you feel to him all the time you’re on his back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Pulling your horse’s head to one
side won’t make him bend. He needs to bend through his body. To bend his body
you need to ride him from your legs. The emphasis in these exercises is on your
legs not your hands so it’s important you keep them together and still.
Remember your horse can only set on something if it’s solid. Hold the rein
between your thumb and first finger so they don’t get too long but open and
close the other three to keep your contact soft.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Trotting round and round the school
either large or on a circle won’t help your cause. Your horse needs to get
mobile. To do that you need an exercise that moves him from one rein to the
other and allows him time to relax in between. Try this –</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In walk or trot go large. Introduce
10m figures of eight at K, H, M and F that consist of two 10m circles joined by
one stride on the centre line. These will get your horse moving and bending
through his body. It’s vital you don’t pull back on your inside rein. As you
approach the marker turn your body onto the curve you want to take and look
ahead. Your hands should move round with your body – think of using them as a
pointer to tell your horse where you want him to go. As you touch the centre
line ride one stride straight and then turn your body the other way taking your
hands round with you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your hands keep your horse’s
shoulders on the right track and used by the girth your legs keep his quarters behind
them. (Move a leg back and you’ll be pushing his quarters over and he’ll be
crooked) What should change is pressure. Your inside leg should become stronger
to push his body out and round. If he starts to step sideways then ‘catch’ him
with your outside leg and push him forward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
As you ride straight on the centre
line your leg pressure becomes equal. As your body turns to the new circle your
new inside leg pushes his barrel out towards your outside leg again. In this
way you’re taking what was a rigid barrel and making it pliable by pushing it
from one leg to the other.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Put this theory to the test by
setting your own jaw again. Now move your own barrel from side to side (you may
want to try this behind closed doors!) You’ll find whether the tension is in
your jaw or at the back of your neck it starts to disappear.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
One figure of eight at a time is
enough. As you continue to the next marker make a conscious effort to push both
hands an inch further forward. You’ll find as he starts to use his body your
horse will start appreciate that extra bit of rein as you straighten up on the
long sides and without realising it his neck will soften.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It’s easy to feel frustrated when
your horse sets himself against you but you can never win a battle of strength.
However - you are more intelligent. Try to remember that the next time you lean
back ready to take a pull!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-81829768720406457872012-01-14T07:53:00.000-08:002012-01-16T11:47:55.348-08:00Riding the Straight Curve<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Did you vote for me in the Equestrian Social Media Awards? Thank you. I made the final 10! If you enjoy this blog please take a second to give me your vote again at <a href="http://www.equestriansocialmediaawards.com/voting" style="line-height: 200%;">http://www.equestriansocialmediaawards.com/voting</a> Find me in section 21 Lorraine Jennings<br />
<br />
Now back to business -<br />
<br />
Can you ride a straight line? How
about a straight <i>curved </i>one? Straightness
is important whether you’re on a curve or a straight line. It’s essential to
everything you do. If your horse isn’t straight on a circle he’s not on one circle
at all. He’s on two!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your horse is straight when his
hind feet follow the line of his front feet. (With the exception of some lateral
movements) Look at him from the front and you should only be able to see his
front legs. He’s said to be on two tracks. If he gets out of line – or crooked –
you’ll be able to see two front legs and one or both of his hind legs. He’s on
three or four tracks. On three tracks he’s crab-like - his quarters will be
following one circle while his shoulders are following another. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your horse is at his strongest when
he’s straight. His hocks are directly behind his shoulders and the energy they
create can drive his body forward. If his hocks are slightly out of line then
some of that energy is wasted or worse they push his body in the wrong direction.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There are many causes of
crookedness in horses. Most are easily solved. Before you reach for the phone and
call a dentist, saddle fitter or chiropractor have a good look at your own position
to see if your horse’s problems could stem from you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your hands control your horse’s shoulders.
Did you know he doesn’t have a collar bone? That means both shoulders can move independently
of each other. Keeping your hands together keeps his shoulders together as one
unit. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Whatever you do with your hands your
horse will do with his shoulders. If one hand is further back than the other
his shoulders will mirror them. If one shoulder is further back than the other
he’ll be crooked. If one hand is lower than the other he’ll drop the same shoulder.
If he’s falling in he’s not straight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Without pressure from both legs your
horse may swing his quarters one way or the other. It’s important that you
drive him forward from even pressure from both legs in their usual place near
the girth. Your legs only come back to correct or order. Use one leg further
back than the other and you’re unintentionally asking him to move his quarters to
one side. He’ll be on three tracks at least and be crooked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If you have problems feeling if your
horse is straight check out this exercise which makes it more obvious and shows
you how to correct him if he’s crooked - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/04/get-straight-to-point.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/04/get-straight-to-point.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
So a straight line is easy. You push
your horse with both legs in their usual place to a steady, level and even
contact and he drives himself forward. Simple. It is until you have to turn the
corner at the end! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Imagine riding down the centre line
and having to track right at the end. How would you ride that turn? Inside rein
for a bit of bend? Or up to stop him falling in? Outside leg back to bend his quarters
round the curve? Outside rein to get hold of the shoulder? There lies the
problem. What happened to the straightness? Try this – </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In any pace work on the centre line
turning either way at the end unless you’re in canter. Then stick to the same
rein to avoid too many changes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Ride down the centre line using
both legs in their usual place. Keep your body square to the front and push on.
There’s nothing like a lack of energy to create crookedness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your turn at the end requires two
things. Straightness and balance. To maintain your horse’s balance don’t leave
the turn too late. It’s the same with any corner. Don’t make your turn so sharp
that he loses his balance. No horse can do a right angled turn. Start as you
pass G or D and ride a smooth curve to the track at the point here the ¾ line
finishes. It’s a corner with the end rubbed off. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
As you make the turn ride it as you
would a straight line. Push with both legs in their usual place. Keep your hands
together and level. In this way your horse keeps his hocks directly behind his shoulders,
he’ll stay balanced and be able to drive himself round the turn. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Of course you need him to bend to
the inside. So what should you do? What you <i>don’t
</i>need to do is pull your inside rein. Pulling it will change the pressure in
his mouth and move your hands apart. You’ll get him out of line and unbalance
him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Another common mistake is pushing
his quarters around your inside leg by putting your outside leg back. Think
about it. Why would you want him to move his quarters in off the track? That’s
what your leg behind the girth means. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your body shows your horse which
way to bend. Turn your shoulders and your hips to the inside and he’ll do the
same. Keep your legs in their usual place but increase the pressure from your
inside leg to move his barrel out. Now you have his shoulders and quarters on
the track where they should be. His hocks can drive him forward but his body
(matching yours) is turned to the inside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Try riding circles and turns around
the school. Keep your hands together and push your horse’s hocks behind his shoulders.
Don’t get obsessed with inside bend. When you turn your body he will bend
through his. Trust him. He<i> always</i>
copies what you do with your body. That’s what causes most problems in the
first place!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling. <o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-28291751205320075152012-01-07T01:38:00.000-08:002012-01-07T01:38:13.729-08:00Finesse or Anticipation?<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There is nothing more frustrating
than a horse that anticipates your every move. Does your horse: jog the minute
you take up your reins in walk? Canter if your seat stays in the saddle for
more than two strides in trot? Drop down into trot from canter if you so much
as move in the saddle or on the reins? If he does then there’s a strong chance
that what you’re doing to avoid the problem is probably making it worse.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The trouble with anticipation is
your horse isn’t actually listening to what you’re saying. At first he’s just
trying to do as you ask before you’ve asked. The problem is as he happily bounces
off into canter before you’ve had a chance to put your leg on he’s failed to
realise that you were actually going to ask for counter canter – or even walk! Whilst
you don’t want to crush his enthusiasm wouldn’t it be nice if you could get him
to wait before he jumped in feet first?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
That initial enthusiasm soon
becomes tension as you try your hardest to ‘sneak up on him’. In walk you
shuffle your fingers up the reins, in trot you sit for half a stride and bang
your leg on before he has a chance to go and in canter every move you make is
preceded with a hearty squeeze to keep him going. Sound familiar?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It’s easy to think your horse is
over confident the way he plunges head first into everything before he’s asked
but what he really needs is for you to slow down and make things clearer so he
starts to really listen to what you have to say. The more you try to avoid
things the more confused he becomes. And that always causes tension.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The clearer your aids are the
easier it will be for your horse to understand you. Check out this post - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/01/riding-perfect-canter-transition.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/01/riding-perfect-canter-transition.html</a>
before you try these exercises so you’re absolutely clear how to use both legs
in your canter aid. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Check out - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/other-way-of-stopping.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/other-way-of-stopping.html</a>
for ways to slow down without depending on your reins. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your legs are there to ask for changes
in pace and more energy not just to keep him going. Check this out if you’re
using your leg more than you should - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/lazy-rider.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/lazy-rider.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Use a 20m circle at E/B. Your horse
will have to pay more attention to you because he doesn’t have the fence to
guide him. In any pace ride a spiral into the centre of the circle so you
finish with a 10m circle in the middle before you spiral back out again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This spiral will keep your horse focused
because it’s something different and the tight curve will mean he has to use
his hocks. When he concentrates he’ll start to relax. The spiral is the main
part of this exercise. Don’t come off it for the rest of the session. On it you
can work between all three paces. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It’s important that you ride a true
line NOT a leg yield in or out. You may find your horse tries to drift out to
the bigger circle. Keep your hands together and the contact even in both reins
to keep his shoulders together as one unit and straight in front of you. Use
both legs in their usual place - putting your outside leg back won’t stop a
horse drifting out – driving his quarters behind his shoulders will.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
For this exercise your trot work
should be done in sitting trot. This is really important because it will allow your
horse to relax and stop thinking you’re about to ask for canter. There’s only
one way to learn to sit well and that’s to keep doing it – and relax. The longer
you trot the more your muscles will relax and stop bracing against the
movement. Practice really does make perfect.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Once your horse has accepted the
fact sitting trot doesn’t automatically mean canter – or walk you can start to
introduce transitions between the paces. Take your time. Don’t spring anything
on him suddenly. Make clear movements and be firm with your leg. Remember the
firmer and clearer you are the more control you’ll have.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The tightness of the spiral will
maintain your canter for you. Aim to canter into the middle and back out again
at least three times so it’s continuous. That allows your horse to settle and
get his balance. Make sure you sit up and ride forward with both legs to a
steady contact to help him keep his weight back on his hocks. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Check out this post - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/10/pull-up-to-ride-forward.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/10/pull-up-to-ride-forward.html</a>
There are some easy tips on how to change your position to help him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Practice walking on a long rein and
taking them up again in one fluent movement. Check this out -<a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/08/free-walk-on-long-rein-not-off-it.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/08/free-walk-on-long-rein-not-off-it.html</a>
There’s absolutely no benefit to you or your horse in shuffling your fingers up
the reins. Lean forward take the contact on the outside rein and then take up
the inside rein – all within two strides and then you’re settled again. Keep
your legs on and don’t back off if he jogs. The answer is to take your reins up
quickly and get your weight in the saddle as soon as you can – not to do it so
he doesn’t feel it! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
All these problems can be resolved
if you stop avoiding them. Your horse can feel a fly landing on his back so
there’s no chance of you ever being able to do something that he can’t feel!
Make your movements clear and confident. Let him really hear what you have to
say and then he’ll be able to listen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-52650144526622931712011-12-30T23:23:00.000-08:002011-12-30T23:23:04.963-08:00Achieve Your Goals<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Have you made your New Year's
Resolutions for 2012? Have you got great plans for your horse? Perhaps you’ve
decided to make better use of your school? Before you get too carried away with
New Year enthusiasm - stop! Instead of thinking about <i>what</i> you want to achieve spend a bit of time thinking about how
you’re going to achieve it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
So many riders moan that schooling
is boring. It is if you don’t know what you want to do! There’s no point deciding
to school your horse three nights a week if you’re going to spend the whole
time trotting aimlessly round in circles. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
A huge part of schooling is down to
your attitude. Treat it as something interesting and your horse will do the
same. Allow him to slop into the school on the buckle whilst you yawn and moan
about it and how do you expect him to react?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If you hacked out every day would
you expect your horse to be bored? It’s doubtful. If he gets strong on a hack
do you put it down to excitement? BUT when he does exactly the same thing in
the school do you say he’s bored? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The school is just another place to
ride. OK it’s smaller and the view isn’t as good but it shouldn’t be any less
interesting. Vary each session and you’ll keep your horse’s mind occupied. Fill
it full of<i> your</i> ideas and stop him
filling it with ideas of his own!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your horse’s job is to do as you
ask. <i>Your</i> job is to make life
interesting enough for him to want to. Rather than planning to do something
every day for a week try working to a rota. Don’t think in terms of Tuesdays –
Wednesdays – Thursdays. Think in terms of Sessions 1, 2 and 3 which you repeat
and repeat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>Session 1</b> – use this to improve a problem or teach your horse
something new. Work out in advance what your subject is and how you’re going to
tackle it. Use the search box on this blog (top right) to find an exercise to
work with.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It’s important to realise that ‘on
the bit’ is an end product of schooling NOT an exercise to work on. Think of your
horse as a jigsaw – the finished picture can only be seen if you put all the
pieces together in the right order. Work on something that will improve his way
of going and he’ll work onto the bit naturally. Check out this page full of
links - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/p/hocks-and-energy.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/p/hocks-and-energy.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It’s important to allow enough time
for mistakes. This is a session you can’t do in a hurry. If you’re short of
time give it a miss – go straight to Session 2. Nobody learns anything under
pressure. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>Session 2</b> - do something completely different so your horse doesn’t
feel that he’s always under pressure when you take him in the school. Try
lunging, pole work, grid work or even circuit training (<a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/01/when-you-know-you-should.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/01/when-you-know-you-should.html</a>
) so he has to use different muscles and think in a different way. A change
really is as good as a rest. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Remember whatever you do should be
constructive. Stay focused on your horse’s balance and rhythm whether you’re
cantering circuits of the school or lunging. Things shouldn’t change because
you’ve put a few poles down either. Stay calm and relaxed – your approach will always
affect his.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>Session 3</b> - do something your horse finds easy. It’s a confidence
boost for him. This session is all about you. Your position affects everything
he does. The better your position the more beneficial your schooling will be.
If he enjoys walk to canter transitions then ride some figures of eight with
transitions at X. If trot is his best pace then try riding 10m circles at every
point in the school. While he’s busy feeling clever you can focus on your
position. Check out - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/10/pull-up-to-ride-forward.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/10/pull-up-to-ride-forward.html</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This rota of sessions works well
whether you ride three times a week or three times a month. It’s a structure
which is easy to stick to unlike some New Year’s Resolutions that start off
with good intentions but soon fade. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Whatever you do in 2012 make sure
you enjoy it. This is your hobby and it’s meant to be fun. Be positive - ride forward
and never pull yourself or your horse back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.<o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-59818279148558858162011-12-23T23:04:00.000-08:002011-12-23T23:04:42.773-08:00In Need of Inspiration?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Planning on doing a bit of riding
over the festive season? In need of a few ideas? Here’s a selection that should
keep you busy whatever your plans may be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
No school? No problem! Nothing is
impossible if you want it enough. Check this out – <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/09/working-out.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/09/working-out.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Whether you’re at a show or
schooling at home your warm up sets the standard for the rest of your session.
Check this out – <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/12/use-your-head-to-warm-up.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/12/use-your-head-to-warm-up.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If the weather is against you or
you’re just not in the mood for circles try this - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/01/when-you-know-you-should.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/01/when-you-know-you-should.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
But don’t forget – if you’re out
for a hack to enjoy yourself – let your horse do the same! Check this out - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/06/on-bit-or-on-buckle.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/06/on-bit-or-on-buckle.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Is your horse on box rest? Isn’t
that just typical when you have time to ride?! Don’t waste time worrying about
it. Put your feet up, grab a mince pie or two and try this – <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/05/think-about-it.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/05/think-about-it.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Is your horse -</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
On his forehand? – <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/10/your-whole-horse-in-your-hands.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/10/your-whole-horse-in-your-hands.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Lazy? – <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/11/energetically-challenged.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/11/energetically-challenged.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Sharp? – <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/07/its-not-shape-its-what-you-do-with-it.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/07/its-not-shape-its-what-you-do-with-it.html</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
A tank? – <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/11/ride-forward-not-back.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/11/ride-forward-not-back.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Or just plain average? - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/04/c3-could-try-harder.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/04/c3-could-try-harder.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Don’t forget that your horse’s
problems are often caused by you! Try this (your body) -<a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/10/pull-up-to-ride-forward.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/10/pull-up-to-ride-forward.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Or this (your hands) – <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/07/light-in-your-hand-not-non-existent.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/07/light-in-your-hand-not-non-existent.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Or this (your legs) - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/03/theres-more-to-legs-than-kicking.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/03/theres-more-to-legs-than-kicking.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Have you got a dressage show
looming? - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/p/prepare-to-improve-your-score.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/p/prepare-to-improve-your-score.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Fancy a go at lateral work? Try
this easy exercise - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/05/one-step-at-time.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/05/one-step-at-time.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Want to know how to get your horse on
the bit? Try this - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/03/on-bit-or-off-it.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/03/on-bit-or-off-it.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The main aim of schoolyourhorse was
to give all riders ideas and inspiration. Hopefully there’s something on here
for everyone but if you can’t find what you’re looking for there are at least
another 50 waiting to be read. Key your problem in to the search box and see
what comes up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Happy Christmas and enjoy your
schooling!<o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-17725008464674467652011-12-16T23:34:00.000-08:002011-12-30T23:28:04.687-08:00Use Your Head to Warm Up<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Most horses vary a little from one
session to the next but some are worse than others Is your horse different
every time you get on? Ever thought it might be you?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
You may think your warm up is a
means to an end – the boring but necessary bit at the start of a session – but
there’s more to it than that. The way you start every session sets the standard
for your horse. It tells him how you’re feeling and what you’re going to
accept. If you change your mind each time you ride how can he behave in exactly
the same way? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It’s important to get warmed up
properly especially at this time of year. Not only do you want to get your
horse’s muscles stretched and loosened up you really do need to warm <i>him</i> up. A cold horse (or rider) can’t
possibly concentrate or work correctly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There’s a great warm up routine
here - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/warming-up.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/warming-up.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It gives you a set plan you can use
every time you ride in the school. A nervous horse will settle quicker if you
use the same routine. This means you won’t waste time trying to get him
settled. Having a set pattern allows you to concentrate on what really matters
– riding your horse forward into a steady hand. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you usually allow your horse
time to trot round on a long or a loose rein? Why? The warm up is a time to
generate energy. You want to get his hocks underneath him so he can drive
himself forward. If there’s no contact the energy has nowhere to go – his strides
will be flat and he’ll fall onto his shoulders. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Ideally you want to use all three
paces. No one pace is more important than the next. Trot is the pace most riders
spend hours in but don’t! Horses find it easier to set themselves in trot. It’s
the only pace in which they keep their head and neck still. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Canter uses muscles forward and
over your horse’s back. The head nod makes it harder for him to set himself
which explains why most horses feel better after a canter. Older, stiffer
horses respond well to a period of canter at the start of a session.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
However - sometimes canter is the
last thing you want to do. Does it worry you? If it does it can spoil the whole
session. Your horse will feel your tension and that won’t make it any easier.
If canter worries you don’t do it. Replace the canter section in the warm up
with walk. A good, active walk will get his muscles moving and it will do
wonders for your confidence. It’s your hobby – make sure you enjoy it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Tempting as it can be to get the
canter out of the way with a young horse be patient. Give him a chance to relax
and find his balance. The most important part of the warm up is getting his
attention. Replace the canter section with transitions between walk and trot.
Ride a set number of strides in each pace. Start with 20 and whittle it down to
five. It’s enough to make him concentrate but not too difficult to upset him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>At a show everything changes.</b> Warming up can often be more
stressful than the actual class. Often you’re inside in a standard arena. Don’t
be put off by other people. There are always going to be better riders than you
– maybe your local professional. Don’t worry. They’ll be far too busy
remembering what test they’re doing on which horse to be worried about you!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
You have every right to be in the warm
up arena but stick to the rules. Do that and most people will forgive you the
odd mistake. Remember to pass left to left and move to the inside if someone is
on the same rein as you but in a faster pace. Looking where you’re going is a must! Don’t
get in someone’s way just because you’re looking at the floor. THAT you won’t
be forgiven for. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If you move up a level you could
share the warm up with riders doing lateral movements. It can be unsettling but
don’t panic. Look up and watch what’s going on. If it’s obvious someone is
coming straight up the track in travers do the gracious thing and circle away –
don’t hang onto the track because the rules say pass left to left!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Don’t make the mistake of trying to
practise your test at the show. You don’t need to. Get your horse going forward from your leg,
working into both reins and moving straight. Use transitions - they’re important.
Have you ever counted how many you ride in a test? A lot more than the serpentines
or circles you have to do. They’ll get your horse on his hocks and that can
only improve your score. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If you’re nervous about cantering amongst
so many horses wait until you’re riding around the arena waiting for the bell.
It is allowed and it will be far better for your horse than a short flurry of
tense strides in the warm up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Whether you’re at a show or at home
your horse will benefit from consistency. Have a warm up plan and stick to it. Stay
calm, avoid nervous situations and use your head. Keep things simple and the
problems always take care of themselves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-63779339629195882482011-12-10T01:15:00.001-08:002011-12-10T01:17:16.408-08:00Get Your Horse Connected<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Does your horse feel a bit flat? Are
you going through the motions but struggling to set the world on fire? He may
feel fairly light in your hand – perhaps he moves from your leg too – but if
that’s the case why aren’t you getting better marks at dressage and why is your
canter so flat? You need to get better connected.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your horse has two ends and a
middle. Those three parts are joined together by bone, tendon and muscle. Tendons
and muscles are meant to stretch but allow them to get too far apart and you’ll
struggle to keep him together. When he gets strung out it’s impossible for him
to push himself forward correctly. Push on and you’ll generate speed but no
power. Both ends <i>will</i> move faster - just
not together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
You can tell a disconnected horse
because his back is long and flat. He may not be on his forehand but he’s not
sat back on his hocks either. He may have a ‘4 time’ canter too. It’s often
overlooked as it feels similar to an ordinary canter. You may just think
something’s not quite right but be unable to put your finger on it. Listen carefully to the beat of the canter and
you’ll hear four beats not three because the inside hind and outside fore aren’t
moving as a pair. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
To improve a four time canter the
last thing you need to do is canter! Get your horse working between your leg
and hand in walk and trot first and he’ll be better balanced and able to canter
correctly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Riding round the school trying to
push your horse forward to your hand won’t work. It’s human nature to try too
hard. You’ll end up pulling too hard and tightening his back or pushing him on so
much that he falls onto his shoulders and rushes. You need to give him
something to do which does it for you. Try this.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Direct transitions from trot to
halt and halt to trot are perfect for pushing your horse together. Learn to use
your thigh and knee to bring him back to you. The less you rely on your hand the
better. If he’s relaxed in his mouth he’ll soften and round his back and work
correctly. Check out - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/other-way-of-stopping.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/other-way-of-stopping.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
You may be using halt but this
needs to be a forward thinking exercise. Ask for your transitions on a long
side at E and B so your horse has had time to get straight and balanced and has
room in front of him to feel he can go forward again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Turn onto the long side and focus
on riding forward from both legs into a steady contact in both reins. Keep your
hands level and in front of your body to keep your horse’s shoulders pointing down
the track. Make sure, if you’ve had an inside bend, you always straighten him
up on the long sides.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Never back off a downward
transition – especially one to halt. Halt needs to be full of energy so your horse
is back on his hocks and ready to move on again. Ride forward towards E/B and
look up. Never underestimate the influence your weight has on your transitions.
The further back you lean the more weight you’ll put on his hocks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Two strides before E/B squeeze with
your thighs to warn your horse the transition is coming. On the marker push
your knees in as hard as you can and sit back on your seat. Keep your lower leg
on to keep his hocks under his body. Come out of the saddle at this point and
you’ll tip him into his shoulders and lose all the energy from your trot. Keep
your contact in both reins.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Once your horse has settled in halt
move straight into trot again. Don’t shuffle your seat in the saddle, shorten
your reins or move your legs – you haven’t got time for that! Halt and move on
again. Get it sharp enough and you’ll feel your horse rock back onto his hocks in
readiness for the trot again. That’s where you want him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The upward transition should be as
sharp as the downward. Sit back, look up, take your knee off and use a nudge
with both heels. If your horse doesn’t go the instant you ask tap him up with
your whip bit don’t lean forward! That will put all your weight over his shoulders
and make it impossible for him to engage his hocks. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
You will never improve an upward transition
by loosening your reins – just as you won’t improve a downward one by taking
your leg off. Keep your contact even in both reins. Be careful you’re not
focusing on an inside bend. Do that and unwittingly you’ll pull back on the
inside rein. That sends your horse off to the inside. A crooked horse can’t use
his hocks correctly to push himself forward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Don’t just ride a couple of half
decent transitions and move on. Spend the whole session doing them. Start on
the long sides. When your horse is really halting and moving off with the
slightest touch of your knee or heel you can move on to different places. Turn
across the school, halting over the centre line. Ride figures of eight with halt
transitions at X. Turn down the centre line and halt at X. Do anything you can
to keep him thinking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
By the end of a good session you
should feel your horse is more in your hand. You’ll have more weight at the end
of your rein but in a positive way. He should be bouncier in his trot and
itching to go forward when you halt. That’s connected. And the four time canter?
Well that <i>will</i> be better but do yourself
a favour. Leave it for another day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-11185022568529972232011-12-02T22:39:00.001-08:002011-12-02T22:43:04.799-08:00He'll Bend - if you let him<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Are you struggling to keep your
horse out on a circle? When you return to the track does it take you three
strides to get straight again? When you ask for canter do you find yourself
heading across the school rather than up the track? You’re not alone. It’s a
common problem. The good news is it’s easily solved.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If you ride a 20m circle at A or C
the chances are everything feels fine. But do the same at E or B and suddenly
you find you can’t quite get your horse out to the track on both sides. Kick as
you might with your inside leg he just won’t step onto the track. It’s all you
can do not to get off and drag him there, isn’t it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Most riders come up against this
problem at some stage. It stems from focusing too much on the inside bend.
Without thinking about it the pressure on the inside rein gets stronger and
stronger whilst the contact in the outside rein gets weaker. Lighten up a bit
on the inside rein and you’ll notice a huge difference but take a look at the
rest of your body to see why your horse reacts like he does.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The more you focus on the bend the
more your inside hand tightens and draws back. As your arm draws back your
shoulder drops down towards your hip. Your horse will start to fall in and
you’ll need more inside leg to keep him out. As you do that your leg will creep
up towards your hip. Within a few circuits your whole body will be curled up
around your inside hip.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your horse is a master of mimicry.
Whatever you do with your body he’ll copy and do with his. If you’re curled
inwards around <i>your </i>inside hip he’s going
to do the same around his. This tightens his body making it harder for him to
move forward or across. It’s not that he doesn’t want to listen to your leg
it’s just that he can’t! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Put yourself on a 20m circle at E/B
in walk. Establish the circle and focus on your position before moving on into
trot. Look directly between your horse’s ears and straight ahead. It’s easy to
end up looking at the floor about twenty yards ahead but keep your eyes up. If
you’re not looking where you’re going is it any wonder you end up off line?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
To maintain the shape of the circle
turn your body from your waist onto the line you want to take. Pay particular
attention to the distance between your hip and your bottom rib. It should be
the same on both sides. Pull up through your body and lean back until you feel
your stomach muscles pull. Then trot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
At each quarter of the circle – E,
B and as you cross the centre line – ride two strides in a straight line. Turn
your body so your shoulders and hips face the front and your horse will do the
same. As you straighten up make a conscious effort to push your inside hand
forwards an inch. This doesn’t mean you lose the contact. What it will do is
release any tension you’ve got in your arm. Your horse will relax in his neck
and you’ll feel him rebalance onto the outside rein.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Hold onto that feeling as you turn
your body back onto the line of the circle again. Check the distance between
your hip and your hand on each side. If you’re drawing your hand back the distance
on the inside will be shorter than the outside. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is a simple thing to do but it
will have an immediate effect. You’ll find you reach the track at E and B
easily. Your horse will move forward and be more relaxed because you’re not
scrunching his neck to the inside and you won’t draw your inside leg up because
you won’t be trying desperately to kick him out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When you come to go large from the
circle all you have to do is maintain the straightness in your body and keep
your inside hand forward. Push on with both legs so your horse is in no doubt
that you want him to go straight. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Try some canter transitions. As you
ask for canter push your inside hand forwards an inch. (Remember NOT to lose
the contact) If your horse hasn’t got to move into canter with his body
scrunched to the inside he’ll be straighter in the transition and he won’t come
in off the track as he strikes off either.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Try changing leg through trot between
the ¼ and ¾ lines. Turn onto the diagonal, pull up through your body and look
directly ahead. As you ask for trot push your inside hand forward, keep it
there through the trot and as you ask for canter again. You’ll find the
transition is straighter and you’ll hit the track just before the marker
instead of struggling to keep your horse out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
An inside bend is important on a
circle but only if it isn’t affecting everything else. Remove the pressure and your
horse will bend naturally around your inside leg because he can. The more you practise
the easier it will be to feel when you’re tightening up. When you can feel a
problem nine times out of ten you can solve it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-15069625085897258452011-11-25T23:31:00.001-08:002011-11-25T23:32:56.578-08:00Energetically Challenged?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Would ‘energetically challenged’ be
an apt description of your horse? You’re not on your own. Many riders prefer to
be in control of the forward gears but as your confidence grows it’s only
natural you start to feel a bit frustrated. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Many people think the less
excitable equines just need a kick or a smack and everything’s fine. If only it
was that easy! There’s a knack to drawing your equine tortoise out of his
shell. The good news is it’s something you can learn. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If you want your horse to change
his ways the first thing you have to do is change yours. You’re going to need
bucket loads of energy and self discipline. He doesn’t need a telling off. He
needs a reason to get excited and you have to give it to him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your arrival on the yard should be
energetic and cheerful. Even if you feel like curling up in front of the fire
you need to bounce down the yard and greet him with a grin on your face.
Inspire him from the second he sees you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Once tacked up make sure he walks
with purpose to the mounting block or school. Walk alongside him and use your
whip behind you to chivvy him along. Never allow him to shuffle to the school. This
is FUN! Start as you mean to go on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
You can be forgiven for thinking
you need to go as fast as possible to inspire your horse but stop right there! The
only thing that will do is tire you out and unbalance him. Walk is your ideal
pace. Get him motivated in walk and the rest is easy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Lazy horses will often ‘offer’ the
next pace up. How often has your horse jogged when you’ve kicked him on in walk
or hopped into canter when you’re trying to get him trotting on? Don’t be too
grateful! If he offers a pace you don’t want be quick to correct him. He needs
to work harder at the pace you’re in not do the next one badly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The way you use your leg, spurs and
whip is essential to your horse’s training. Your calf muscle is the part of
your leg that sends him forward. Your heel, spur and whip are there to back it
up NOT get him going. Check out – <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/lazy-rider.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/lazy-rider.html</a>
before you ride. It shows you how to get the best out of your horse without
kicking. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If your horse ignores a squeeze
from both calf muscles use both heels together. Use them once – hard. He should
shoot forward. Be quick to praise him. If he doesn’t use your whip once directly
behind your leg. Don’t be tempted to use your whip on his quarters. That’s just
telling him off. You’re teaching him to move off your leg. Smack him on his quarters
and he won’t understand your exact reason. Repeat the heels together and then
the whip as quickly and sharply as you can until you get a reaction. The
instant you feel any forward movement on his part use your voice to praise him
and keep your leg still.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your rein contact is essential.
Without it you’re wasting your time. Imagine a bottle of coke. Shake it up with
the lid on and the drink fizzes inside and the bottle expands. The energy is
contained within the bottle and by slowly opening the lid you can release it.
Take the lid off and what happens? The drink fizzes and goes flat. The energy
you create with your legs needs to be contained too. Your hands are that lid.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
A lazy horse is often unfit.
Regular exercise will get him fitter and his energy levels will increase
naturally. Keep schooling sessions short and intense. Half an hour of focused
full on exercise twice a week is better than an hour once a week of half
hearted enthusiasm.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do everything in short bursts. Trot
a 20m circle and then canter one. Walk two circuits and go again. It may not
seem like a lot but done well it will have a huge effect on your horse. If
everything he does from now on is done quickly and positively he’s less likely
to feel like it’s an effort.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Walk in between exercises – even on
a long rein - should always be forward. It’s your time to get your breath back
not your horse’s. If you’re feeling tired you can guarantee he’ll decide he is
too. If you’re up there geeing him up he’s far more likely to feel inspired.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The more you can do to encourage your
horse to put his hocks underneath him the better. Use 10m circles and three
loop serpentines which encourage him to work harder with less effort from you.
It’s essential to remember not to kick constantly. He must go forward from a
squeeze from your calf. Every time you find yourself kicking go back to walk and
re-establish the aids.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Direct transitions are good to get your
horse going but only if he’s listening to your leg. Start with simple walk to trot
or trot to canter transitions. Limit yourself to ten strides in each pace as
you work your way round the school. The quick changes will motivate him without
you having to kick on too hard. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Never compromise your position to
get your horse going. Leaning forward, flapping with your legs or throwing your
reins at him will only unbalance him. That not only makes things harder for him
it also gives him the perfect excuse! Read - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/10/pull-up-to-ride-forward.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2011/10/pull-up-to-ride-forward.html</a>
to see how to use your body to maximum effect. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It can take weeks to convince your
horse you really mean it but it works on all horses – even yours! You have to
be consistent and really want to sort it out. If you put in the time you’ll
still have a horse that wants you to tell him when to go but you’ll also have
one that doesn’t expect <i>you</i> to work
harder than him!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.<o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-90214383631291300542011-11-18T23:40:00.001-08:002011-11-18T23:42:06.703-08:00Do You Swing Both Ways?<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Is your horse one sided? Most have
a stiffer side. He may choose one canter lead over the other, have a diagonal
that’s more comfortable or go round corners on one rein with his head stuck to
the outside but whatever it is don’t be so quick to blame <i>him</i>!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Think about the way you’re sat in
the chair right now. Are your legs crossed? Which leg is on top? Is it always
that way? 9 times out of 10 you’ll do one rather than the other. That means one
hip gets more exercise than the other. If you have a drink at the computer
which side is it on? Do you find it more natural to turn to the left or the
right to pick it up? How about if you go upstairs? Or climb over a fence. Which
leg do you lead with? (Chances are it’s the one you’ve got on top if you’re
sitting with your legs crossed!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
How about when you’re riding? Do
you find it easier to turn your body to the left or the right? One way is
always easier. When you warm up which way do you go to start with? Left or
right? Do you go back to that rein for your first canter? Given the choice
would you turn left to a fence or right? These are little things but things
that you can change to help your horse.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Make a conscious effort to change
the way you do things. Cross your legs the other way, put your mug on the wrong
side of the desk for a week and lead with your other leg when you run up the
stairs. By doing that you’ll even out your body and help your horse to even out
the way he uses his. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When you’re out hacking you
probably carry your whip between you and the traffic. Why wouldn’t you? The
problem with that is your horse will naturally bend around that whip putting
him in a permanent right bend. Is it any wonder he’s stiff to the left?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When you ride out try to carry your
whip in the left hand when you’re off road. Use both diagonals too. It’s too
easy to opt for the ‘good’ one but use the uncomfortable one often enough and
you’ll find it hard to tell between the two. You don’t have to be on the bit to
do these things. There’s no need for your horse to even realise you’re
schooling him. Keep it simple and he’ll even out without knowing you’re trying.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
How often do you see someone
bending and flexing their horse one way and then the other? It’s OK if you
really understand what you’re trying to achieve but if you’re doing it because
you think it will ‘soften’ your horse’s stiff side you’re unfortunately wasting
your time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If <i>your</i> body was stiff to the right no amount of neck bending would
loosen it up. You’d need to bend through your waist and stretch the muscles on
the other side which aren’t used to working. So does your horse.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Don’t think you can get rid of your
horse’s stiff side by working on that rein the whole time. Imagine if someone
stood over you and made you write with the wrong hand. You may start off with
good intentions but it would be hard work and uncomfortable - eventually your
enthusiasm would dwindle. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Think about how you’d feel if you
had to write with the wrong hand and you’ll understand why your horse needs to
be schooled in stages on the stiffer side. You can’t just turn his head in that
direction and kick him through the stiffness. He can’t bend because he’s
struggling not because he doesn’t want to! You have to gradually increase the
bend you ask for bit by bit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In the school use serpentines so
you use both sides. On a three loop serpentine ride it so the first and last
loops are on the easier rein when you start off. When you turn onto the middle
loop keep your horse looking straight forward in his head and neck and concentrate
on pushing his body out. The more he stretches the outside of his body the more
supple his back will be. Bending his neck won’t do that. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Riding your horse straight is more
beneficial than riding with an exceptional bend on one side and stiff and
stilted on the other. Figures of eight using long diagonals are ideal. This way
your focus is on keeping him straight across the school, asking for a slight
bend round the half circle and then straightening him up again. When he’s balanced
you’ll be able to stretch his body from your leg without tension.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The slower your pace the better for
your horse on his stiff side too. Imagine having to write a sentence with the
wrong hand at speed? By concentrating and writing slowly most people could at
least write legibly. Your horse needs you to be understanding and patient.
Little and often will win the day. Change<i>
your</i> ways as much as you want him to change his and you’ll be surprised
what a difference it makes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.<o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-50611260364272180582011-11-11T23:11:00.001-08:002011-11-11T23:12:31.436-08:00Ride Forward not Back<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Does the thought of winter
schooling fill you with dread? Don’t let it! Winter is the best time for you
and your horse to brush up on your schooling and iron out some of those
problems you’ve been having. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If your horse is forward going he’s
not always an easy ride. As he gets warmed up does he start to lean more and
more on your hand? Does he speed up every time you put your leg on? Or set his
neck and trot off down the long side regardless of what you may be doing on
top? There’s a reason for this. Strange as it may sound he’s not really moving
forward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It’s easy to think because your
horse is taking you round the school at speed that he’s working hard but it’s
not always the case. Whether he’s hollow and tense or leaning on the bit
expecting you to carry him the cause is the same. He’s not using his hocks
correctly. There’s only one way to get him to do that. Although every bone in
your body will be screaming “Stop!” you need to ride forward not back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Of course there’s little point in
trotting round and round the ménage pushing him on. You’ll only end up pulling
to slow him down and that never works. Your horse will always be stronger than
you. You need something which makes him slow himself down. How? Try this – </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Corners are the rider’s best
friend. Use them to your advantage and you’ll find your horse will be
transformed within a few sessions. Not only can you ride corners around the
school you can square up figures of eight, circles and serpentines. There’s
nothing quite like a corner to either back off a tanking horse (or engage a
lazy one).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Start by riding large round the
school in walk. Your aim is to ride directly at the fence until your horse
turns. Push forward with both legs in their usual place and hold your contact
but don’t pull back. Don’t even think about taking a check. That’s his job. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When he finds the fence in front of
him your horse will back off. In doing so he’ll sit back on his hocks. Enjoy
that feeling because now you actually need to put your legs on! Ride forward
into a steady contact but keep your body facing the front. If he stops in front
of it your contact is too tight or you haven’t pushed on hard enough.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In a normal turn you’d encourage
your horse to turn by turning your body but with this exercise you want him to hesitate
– to sit back on his hocks rather than flow forward round the turn. Don’t turn
your body or even look round the corner until he moves. Then turn with him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Move on into trot and canter in
exactly the same way. Ride forward at the fence, keeping the contact even.
Often riders focus on inside bend and the outside rein gets forgotten about. In
this exercise it’s more important to have the outside than the inside. Your
sole job is to ride him at the fence in front of you. Dare him to jump it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
From start to finish your schooling
session should focus on the corners. When you change the rein use the centre
line or EXB so you have straight lines and corners. Avoid long diagonals where
corners may unintentionally get cut off. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
A turn from E to B or A to C is
different. You don’t have the fence to ride at. Practise in walk. Your hands
become the fence by tightening around the reins so your horse knows you don’t
want him to go forward. Close your thighs around him as if you’re asking him to
slow down but use your lower leg to keep him going forward. As his shoulders
draw level with the marker take both hands across to the inside and push hard
with your outside leg. (Your outside hand should be above his crest) When he gets onto the line you want ‘catch’
him with your inside leg and ride forward. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Put these two styles of cornering
together by riding 20m squares or three and four loop serpentines. Run through
them in walk so you’re sure what you’re doing and then move on into trot and
canter. Make yourself ride him forward and any time you have the fence ahead of
you use it! The more chances you have to make him slow himself down the better.
It’s moments like those which allow you to get your leg on. Until you can do
that it’s impossible for you to push his hocks under his body. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is something you can always go
back to if your horse starts to get strong in the future. If you stay calm it’s
guaranteed to get him back on his hocks and allow you to get your leg on. When
the penny drops it’s a great feeling. Instead of a frantic charge round the
school you’ll have a horse that is not only going at half the speed he’ll be
lighter on his shoulders and in your hand too. Once he accepts your leg you’ll
find everything so much easier and all because you rode him forward not
backwards.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.<o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-74979120223529223482011-11-05T00:44:00.001-07:002011-11-05T00:44:49.928-07:00Blow Away Your Winter Blues<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your horse’s temperament will
define how best to school him. He’s likely to fall into one of two categories. Is
he a hare or a tortoise? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Every rider has their preference.
Some like to kick on. It can be nice to feel nothing’s going to happen if you
don’t ask for it. Others, however, veer away from the ‘keeps-you-fit’ equine.
They’d rather sit still and have a horse that’s raring to go at all times. When
it comes to schooling each type responds to a completely different approach. One
horse’s entertainment can be another’s worst nightmare.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Energetically challenged? Check out
- <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/lazy-rider.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/lazy-rider.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Adrenalin Junkie? Check out – <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/other-way-of-stopping.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/other-way-of-stopping.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
So with that in mind are you
looking for something to get you through the dark nights of winter? Winter
offers little respite from the school during the week. Don’t be a martyr to the
cause. A couple of nights schooling is more than enough for any horse. He won’t
lose fitness overnight. Two good workmanlike sessions midweek are far more
beneficial than riding every night and achieving nothing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Whatever your horse’s temperament
if you’re just looking for something to do check out this page - <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/p/looking-for-something-to-do.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/p/looking-for-something-to-do.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Tortoise training <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The lazy horse requires inspiration.
He needs you to get on board every time with enough energy for the pair of you.
Everything you do or ask has to be the most exciting thing you’ve ever asked
for. BUT your legs should only rest lightly against his sides at all times so
he knows you’re there - they should never kick. Do that and he’ll switch off as
quickly as you would if someone droned on and on about nothing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The perfect type of schooling
exercises for this type of horse are short, quick bursts of speed or energy.
Quick transitions and turns. Serpentines in canter with changes of leg through
trot or walk over the centre line. Halt to trot transitions across the school.
Halt to canter even. Anything that makes him sit up and listen, get his hocks
under his body and inspires him. Even the laziest horse will respond if you’re
prepared to meet him halfway. Supply the enthusiasm and you’ll be surprised how
much he gives back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
For your own sake remember to take
several short breaks to get your breath back. Never allow <i>him </i>to rest for a moment though. Walk on a long rein using regular
taps with the whip to maintain his energy. A forward walk can be as motivating
for him as a canter – and for you it’s a chance to recharge the batteries.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Taming the Hare<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The adrenalin junkie is a different
ball game completely. Assuming he’s just sharp – not naughty – you need to be
his calming influence. Anything you can do to show him life is dull will help
your schooling. Allow this type of horse to switch off and before you know it
you’ll have a horse you can get your leg on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Sharp horses need repetition. Too
many sudden changes will only get your horse more excited. Never think a ‘good
canter or blast’ will calm him down. It’s the last thing you need to do. He has
enough trouble getting rid of pent up adrenalin without making more!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The perfect exercise for this type
of horse requires patience. Stick your self on a 20m circle and either change
pace or change shape but never both at the same time. That will be too much for
his active brain to cope with. Try trotting 20m circles followed by 15m and 10m
and back out again. Do that for twenty minutes without changing anything other
than the circle size and without even thinking about it you’ll find yourself
pushing him forward. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
To a sharp horse your leg should be
a comfort not a shock. It’s there to ‘hold his hand’ not surprise him. Take
your leg off because you think it’s exciting him and he’ll get such a shock
when you do put it on that he’ll be off down the school before you can say ‘steady’.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
A ‘sharp-naughty’ horse needs
something between the two. The most important thing with him is to keep him
away from straight lines and too much repetition. He needs to be kept busy
without the addition of excitement. This isn’t too difficult to do. Ride
serpentines, changes of rein and figures of eight in one pace. Every time you feel
him tighten ride a turn across the school or a small circle. Keep his brain
full of your ideas and stop him filling it with ones of his own.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Winter is right here now and it’s
important to keep yourself inspired. Understanding your horse’s temperament and
schooling needs will get you halfway there. Your consistency will do the rest.
Never school if you’re in a foul mood. It’s better for both of you if you take
the night off. You’ll only spoil things and get off feeling guilty. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When it’s cold, dark and miserable
out there it’s important not to lose sight of the reason you’re doing this. It’s
your hobby and it’s supposed to be fun! Don’t pressure yourself or your horse into
doing anything you don’t want to do. It won’t help you and it certainly won’t
do anything for him either.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-89743346300187802352011-10-28T23:12:00.000-07:002011-10-28T23:12:53.582-07:00Pull Up to Ride Forward<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
How often are you told to sit up,
look up or get your shoulders back? Aren’t you just a bit fed up with
constantly having to readjust your position? Imagine how your horse feels! Your
position affects everything he does. The more balanced you are the better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When you’re told to sit up what do
you actually do? Lean back a bit? In doing so your back probably rounds leaving
your shoulders forward. Then you’re told to stick your shoulders back. You do
but your head stays where it is. Your
chin sticks out and you end up looking at the ground a few strides ahead of
your horse. Sound familiar?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Instead of thinking ‘lean back’
think ‘pull up’. Pull up through your whole body. Imagine you’re trying to pull
your vertebrae away from each other. Pull the bottom of your rib cage out and
forward and take a deep breath in. Now feel where your shoulders and head are
in relation to your hips. They should be directly above them. For your horse
this is perfect. He can carry you easily because you’re in balance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
But you’re not done yet! Now you
have to lean back to the point when you feel your weight at the back of your
head. Try it while you’re sitting reading this. Allow your arms to drop down by
your sides. Where do your elbows go? Down next to your sides. In the shoulders
forward position your arms stiffen and your elbows tighten. If your reins get too
long you end up sticking your elbows out and rounding your wrists.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There’s another wonderful thing
about the ‘pull up’ method. You look up! As you lean back your head and
shoulders go with you. Instead of leaving your head where it was and ending up
looking at the floor your head tips back and you’ll find yourself looking down
the track about 20m further ahead. It’s a feeling you’ll quickly get used to as
you realise when you’re looking ahead you can plan ahead.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When you next ride your horse pull
up through your body before you even move off into walk. He won’t recognise
you. Don’t forget to lean backwards. The chances are you’ll feel as if you’re
leaning too far back but you won’t be. Get a friend to take a picture of you or
put your phone on video mode and prop it up on a fence post so you can see
yourself. You’ll be surprised to find that you’re only sitting up straight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Try walking round the school. Pull
up through your body and feel what happens in your seat. Firstly your hips will
swing with your horse without you having to make them. Secondly – and more
importantly - they’ll push forward ahead of your shoulders when your horse
pushes his hind legs under his body. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Practice trotting circles and
serpentines while you’re in this position. Before you ask your horse to turn
pull up through your body first, let your hips move in front of your shoulders.
Think of it as an aid which is guaranteed to sit him back on his hocks. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Canter large round the school and
focus on leaning as far back as you can. Feel the difference in your lower back
and seat when your hips move ahead of your shoulders. Don’t allow your body to
collapse. Pull up and look up and your horse’s back will come up under the
saddle which in turn brings his hocks further under his body.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Play with some transitions on the
centre line. Ask for trot to walk transitions as you go through X. Pull up
through your body as you ask and concentrate on allowing your hips to move in
front of your shoulders as your horse walks. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It may seem strange asking for an
upwards transition just before a turn but your horse knows the turn is coming.
It won’t come as a surprise to him! From an active walk ask for trot at D/G.
Pull up, ride forward and don’t pull back. The tight turn will increase the
energy in your trot. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
With the change of the clocks and
winter really on its way now is the perfect time to make some positive changes
to your position. If it takes a few sessions it doesn’t matter. Before you ask your
horse to do anything remember to pull up through your body. Get a feel for it
and you’ll never look back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your position will affect your
horse whatever you do. Lean forward and he’ll fall onto his forehand. Slip to
the side and he’ll fall in or out. But lean back and the worst thing that can
happen is you put his weight back on his hocks. Isn’t that what you’ve been
trying to do all this time?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-44800913793253299692011-10-21T22:52:00.000-07:002011-10-21T22:52:12.446-07:00Problem Solving - cause and effect<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If you have a problem with your
horse what do you do? Ask your instructor? A friend? Or turn to a book? It’s
the right thing to do. A problem shared<i>
is</i> a problem halved but unfortunately it’s always after the event. Wouldn’t
it be great if you could solve it while you were still in the saddle? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There’s only one cause of any
problem with your horse. You! That’s a fact not an insult. Whatever you do with
your body affects him. Divide your horse – and the aids that affect him – into
three sections. 1 - Your hands and his shoulders/neck/mouth. 2 – His body and
yours. 3 – His hindquarters and your legs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If something’s not right in one of
those sections it will have a negative effect on the others. So although your
horse is lifting his head up it might not be your hands that started it – it
might be that you’re sitting too heavily on his back. If he’s tight in his back
he’ll stop using his hocks and up comes his head. <span> </span>What started in one section quickly affects
the other two. However hard you try to keep your hands still and ride forward if
you’re making his back uncomfortable you won’t cure your problem.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If you have a problem while you’re
riding think through the following lists and be honest! Ask yourself “Am I
doing that?” If the answer is “Yes” to any one of the following points then
you’ve found your cause.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Common problems with Section 1 – </div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">If your hands are uneven your horse’s shoulders
will match them. If one shoulder (hand) is higher than the other he’ll
fall towards the lower side. If one hand is further back than the other
his shoulders will be crooked. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Drop your hands and your horse will drop both
shoulders and carry his weight on his forehand. Lift them too high and
he’ll stiffen in his neck as his shoulders struggle to rise any higher.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Hold your contact too tight and your horse will
tighten his jaw against the pressure. That sends tension down the rest of
his spine. BUT if your reins are too long you won’t contain the energy you
create, he won’t use his hocks and he’ll fall onto his shoulders. Hold but
don’t pull back.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">If your rein contact is stronger on one side that’s
the way your horse’s shoulders are heading. If you’re trying to circle,
corner or turn you need his shoulders on the line you’re taking not going
off to one side. (falling out/in)</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Problems with Section 2 – </div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Your horse will be crooked if you are. Your
shoulders and hips should be turned in the direction you’re moving or face
the front on a straight line. If you’re left or right sided and turn
naturally to one side you’ll find he does the same. That’s great on the
good side but you’ll find he’s crooked and tight on the stiff side.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">He’ll fall in or out if your weight slips to one
side in the saddle. (He’ll move away from the heavier side) OR you
collapse to the inside. The distance between your bottom rib and the top
of your hip should be the same on both sides. Drop your hip or your
shoulder and he’ll do exactly the same.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">He’ll fall onto his forehand if you tip forward. <span> </span>If you lean too far back your leg will
swing forward and come off his sides. That means you’ll stop riding him
forward and that leads you nicely onto - </li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Problems with Section 3 – </div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">If your legs aren’t pushing him forward then your
horse won’t bring his hocks underneath him. He won’t be able to balance on
his hindquarters and he’ll fall onto his forehand.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">If one leg is further back than the other you’re
telling your horse to move his quarters over. A classic example of this is
failing to move your outside leg forward once you’re in canter. He’ll move
his quarters in and be crooked until you tell him otherwise.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Are you kicking too hard? This lifts you up out of
the saddle in sitting trot and canter. In rising trot it sends you far too
high on the rise. Both are uncomfortable to your horse and get you out of
balance with the rhythm of the pace. Tap him up with the whip if he’s
lazy. It’s for his own good.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">If you use one leg harder than the other you’re
giving your horse clear aids to step sideways. Always use your legs
together and with the same amount of pressure unless you’re doing lateral
work.</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
So there are the most obvious
problems. It gives you somewhere to start when things go wrong. It’s only what
your instructor does when he/she assesses you and your horse in the warm up.
They’ll look at these three sections, see what’s going wrong and that’s what
they base your lesson on. This way you can teach yourself for a while. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Next time your horse feels lazy in
a downward transition think about what you might be doing to cause it. Are your
reins too long? Are you leaning forward or just not using enough leg? That’s
three different reasons for a downward transition that’s on the forehand – one from
each section.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Is your canter crooked? Are your
hands level and at the same height? Are you sitting square in the saddle and
have you remembered to move your outside leg forward after the transition?
Again three causes. Three sections.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you struggle to get your horse
out into the corners? Is your contact even in both hands? Are you keeping your
weight equal on both sides of the saddle? Are you pushing him forward from both
legs?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Whatever your problem remember who
started it! Your horse can only do what you’re telling him to do. It’s true
that a problem shared is a problem halved but a problem divided into three
might just get solved before you leave the school next time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling. <o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-51374315181483614122011-10-14T21:42:00.000-07:002011-10-14T21:42:08.326-07:00Your Whole Horse in Your Hands?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you sometimes feel as if you’ve
got the whole weight of your horse in your hands? Does his head get lower and
lower the further you go? The chances are he’s carrying himself on his forehand
– or shoulders. He’s not the only horse to do it. It’s a common problem but
it’s one that can be easily avoided. <span> </span>If
you know where to look.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When a horse is on the forehand
he’s carrying about ¾ of his weight on his shoulders. There are many reasons he
might be doing it but only one true cause - he’s not using his hocks correctly.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In walk it’s less obvious. On a
road you might hear it when your horse’s front feet hit the ground with more
force than his hind feet. He might trip in front more than behind. Because
you’re not travelling at speed it probably goes unnoticed. The faster you go
the more unbalanced he’ll become. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In trot things feel more obvious. Imagine
running down a steep hill. You’d want to put out a hand to stop yourself
falling over - right? Your horse will feel the same only he doesn’t have hands.
Instead he has a bit in his mouth and attached to it he has <i>your</i> hands! That’s one of the first
things you’ll notice about a horse on the forehand – the dead weight in your
hands – and no matter how hard you try you won’t be able to get him off them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In canter your horse will not only be
uncomfortable to ride he’ll also be less responsive. The speed of the canter
means more of his weight will be falling forwards onto your hands making it difficult
for you to turn or vary his speed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
You wouldn’t be the first to think
the best way to deal with it is to plug away in trot or canter until your horse
sits back on his hocks but before you do just think about this - </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When your horse unbalances onto his
forehand there’s a strong chance he did it <i>before
</i>you started the pace you feel it in. He may well have been trotting around
quite nicely before you found yourself cantering the wall of death round the
arena. So what happened in between the two? Try looking at your transition.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If your horse is prone to going on
his forehand you’ll have heard the phrase ‘ride him uphill’. The theory is
sound – you do want to think of his body sitting down at the back and lifting
in front. BUT think how you ride when you ride uphill. You lean forward and
give your horse his head. Try thinking of riding <i>down </i>a steep hill. Then you’d be sitting right back, pushing his
hocks underneath him and holding the contact.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Whether you’re asking for walk to
canter or trot to canter your body should remain the same. Your horse will copy
exactly what you do. If you tip forward he’ll do the same. Lean further back
than you feel comfortable doing. Exaggerate it. This will put all your weight
over his hocks and encourage him to sit. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If you keep your hands up in front
of you and your contact consistent in both hands then your horse will stay off
his shoulders. Your contact contains energy allowing you to drive his hocks
under his body. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When you’re asking for canter don’t
make the mistake of throwing your hands forward in the hope your horse will go
into canter quicker. Actually all you’re doing is throwing him straight onto
his shoulders and making his life more difficult. Nag at yourself to keep your
fingers closed around the reins as you ask. Then as you put your inside leg on
for the strike off keep the contact between your thumb and first finger and
relax the other three to allow him to canter. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If this is a regular problem ask your
horse for canter going into a corner not on it. The fact you’re not on a bend
will mean you’re less inclined to lean to the inside and unbalance him. Riding
towards a fence will stop him running into canter and unbalancing himself too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Before you go remember not to
canter for too long! When you’re trying to solve a problem use canter in short
bursts so you can concentrate on the quality of the transition and the first
few strides. It’s the cause of the problem you need to look at not the end
result.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-34510630618896473122011-10-07T23:12:00.000-07:002011-10-07T23:12:04.987-07:00To Rise or not to Rise?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Whether you’re learning to ride or starting
to compete at dressage you can guarantee rising trot will become an issue. For
those learning to ride getting up out of the saddle is a problem. Yet the more
you learn the harder it is to sit!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
For new riders it can feel as if
rising trot will never feel natural but like everything it really does get
easier. There’s a knack to it that only comes with time. The rise comes as much
from your horse as it does from you. When he’s going forward you’ll find the
spring of the trot helps to push you up out of the saddle. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It’s tempting to put your whole
weight onto the stirrup to push yourself up. Don’t do it! The first thing that
happens is your leg shoots forward throwing you straight back into the saddle.
If you get enough control of your balance to stop that happening you’ll find
you stand on the ball of your foot. Result? Your heel comes up and you fall
forward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
You’re not expected to rise miles
out of the saddle. A couple of inches will do. You only need to clear your
horse’s back for a stride and sit back down. The object of rising trot is to stay
in rhythm with your horse. Standing straight up takes time. By the time you sit
back down you meet him on the wrong beat. That gets you bouncing out of rhythm.
Who hasn’t experienced the ‘double bounce’? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Instead of rising from your stirrup
imagine you have no lower leg at all. Put your weight onto the top of your knee
and squeeze the thigh muscle just above it into the saddle to push yourself up.
It’s worth practising out on a hack with a horse in front of you to keep your
horse going. Don’t look at its rider though. Their horse will have a completely
different rhythm to yours. Your rising is unique to your trot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When you are in a school don’t
forget to turn your body in line with the curve of a circle in rising trot. It’s
easy to rise and straighten up without realising. As you sit back in the saddle
your outside shoulder and hip should be slightly ahead of the inside ones so
you stay in line with your horse until you ride straight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Diagonals are your next challenge. Trot
has two beats to it – it’s 2 time. When your horse trots he moves one hind leg
and the front leg diagonally opposite at the same time. (Right hind/left front
and left hind/right front) Hence the term ‘diagonal’. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
You rise on a particular diagonal
so you’re out of the saddle as your horse’s inside hind leg steps forward under
his body. That’s the leg that pushes him forward. You should use your leg as
you sit. By using your leg before he lifts his hind foot up off the floor
you’ll encourage him to stretch it further under his body as he lifts it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It’s important to remember to
change your diagonal every time you change the rein. To do this you sit for one
extra stride. Up, down – down, up. That brings you up as the new inside hind
leg is going forward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
So you’re supposed to rise when the
outside front leg and inside hind are going forward - how do you know? Look at
the outside shoulder. Rise as it goes forward and sit as it comes back. <span> </span>Don’t be embarrassed if you can’t see it. Some
riders take years to get it right. Try sticking bandage or electrical tape on
the point of one of your horse’s shoulder. That way you can see clearly when it
moves away and towards you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The best place to practise is out
on a hack. Trot up a road in a straight line. That gives you time to focus
solely on the shoulder. Look down and keep your eyes on it. Forget about ups
and downs. Just concentrate on whether that shoulder is going forward or back.
When you can do that can you worry about the timing of your rising.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Out hacking there’s no right or
wrong time to rise but try to use both sides. Sticking to the ‘more comfortable
one’ will only make the stiffer side worse.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
For the more experienced rider the
choice of sitting or rising trot comes in when you’re either showing or
competing at dressage. In the early dressage levels it’s not compulsory to sit
so unless you can sit on your horse and be totally relaxed don’t do it. Rising
trot performed well looks as good as sitting trot and it will look much nicer
than a horse that is tight because he is unhappy with his rider’s weight on his
back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Tension in your seat has a dramatic
effect on your horse and your ability to sit. Try tightening the muscles in
your seat in rising trot. You’ll feel your legs move away from your horse’s
sides and forward. Your weight is tipped backwards. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do the same in sitting trot and it
has exactly the same effect. You may not feel it but your horse will. He’ll
hollow and tighten his back which will make him uncomfortable to sit on.
Result? You tighten your seat even more. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
You are the only one who can change
this. Practise going from rising trot to sitting for as little as ten strides.
Concentrate on keeping your seat as relaxed as possible. When you sit in the
saddle sit straight down. You should feel your weight on your two seat bones
but also a little on your fork. Gradually increase the length of time you sit.
The instant you feel your back or seat tighten start rising.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
A final thought for all riders - don’t
forget to breathe! Stupid as it may sound who hasn’t held their breath when
they’re concentrating hard? The problem with that is it tightens every muscle
in your body. That’s not going to help whether you’re rising or sitting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-63848047657809231472011-10-01T00:08:00.001-07:002011-10-01T00:09:55.283-07:00Let Your Horse Work for You<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
No matter how much you love your
horse you’re bound to have days when you wish he’d just exercise himself. Any
exercise is better than no exercise so, with that in mind, why don’t you choose
something that will make <i>him</i> work
harder than you? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The easiest thing to do is reduce
the size of your circles. 20m circles are useful but don’t really require your
horse to exert himself. 10m circles are ideal. Ride them from each marker in
the school, the four points of a 20m circle or change the rein by riding half 10m
circles from E to X to B. He’ll have to push his hocks further under his body
just to get round which will use the muscles in his back as well as his
hindquarters. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
10m circles are a big ask for a
young horse. Use 15m circles instead. Or slow down and ride some in walk.
They’ll be good for his balance and keep his attention too. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Four loop serpentines are a great
way of making your horse do more work with less effort from you. You’ll be
riding more half 10m circles but this time with straight lines joining them
across the school. Spend a session riding them up and down the school. You’ll
use both reins equally, keep his attention and get him using his hocks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Diamonds are really useful shapes.
They’re often overlooked or perhaps not even thought about. They can be ridden
in all three paces and in two different sizes. The most obvious is a diamond
using the four points of a 20m circle. Technically it’s a square but working
away from the fence at each point means your horse has to stay focused on you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
A true diamond can be ridden
between C, B, A and E. The points at A and C are sharp. They encourage your
horse to sit on his hocks and move his shoulders as one unit. They’re not
beyond the capabilities of any horse. Even a youngster can cope with one in
walk. It’s an ideal way for you to get control of his shoulders before moving
on to lateral work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
To turn your horse in walk around a
point on a diamond sit back and close your fingers around the reins. This tells
him not to go forward. Move both hands to the inside (Your outside hand should
be above his withers) and push with both legs. He can’t go forward so he’ll
follow the direction of your hands and move his body and shoulders around his
quarters and across to the inside. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Used behind the girth your leg
specifically controls your horse’s quarters. Used by the girth it controls his
barrel. If he starts to move his quarters round as well as his shoulders and
barrel swing your outside leg back and give him a nudge with your heel. That
will tell him to keep his quarters still. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When you move your hands to the
inside your horse moves his shoulders across. Your hands are then back to their
original position – one either side of his withers. To move him across again
move your hands over and push with both legs. When he’s on the line you want to
take relax your fingers on the reins and allow him to go forward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There’s one significant difference
between asking your horse to move laterally (sideways) and just turning. To
turn you use your body to tell him which way you want to go. <i>Your </i>body turns before his. When you
move him sideways your hands and legs direct him but your body stays still. <i>His</i> body turns before yours. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The sequence of legs in trot makes it
impossible for your horse to move his shoulders around his quarters so the
points must be ridden as a turn. It may be less accurate but it will still be
enough to make him step further under his body with his hocks. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
As you approach each point turn
your upper body and hands in the direction you want to go. Push forward with
both legs. Keep your fingers relaxed on your reins to encourage him to go forward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Riding diamonds in canter isn’t
beyond the capabilities of any horse with practice. Try a 20m diamond where the
turns are less sharp. Treat each turn as you would a corner. Sit up and turn
your body. Keep your hands directly in front of you as he turns to keep his shoulders
together. Ride forward to keep him back on his hocks and be ready to nudge him
with your outside leg back if he swings his quarters.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Next time you feel less than enthusiastic
try something different that will challenge your horse more than it will
challenge you. Nobody said schooling had to be hard work all the time. Not for
you anyway. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-35715283504175386322011-09-24T05:09:00.000-07:002011-09-24T05:09:26.485-07:00A Contradiction in Terms?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
How often have you read ‘keep your
hands still’ only to read ‘take a check’, ‘move your fingers on the reins’ or ‘squeeze’
two paragraphs later? With so many references to hands, reins and fingers is it
any wonder many riders get confused? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The first thing you need to
understand is your fingers are a part of your hands not the same thing. So your
fingers can move although your hands stay still.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There’s never a time when your
hands need to move away or back from their position in front of your body. They
should stay above your horse’s withers to keep control of his shoulders. When
your body turns your arms and hands should go too. This moves his shoulders
whilst your legs push his body and quarters behind them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
No pace or movement benefits from
your reins being too long. Clamp your reins between your thumb and first finger
and don’t let go! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Pull back on your reins and your
horse will tighten his back. When he does that his hocks can’t step underneath
him and he loses impulsion. Nag at yourself to ride forward and never pull
back. Holding a contact is the same as holding a toddler’s hand. You’re there
to guide them not to break their fingers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If your horse has been leaning on
the bit your fingers stiffen up. Is it his weight or your tension that makes
them ache? He can only lean on something if it’s solid. If he can’t lean on
your hand he’ll have to sit on his hocks. Move your second, third and little
finger as if you’re drumming them on a table or dabbling them in water. That
small amount of movement stops you tensing your hands. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Your contact is ‘soft’ when your
fingers are mobile. You can still feel your horse at the end of your reins but
he isn’t a dead weight. Push him forward into a soft contact and he’ll relax,
round his back and go naturally onto the bit. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If your horse resists your hands
then your contact should be <b>restrictive</b>.
Imagine you’ve got a wet sponge in each hand and have to squeeze all the water
out. Squeeze both reins together. This gives him an even but pressured feeling
in his mouth. It’s enough to say “Don’t do it.” Keep up the pressure until he
relaxes his jaw.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Many riders get confused when they
start trying to get their horse on the bit. They squeeze one rein and then the
other swinging their horse’s head from side to side. It gets a result of sorts
because the horse puts his head in to avoid the discomfort BUT he isn’t on the
bit – the second they swap a whip or do something different he pops straight
back up again. (Imagine for a second how distracting it would be when you’re
trying to read this if someone was pulling your head from side to side.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Compare your horse to a bottle of
coke. Shake the bottle with the lid on and the drink inside fizzes but can’t
escape. Your rein contact is that lid. If it stays consistent it contains the
energy your legs create. When his hocks are under him and the length of his
neck is determined by the length of your reins his back has to round. Without
so much as a squeeze or a pull he’s on the bit. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Imagine if you opened and closed
the lid of the bottle. In time the fizz would escape and the drink would become
flat. Releasing and taking your contact has exactly the same effect on your
horse. When his hocks aren’t under his body he can’t go onto the bit because
his energy has dropped and his back will hollow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If your horse is heavy on one rein
the chances are he’s not in the other. Never ‘drop’ him off the heavy side.
Always put him onto the lighter side. You need an even pressure on both sides
of his mouth to contain his energy and keep him on his hocks.<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Here’s something to try – </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Take up your reins and stay in
walk. Now ride forward, move your fingers but don’t pull back. Follow the
movement of your horse’s head in walk. Your hands and arms should move forward and
back to keep the same weight in each rein.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Some horses accept a contact
instantly. Others are less trusting. Never resort to a quick pull because that’s
exactly why your horse won’t settle in the first place!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Try putting your leg on and moving your
hand two inches forward. Your horse should ‘look’ for the contact. This means the
weight in your hand stays the same because he stretches his neck to find the
contact. So instead of pulling him back into a contact you’re pushing him to
one and because he’s relaxed he’ll actively look for it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
You may be wondering how you should
ask him to bend if you can’t tug, pull one rein and not the other or squeeze. A
horse bends through his body around your leg – not from your inside rein. And that’s
a topic for another day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245952445455454984.post-45454021731592446372011-09-17T10:00:00.001-07:002011-09-24T05:11:02.510-07:00Don't Rush into Trot - Go Forward<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you struggle to hold your horse
when you ride from canter to trot? You’re not alone. It’s a common problem and
one which is often made worse by the rider’s reaction – taking their leg off
and pulling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When your horse gets strong from
canter to trot no matter what his temperament the cause is the same. He’s
unbalanced. Any horse who tips onto his shoulders will always rush a downwards
transition. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Pulling a horse in the mouth makes
him tighten and hollow his back. If he does that he’ll stop using his hocks and
tip onto his shoulders. Taking your leg off has the same effect. Do the two
together and your horse has little choice but to run into trot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It’s easy to focus on the actual transition
but the problem stems from the pace before it. You need an exercise which helps
your horse balance and makes him sit up and listen. Try this – </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Canter a 15m circle in the C/M
corner. The ¾ line should be your furthest point. Any horse can canter a circle
of this size. It’s the size which balances your canter and helps you to produce
a steady transition. Sit up and ride forward to give your horse the confidence
he needs to get his hocks underneath him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When your canter feels settled ride
off the circle and onto a diagonal line from M to A. Your horse will think you’re
going from M to K. Look at A and use plenty of right leg to keep him in line
with it. He’ll listen because he’s not sure where he’s going. As you cross the ¼
line ask him to trot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Never anticipate a problem. Keep
your arms relaxed and your fingers moving on the reins so you can’t set against
each other. Stay soft in your body, squeeze hard with your knee and thigh
(Check out <a href="http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/other-way-of-stopping.html">http://schoolyourhorse.blogspot.com/2010/12/other-way-of-stopping.html</a>
) and ride forward. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It’s hard to kick on when you feel
as if you’re being tanked off with but if you keep your knees in your leg will just
tell your horse to use his hocks - not go faster. The further under his body
they are the more control you’ll have.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When you reach A ride a 15m circle and
pick up canter again. When your canter is settled ride across from K to C,
asking for trot as you cross the ¼ line. (Make sure you change the rein
regularly as this exercise focuses on one rein at a time.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Rushing can become a habit. Your
horse may find it hard to change. Try asking for some transitions to halt as
you ride towards A and C. The fence will help to back him off. These transitions
may not be world class but they will have a positive effect. You’ll be
surprised how much control you’ll have once he’s anticipating stopping.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Poor transitions are usually caused
by poor paces. Keep your horse balanced and focused and the transitions will
take care of themselves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Good luck and enjoy your schooling.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10322496275100753654noreply@blogger.com4