Photos
Lesley's Corner
Changing Rein Through the Circle
Changing the rein through the circle requires an increased level of suppleness and balanced self carriage in the horse. Done correctly, it will increase the suppleness further, and will increase the engagement of the hind legs. Learn how to do it here!
The Single Loop Exercise
Videos
Video # 13: This is Andi and her horse Chester, schooling through a gymnastic line.
Educational Discussions
Conformation Discussion # 2
Questions
Question # 43: I am looking for exercises on and off horse to do over the winter to try to build strength and stamina. (Vita)
Lesley's Corner
Shortening Your Reins After a Drop Fence
Lesley's Corner
Free Jumping!
Lesley's Corner
Creating Good Habits When Riding (Current Freebie!)
It always pays off to make an effort to create good habits when riding and dealing with horses - for both horse and rider. I often see situations where the rider is not aware that they are allowing the horse to develop bad habits. Or where they are missing the opportunities
Questions
Question # 42: I'm still a bit confused about "galloping" position. From watching jockeys and videos of pro riders, it looks to me like the goal is for your back and head to stay relatively still and your leg joints to absorb most of the motion.
Lesley's Corner
Lateral Flexion at the Poll
"Lateral flexion" is often misunderstood. Many riders bend the neck instead of getting flexion at the poll (joint between C1 & skull). Flexion turns the forehead slightly, without requiring body bend. However, correct bend from nose to tail always includes poll flexion. Learn how to do it here!
Lesley's Corner
Resistance in the Bridle
Resistance in the bridle is *always* related to the state of tension in the back. Sometimes it's hard to say which comes first, like the chicken & the egg. Is the horse's tense, braced back causing him to resist the bit? Or is bracing against the bit causing the back to tighten?