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Tip/Quote of the Day # 4394
The rider that helps the horse to carry himself in the best balance in the canter is poised and still in the upper body, while remaining supple and following in their hips and elbows.
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 4393
Collapse in a heap at the end of your transition, and you train your horse to do so as well.
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 4392
If you attempt to teach your horse to jump, to go through water, or to jump over a ditch when the horse is not first trained to go instantly forward from the leg, you are not setting yourself up for success.
Lesley's Corner
An Exercise to Help You Find an Even Pace Over Fences
Here is a simple exercise that will increase your awareness of whether or not you are maintaining an even pace when jumping courses. And it will show you exactly what you need to do to achieve it!
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 4391
Horses will usually add a stride when jumping on an uphill slope. Make sure you wait for it, while still revving those hind legs if necessary.
Lesley's Corner
Advanced Jumping Exercise # 1
This fairly complex jumping exercise is most suitable for Event horses that are at the Training level or above, although it can be modified for more green horses and/or riders. It will test your ability to make accurate turns onto angled lines, while keeping an even jumping pace.
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 4390
Don't forget that the way the distance rides between two jumps changes as the fence height changes. The horse will land further into a line or combination when the jumps are larger, which makes the distance effectively shorter.
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 4389
Imagine an open ditch as a triple bar, so that you come close to the edge on the takeoff, and ride forward across the back edge. Doing so will make the jumping effort easier for the horse, and give him confidence.
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 4388
"Lightness, whose characteristic lies in the elastic and springy flexibility of all joints and muscles, can only be acquired after all resistances have completely disappeared, that is, with the disappearance of all inopportune contractions." ~ Alexis François L’Hotte
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 4387
From Facebook fan Gabby Ballin: "Some rides are going to be perfect. Some rides are going to have you wondering why you don't quit riding. When that happens, take a deep breath and go back to something you know you and your horse can do easily."
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 4386
Don't copy successful riders' bad habits. Instead, look at what they do WELL. Just because they can pull off success with quirky form doesn't mean you can.
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 4385
Take your time when riding transitions. Many riders seem to rush through them just to get them done. Be conscious of preparing for each one, and feeling all of the details while you are making the transition - being ready to abort the transition if things start to go wrong.