Lesley's Corner
Videos
Video # 107 and Question # 321: Kellyn has a question about her lovely OTTB, along with a video
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4499
Always keep in mind that you do not necessarily need to slow down to rebalance your horse between fences when jumping. A horse can be balanced at just about any speed.You can also change the shape of the canter stride without changing the speed. And most importantly, the rhythm.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4498
If you think it doesn't matter if your horse drifts a tiny bit one way or the other when jumping, you are wrong. It almost always affects the horse's balance in a negative way.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4497
Think of landing into your heels as you land from each jump. This will make you much more solid and balanced over fences.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4496
Everyone feels like they have the one horse that is so different and unusual that conventional and classical methods will not work for them. But the truth is, the basic principles will work on 99% of horses. Yes, every horse should be treated as an individual. But classical principles still
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4495
A horse that is well balanced, with the right amount of impulsion for the jump at hand, can comfortably and safely leave the ground from just about any reasonable takeoff spot.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4494
Very often the "silly" spooker has a physical reason for acting that way - either pain or unresolved tension somewhere in their body.
Lesley's Corner
The Counted Walk - a Tool to Improve Your Horse's Carriage in Dressage
The Counted Walk is an "old school" Dressage exercise that I find to be highly overlooked and under utilized! It can be effective in improving the horse's balance and carriage, and to help him to better understand how to remain active behind even when going slowly.
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4493
"Look for a genuine coach with real coaching skills rather than a rider who may know how to do something, but not how to teach it. Also, find someone who has solid experience of working with riders of your level." ~ William Micklem
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4492
"Horses have taught us that progress in learning takes place in an environment of contentment. Fear and tension block success. Boundaries must exist, be clear, and be consistent. Within those boundaries our horses are encouraged to express themselves." ~ Steuart Pittman
Tip/Quote of the Day!
Tip/Quote of the Day # 4491
Tension meeting tension will only double the tension. If your horse becomes tense, you must be able to stay relaxed, or you will make it worse.