Do you ask your horse to canter with a subtle, nearly invisible aid? And then sit quietly still while your horse performs the transition? Or do you try to physically make the canter happen with strong aids and an active driving seat? Many riders think they ask for upward transitions quietly, but actually are doing WAY too much driving! Why is this a problem? (Click on Article Title above (in blue) to read full article)

No, this is not an article on how to change your marital status! Engagement is a crucial component to successful dressage and jumping. What does it mean? And how can you achieve it? (Click on Article Title above (in blue) to read full article)

(Click on Photo Title above to read the critique of this photo)

Everyone knows that circles are supposed to be round. But why is it that a perfectly round circle can be so hard to achieve?? (Click on Article Title above (in blue) to read full article)

Many riders start shaking in their boots when they see the words "ditch and wall" on their course maps. They are, in fact, one of the most common jumps to strike terror in the hearts of competitors! But this is not necessary!

If your horse is comfortable with ditches, as he should definitely be before ever facing a ditch and wall, this is actually a very easy fence for him! (Click on Article Title above (in blue) to read full article)

The horse's tail is connected to its spine. And because of that, it really tells the story of the state of the horse's back. While attempting to judge the true carriage of the horse by looking at his head and neck can be deceptive and difficult to discern, the tail does not lie.

By watching the horses tail, you can tell whether his back muscles are relaxed and swinging with his movement, or if instead they are tight and tense. You can also tell how true the lateral bend is throughout the body.

When you see a horse with what appears to be a correct head and neck "position", and are not sure if what you see is the result of the horse well engaged behind and using his back correctly, or if the horse is being held in this position by the rider's strong hands - look to the horse's tail for the telltale signs. (Click on Article Title above (in blue) to read full article)

If you have taken enough dressage lessons, or read enough books, you have probably heard the term "Throughness". But what does it mean exactly? And how do you achieve it? (Click on Article Title above (in blue) to read full article)

Every horse has a certain "lick" - a speed where they are most comfortable jumping around courses. How can you tell what that is for your horse? Read on to find out! (Click on Article Title above (in blue) to read full article)

At one point or another, you have probably been told that you need to package your horse's stride between jumps. Some of you may even hear this all the time! But what does it mean exactly? And how do you achieve it? Read on to find out! (Click on Article Title above (in blue) to read full article)

H Amy!

This is a very broad question, as the answer will vary greatly from horse to horse, and in different situations. But one thing is almost always true - between fences I want to... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)

What type of canter would you want coming into this "into space" type of fence? And what speed do you think would be appropriate? (Click on Discussion Title above to read this educational discussion)

Do you find it easy to keep your horse's attention? Or do distractions like horse eating rocks, cameramen, umbrellas, and flowers waving in the wind impair your performance?

Unlike when working with a human student, you can't say to your horse, "Pay attention to me!". Well you can try... but it probably won't work as well as you would like. Instead you have to... (Click on Article Title above (in blue) to read full article)