Lesley's Corner
A Very Useful Version of the Serpentine Exercise
The serpentine is a great exercise in itself. But this simple variation, suitable for all levels of horse & rider, adds some very important benefits!
Lesley's Corner
Lesley is a "graduate" of Jimmy Wofford's training program, and has competed to the Advanced 4 star level in 3 day Eventing on a horse she bought off the track as a 3 year old. She has also trained through the Prix St Georges level in Dressage, and was an Equine Vet Tech at the prestigious Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY. A series of educational articles written by Lesley. If you have any requests for topics, please send them to: admin@myvirtualeventingcoach.com
Lesley's Corner
The Mark Todd Clinic - Fresno CA, Jan 2015 (Current Freebie!)
Having just moved to CA from the east coast, I was quite excited to learn that Mark Todd was coming to do a clinic here! Along with many others, I presume, Mark has always been one of my riding idols. He is no doubt one of the best and most
Lesley's Corner
Stop Your Habit of Pulling the Inside Rein!
Lesley's Corner
Are You Riding With Your Reins at the Right Length?
If you ride with your reins too long or too short, it is difficult to properly ride *forward* into the contact, making your horse less likely to happily move into the rein connection. Here is how to tell if your reins are too long or too short, and what will likely happen if you ride that way.
Lesley's Corner
Do You Have Trouble Stopping Your Horse??
Lesley's Corner
The Three Point Position
Somewhere between the two point position & a full Dressage seat is a very useful position for riding over jumps: the modified, or light three point position. It offers clear advantages in certain situations. First, let’s define the term "Three Point Position."
Lesley's Corner
The Full Body Relaxation Exercise (For the Rider)
Lesley's Corner
A Quick and Easy Self Hand Check For Riders
If your horse feels even while you are riding with uneven hands, then your horse is NOT straight. Your mismatched hands support his crookedness! He is only truly straight when he feels even in your hands while they are a perfect symmetrical pair. Here is a quick & easy self test to check yourself!
Lesley's Corner
Improve Your Ability to Sink Into Your Heels
Some lucky riders are born flexible with a natural ability to sink down into their heels when riding. But others are not so lucky! If you have tight tendons or stiff ankles, forcing deep heels jams your leg & makes it rigid. But there ARE things you can do to improve your situation! Learn how here.
Lesley's Corner
The Paradox of Training - Energy vs Relaxation
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An Exercise to Test the Foundation of Your Jumping (Current Freebie!)
Have you ever noticed how some horse and rider combinations are just so smooth that almost every jump looks the same? They seem to take every jump right in their stride, and appear to be in perfect harmony. The reason these riders are capable of performing so fluidly is because
Lesley's Corner
An Exercise to Increase Pushing Power Behind, and Improve the Quality of Your Lengthened, Medium, and Extended Gaits
This exercise is a great way to improve your pushing power behind - and therefore the quality of your lengthened, medium, & extended gaits. It teaches the horse to stay "sitting" on their hocks, for a better uphill balance while moving more powerfully, leading to more quality collection.