Lesley's Corner
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
How to Ride a Corner Jump
Lesley's Corner
A Test of Your Balance in Posting Trot
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Planning for Success!
Lesley's Corner
Riding the Horse that Anticipates
The horse that anticipates his rider’s cues is usually smart, sensitive, eager to please, and also often insecure and anxious. It can be frustrating to ride this type of horse, but handling them carefully is key. Learn how to get the best out of this type of horse here!
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!
Lesley's Corner
Shortening Your Reins After a Drop Fence
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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
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?
Lesley's Corner
Warm Up Strategies for Show Jumping
The warm up for your show jumping round can make or break your performance. And there are some horses that require very specific strategies in the warm up to perform at their best in this phase. Here are some tips to best prepare different types of horses, and for different types of courses.