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
Controlling the Strong Horse at the Gallop
To control something 10 times your weight with a powerful engine and mind of its own, you must learn an effective technique. Your horse is always going to be stronger than you, so you must learn how to use his strength to your advantage. The techniques that work best are outlined here!
Lesley's Corner
The Test for Self Carriage
Self carriage is a primary goal in dressage. When a horse is in self carriage, it is balanced independently of its rider, not using the hand or leg for support. You should be TESTING your horse often throughout your work. Learn how to do that here!
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Downhill Jumps
I don't think there are many riders who actually like to ride downhill jumps. But with an understanding of the technique required, good balance, and a solid lower leg position with the weight well down into the heels, they can be negotiated very successfully! And then on to the more fun stuff!
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Jumping on the Side of a Hill
The key to helping the horse balance on fences that are on the side of a hill is to plan your line so that you minimize the effect of the downhill on takeoff. Learn how to do that here!
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How to Ride a Coffin Complex
A coffin complex presents many challenges to horse and rider! Lets discuss the different ways it tests the cross country competitor, and learn how to negotiate the complex successfully.
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The Coffin Canter
The term "coffin canter" comes from the type of canter required to get a good jump at the common cross country complex of rails - ditch - rails, also known as a coffin jump. The coffin canter is also useful for any other type of fence with a "surprise" factor. Learn how to do it here!
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The Mysterious Half Halt (Current freebie!)
I find myself rarely using the term "half halt" as I teach, as I find that no matter how much I tell riders that it is not the "pull and release on the reins" that so many riders seem to believe it is, that's
Lesley's Corner
Applying Dressage to Jumping (Current freebie!)
We've probably all heard it said that jumping is just good flatwork with jumps in the way. But why is that exactly? Good flatwork or dressage fine tunes your horse's responses to your aids, and puts him in a balance that allows him to use his
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The "Takeoff Zone" Area
In the "Takeoff Zone" - the last 20 feet or so when approaching a jump - the horse must focus entirely on the fence. The rider needs all preparation done prior to this zone and must stay out of the horse's way from that point on. Learn how to do this here!
Lesley's Corner
Are Perfectionist Tendencies Hurting Your Performance?
Lesley's Corner