Lesley's Corner
Practice This the Next Time You Go Cross Country Schooling!
Here is a great exercise (suitable for all levels!) for you to practice, the next time that you have the opportunity to go cross country schooling!
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
A Test of Your Flatwork Training (For All Levels!)
No matter what riding style or discipline you choose, you should be able to prove the solidity of your basic foundation by passing this simple test. And rather shockingly, there are many horses and riders at all levels would NOT pass this test!
Lesley's Corner
The Benefits of Jumping Fences at Sharp Angles
This article discusses the MANY benefits of jumping fences at sharp angles, and also covers which levels of horse and rider teams should be working on angled fences on a regular basis.
Lesley's Corner
Trotting Fences
Trotting fences, especially bigger ones, is a lot like eating your veggies... you may not especially like them at that moment, but they are good for you! Keep reading to find out why, and how to make the best use of this underutilized exercise.
Lesley's Corner
An Exercise For Riders at All Levels, That Will Improve Your Dressage Test!
This exercise has SO many benefits, using more attention to the corners of the arena to attain more bending and suppleness, and transitions between them to increase your horse's hind leg engagement and carriage. Read on to find out how to do it!
Lesley's Corner
A Ground Pole Exercise to Improve Your Horse's Rideability Over Fences
What makes for a smooth show jumping round? Balance, rhythm, and rideability come to mind. If your horse is rideable, he is responsive, obedient, supple, and in balance at all times. Here is a great pole exercise to help you improve your horse's rideability on course!
Lesley's Corner
Jumping Rideability Exercise # 3
This exercise is a great way to test and confirm your horse's rideability when jumping, as well as check on the balance and overall quality of your jumping canter. Read on to learn all about it!
Lesley's Corner
Clashing of Aids vs the Coordination of Aids
It is NEVER productive, or correct, to give your horse conflicting aids - kicking and pulling at exactly the same time. That only causes great resistance, and/or a horse that becomes deadened to the aids. Learn how to use the coordination of your aids, for far better results!
Lesley's Corner
A Funny Story - With an Important Message! (Current freebie!)
This funny story shows why it is so important to ensure that your students really understand what your terms mean! And of course the same is true for training a horse. You need to make sure they truly understand what your aids mean, or you may be setting yourself up for unnecessary frustration!
Lesley's Corner
Advanced Trot Pole Exercise # 3
Here is a trot pole exercise that will improve your horse's balance and suppleness, while challenging your ability to maintain the quality of your trot through changes of bend.
Lesley's Corner
Jumping Rideability Exercise # 2 - For Horses & Riders at All Levels
This very basic (and often overlooked) jumping exercise will improve your horse's rideability, as well as the overall harmony between you and your horse when jumping courses.
Lesley's Corner
An Exercise to Help You Find an Even Pace Over Fences
Here is a simple exercise that will increase your awareness of whether or not you are maintaining an even pace when jumping courses. And it will show you exactly what you need to do to achieve it!