Lesley's Corner
The *Volume* of Your Aids
Learn how to lower the VOLUME of your aids, for more harmony in your riding!
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 Low Wide Oxer Exercise
The low wide oxer exercise teaches the horse many valuable lessons! They learn how to 'bascule' and truly use their body to stretch easily across fences with width. This gives the horse enormous confidence in his ability to handle wide obstacles. Learn how to safely introduce this concept here!
Lesley's Corner
Ride the Horse You Are on at the Moment
Most horses are a work in progress, becoming more confident, wise, and educated. Riders should constantly adapt to these changes, but often have a hard time letting go of old "baggage." They tend to ride the horse they used to have, which means the horse will tend to revert back to how he was.
Lesley's Corner
There Are Always Two Sides to Every Story - Even Between You and Your Horse!
There are always at least 2 sides to every story. Of course we all know this to be true in life! But how does this concept translate into our riding?? Keep reading to find out!
Lesley's Corner
Do You Get Nervous When You Perform at a Horse Show??
If you are like many riders, the act of performing in front of others will make you at least somewhat nervous, whether you realize it or not! Don't despair... there IS something you can do to help you deal with this uncomfortable feeling when it happens! Read on to find out what it is!
Lesley's Corner
The Counted Walk - a Tool to Improve Your Horse's Carriage in Dressage
The Counted Walk is an "old school" Dressage exercise that I find to be highly overlooked and under utilized! It can be effective in improving the horse's balance and carriage, and to help him to better understand how to remain active behind even when going slowly.
Lesley's Corner
Riding From "Front to Back"
To ride from "front to back" means that the rider is using their hands to artificially shape the horse's head and neck, rather than letting the head and neck position change naturally as the overall carriage of the horse improves with training (ie collection.)
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The Function of the Rider's Elbow Joints
A rider's elbow joint is one of the most important joints in their body... especially so for those of us who ride Dressage! Learn about a very common mistake riders make with their elbows, that causes all sorts of unwanted resistance from their horses!
Lesley's Corner
Is Your Free Walk Really FREE? And Do You Make Good Use Of It?
Let's talk about WHY we ride our horses in the movement known as the free walk.
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A TEST of Your Horse's Rideability & Adjustability
Generally a good, smooth, clean show jumping round happens when you have the right quality of canter, and your horse is rideable and adjustable between fences. Here is an exercise that will show you exactly how much adjustability your horse has!
Lesley's Corner
The "Shoulder Yield" Exercise
Learn about an exercise called "shoulder yield" (which is really more of a jumper term than a Dressage term), that tests your ability to control your horse's shoulders.
Lesley's Corner
An Exercise to Help You Improve ALL of Your Downward Transitions
This exercise, suitable for all levels of horses and riders, will turn you into a rider who is able to ride EFFECTIVE downward transitions - which is what is required to give you the best possible result.