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Tip/Quote of the Day # 1335

"What is essential is not to tighten the legs during the dressage training, but rather to use them without effort while allowing them to hang softly near the horse’s sides." ~ Nuno Oliviera

Tip/Quote of the Day # 1334

"If you don't pull you won't have to kick and if you don't kick you won't have to pull…" ~ Jimmy Wofford

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Tip/Quote of the Day # 1333

When a horse collects, his shoulders will come up naturally. Don't attempt to artificially raise the front end.

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Tip/Quote of the Day # 1332

If you overdo counter bend to the point where your horse is falling in on his inside shoulder, it can quickly become a counter productive exercise. Do not let the horse’s neck bend excessively in any direction.

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Tip/Quote of the Day # 1331

Tension and aggression breeds tension and aggression. Remind yourself of this when things are not going well in your riding.

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Tip/Quote of the Day # 1330

Don't copy successful riders' bad habits. Look at what they do well. Just because they can pull off success with quirky form doesn't mean you can.

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Tip/Quote of the Day # 1329

When riding on slippery footing, think about some of the same tactics that you would use to drive on an icy road. Go a little more slowly and don't make any sudden turns or changes of speed. Also think about stepping a little more into your outside stirrup

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Tip/Quote of the Day # 1328

"Working over a single pole on the ground, notice if the young horse prefers to chip in a short stride or stretch for a long stride. Then remember this is the default that they will return to when things go wrong." ~ Eric Smiley

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Tip/Quote of the Day # 1327

It is impossible to create a correct rein connection when the horse is not truly thinking forward. You must create a situation where the horse wants to move forward into the connection.

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Tip/Quote of the Day # 1326

We must not forget that the horses we ride today are descended from the ones who did NOT get eaten by the mountain lion at the water hole. In other words, it is perfectly normal for horses to be spooky.

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Tip/Quote of the Day # 1325

Dressage riders should aim to mix their horse’s schooling up with hacking and even some jumping if possible, as it will help to keep the horse more fresh and interested in his work.

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Tip/Quote of the Day # 1324

Frequent quality transitions are the best way to confirm that your horse is listening equally to both the driving aids and the restraining aids.

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