Unless otherwise noted, all quotes on this page are the work of Lesley Stevenson. Please ensure proper attribution when sharing. Thank you!
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Don't confuse being left behind over a jump with a defensive seat on cross country. They are very different. The rider who is in a defensive position on cross country is a nickel behind the motion, while still not interfering with the horse in any way. The rider
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"Horses don't WANT to jump badly! They jump badly because of US! Ever seen a horse get loose in a steeplechase? It jumps like a BIRD!" ~ Jimmy Wofford
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Interval training is one of the safest ways to develop the horse's ability to do more work over longer periods of time, as it helps to prevent fatigue and a build up of lactic acid in the muscles.
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"If a horse becomes more beautiful in the course of his work, it is a sign that the training principles are correct." ~ Colonel Podhajsky
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It is much easier to keep your horse forward and straight when you are looking up and in the direction that you want to go!
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"Boldness comes from confidence, and confidence comes from success. So it's the trainer's job to create lots of success." ~ Jack Le Goff
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"Expressive and relaxed collected work shows that the rider has understood the steps that led up to it." ~ Klaus Balkenhol
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Rhythm is the key to success in ALL riding disciplines.
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"In the last few strides there should be a transfer of responsibility for the jump from the rider to the horse." ~ Eric Smiley
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The key to success with any Dressage movement lies in how you ride the corner preceding the movement.
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When you feel nervous at a competition, tell yourself (and others) that you are excited instead. Say it enough, and you just might start to believe it!
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Vary your lateral work to make sure you develop your horse's body evenly. In other words, don't stick with just the shoulder in, but add a little bit of haunches in, half pass, renvers, counter shoulder in, etc. Change directions often. And always refresh the forward
