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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When working on the zig zag movement in the half pass (changing from left to right and back again), begin with just a slight bend and a gradual changeover. And as your horse gains confidence and understanding of the exercise, you can then begin to ask for more bend and
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"When introducing new questions make sure they are fair, but don’t over prepare the horse. Let him find out it’s an oxer/filler/bounce when he gets there. They need to learn to react and make quick decisions." ~ Eric Smiley
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“When you get on, you should feel that your stirrups are a little bit short,” he said. “As you warm up, as you come out of the saddle and come forward and jump, you should feel that you’re coming into a more comfortable position. If when you get on,
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“At home I never train the changes on the diagonal. I stick to the wall. He has changes that swing from side to side. Rather than pushing forward, he pushes to the side. By using the wall, the wall does the work for me.” ~ Charlotte Dujardin
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Working on changes of pace and stride during conditioning work can go a long way towards making your horse more rideable on course - as you will be creating the habit of being adjustable and responsive.
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Rhythm is the key to good jumping, whether on cross country or in the show jumping ring. Rhythm and balance go hand in hand, so one facilitates the other.
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It is very important that your horse does not learn how to run out on skinny jumps or corners. Because once they have learned to associate either type of jump with running out, it can be very difficult to correct. Do not take the schooling of these type of jumps
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Tightly clamped thighs make you lose your nice deep seat, and drive the horse's back down into a hollow position.
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"If you keep your hands still, you’ll start using your legs." ~ Ulla Salzgeber
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"Don't delude yourself into thinking that you have light, soft hands, if you ride with loose, almost dangling reins on a strung out horse. That can be done with insensitive hands as well. A soft hand requires the rider to feel whether the horse is softly on
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"Use a repetitive process to help young horses learn. You may have to repeat an exercise many times but it will be worth it." ~ Eric Smiley
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Do not make the mistake of always practicing over perfect distances at home. Sometimes practice meeting a jump on a half stride on purpose... and learn to do it well. This will make you and your horse a safe pair out on cross country.
