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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Pinch your thumbs on the top of your reins to keep the reins from slipping. If you try to grip the reins too tightly with your whole hand, you will tighten your forearms, and your horse will resist you.
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We incorporate circles into our training to promote suppleness and improved balance in the horse. But if our circles are oddly shaped, they will not improve the horse's suppleness, and will instead unbalance the horse.
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When you have an anxious horse that wants to rush, it can be helpful to very deliberately work in a tempo that is much slower than they are naturally offering you. Only when they have settled into a quiet, even rhythm, and are truly waiting for you, should you push
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From member Karen Barbato ~ "You will KNOW when you connect with a gifted instructor - they answer so many questions and fill the gaps."
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“With the bend on the circles and in the travers, it is important to use as little inside rein as possible. If you need the inside rein, there is something wrong with the earlier work.” ~ Christoph Hess
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The rider who keeps their weight too far forward at the gallop will cause their horse to gallop on the forehand. When the rider's weight (center of gravity) is correctly above the center of the saddle at the gallop, the horse will be able to more easily gallop
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"Lighten your aids, otherwise you'll need a gas mask at the end of a Grand Prix test." ~ Carl Hester
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Move your hips towards your hands rather than moving your hands towards your hips.
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People enjoy their jobs if they are told they are good at what they do, and horses are no different in this respect. Praise your horse often! And especially on cross country, try to make him feel like he is king of the world!
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The less you see a rider do, the better. That means they are communicating with the horse quietly, and the horse is attentive.
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Spend time on the basics, such as straightness and suppleness, and the more difficult movements will fall into place naturally.
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Your seat shouldn't stop the horse's hind legs in half halts and downward transitions, it should send them actively up into your hand to stop the horse on its hindquarters.
