Unless otherwise noted, all quotes on this page are the work of Lesley Stevenson. Please ensure proper attribution when sharing. Thank you!
Get your FREE daily tip here!
Because one hind foot is always in the air in the trot, it is harder for a horse to refuse a jump from a trot approach vs a canter approach. So it can be a good idea to trot into a spooky fence that you think your horse might want
Get your FREE daily tip here!
“Horsemen have opinions, horses have answers." ~ John Lyons
Get your FREE daily tip here!
Focusing on carrying your head correctly will correct most posture bad habits.
Get your FREE daily tip here!
If you have jump poles with stripes on them, make sure you take advantage of them, by practicing jumping or stepping accurately over the middle stripe.
Get your FREE daily tip here!
As you are about to come down the center line in your Dressage test, briefly think about something that you know will make you smile. You and your horse will both relax, which will make for a happier performance. The judge will see the difference!
Get your FREE daily tip here!
“Horses can get deep to a single pole [without a groundline] and learn to do a slithery jump, like they need to at a coffin.” ~ Andrew Nicholson
Get your FREE daily tip here!
From Facebook fan Jim Collins ~ "Often the simplest exercise is the most profound."
Get your FREE daily tip here!
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.
Get your FREE daily tip here!
Your arm position determines your hand position to a large degree. So you must address your arms as well when you want to improve your hands.
Get your FREE daily tip here!
"Don't take the tempo down without revving the engine." ~ Chris Bartle
Get your FREE daily tip here!
Impulsion is almost more of a mental quality than a physical.
Get your FREE daily tip here!
Open fingers do not equal soft hands. Soft hands come from relaxed following elbows, and a secure balanced seat. Open fingers causes the contact to be inconsistent and uninviting to the horse.
