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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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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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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You will spend much more time galloping than you will actually jumping when out on cross country. Learning how to gallop well on uneven terrain will help to keep your horse sound, as well as make for successful jumping.
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If you are looking to improve your posture when in the saddle, it can be a good idea to make yourself think about also improving your posture in all other situations besides riding. Create a habit of good posture.
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As you complete a halt, lighten your seat slightly to invite your horse to keep his back up underneath you. This will allow you to move off after the halt without the horse hollowing and dropping his back.
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Tension meeting tension = double the tension. If your horse becomes tense, you must be able to stay relaxed, or you will make it worse.
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"You can see suppleness by observing how the rider can sit on the horse and not on top of the horse." ~ Susanne Miesner
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If you are hoping to improve the scores on your medium and extended gaits, improve your collected gaits.
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From Facebook fan Dorothy Smith ~ "In riding, as In a dance, one leads, one follows, but both must love to dance for it to become art."
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Give your older horses even more time to fully warm up before any challenging or strenuous work.
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"Sit on your bum. If you do that you’re part of the movement. If you squeeze with your thighs you can’t sit. Stay soft in your hips, draw yourself into the saddle and keep the calf just against his rib cage." ~ Bettina Hoy
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In addition to the suppling benefits provided, basic lateral work helps the horse to understand that the rider's leg creates engagement of the hind legs, rather than merely speed.
