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The horse's back is like a bridge that connects its front and hind legs. It is the rider's job to keep that bridge stable and consistently level, or even better slightly lifted into an "UP" position like an arched bridge. When the horse'
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"The first step to getting our horses in self-carriage is getting ourselves in self-carriage. Core strength is a big part of that." ~ Carl Hester
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Always use both reins together to steer, especially when jumping. Using one rein only turns the horse's nose - leaving the rest of his body to derail. While using both reins together turn the horse at the shoulders, meaning his body will more accurately follow your chosen line.
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An exercise to check if you are sitting straight and putting your weight equally down into both stirrups is to stand straight up for a few strides, and notice which stirrup you have to consciously put more weight into to keep yourself balanced.
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"It is not our horse's job to understand our language. It is our job to understand theirs." ~ Reiner Klimke
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The opening rein acts like a vacuum, moving the horse's shoulders easily as desired, especially when supported by the opposite leg and rein.
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"Adopt a classical position, resist all fads and gadgets, and ride the horse quietly and softly between the two straight lines of the stirrup leather and the elbow to the horse's mouth. It's simple. It's just not easy." ~ Jimmy Wofford
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While it is important to have a plan when riding, you should be ready to adapt that plan as necessary. Ultimately, you ride the horse and not the plan!
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If there is a jump on your cross country course that you are worried about, you certainly don't want to have to face it twice! So ride it like you are mad at it, and "get 'er done"!
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"When your horse has reached its potential, leave it. It's such a nice feeling when you and your horses are still friends." ~ Reiner Klimke
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From Facebook fan Mary Apfel-Vandeyacht ~ "Riding is a lot like driving a manual transmission... You may be able to make it go (when learning how to ride), but you're going to break it and look like a schmuck unless you learn to do it right."
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"We all experience struggles, but your attitude is what makes you a winner, not the trophies or ribbons." ~ Mellisa Davis Warden
