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Tip/Quote of the Day # 756
"Thoroughbreds tend to thrive on physical movement, and they are, like all horses, hypnotized by their own rhythms. Repetition of success creates a sense of peace." ~ Steuart Pittman
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 755
You don't really do yourself any favors when you cater to your weaknesses. For example, if you only like to ride with your whip in your right hand, and it feels odd and uncomfortable in your left - you need to make yourself ride with it in your left
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 754
There is a subtle but distinct difference between the horse "giving" to the bit and truly seeking it. Applying leverage to the bit does not induce a situation where the horse learns to reach into it with confidence. It only teaches him that it is futile to resist
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 753
Quality feedback needs to be very specific. It is not that helpful for an instructor to tell you that something was "good." They should be able to tell you what exactly was good about it, and why that quality is so important. This is the difference between merely
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 752
It can help a rider to learn feel by having their rides videotaped and watching it immediately after your ride. This way, you can match what you felt during the ride with what you see happening in the video, while it is still fresh in your mind.
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 751
On riding the strong OTTB at the gallop or over fences... "The horse might pull quite hard against the bit for brief moments as it seeks balance, but if the pulling is against its own neck then the rider’s balance never shifts and the solution is much easier
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 750
Even the very best and most natural riders will develop bad habits if they don't get regular feedback about their riding. Everyone needs good eyes on the ground from time to time.
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 749
A stronger bit can be even milder on the horse's mouth if used correctly, as you can get more response from a lighter aid. BUT….. this will not work unless you actually make your rein aids lighter! If you use the reins with the same intensity that you
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 748
"Flex your horse to the outside when necessary to improve the horse's acceptance of the connection." ~ Chris Bartle
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Tip/Quote of the Day # 747
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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Tip/Quote of the Day # 746
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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Tip/Quote of the Day # 745
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