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"Connection is often misunderstood. The horse must be taught to go from the seat and leg to the hand for it to be correct. But some riders will try to force it by working their hands and arms to 'work the horse’s neck back and forth to
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"Under no circumstances (except to save your life) is see-sawing on the bit ever allowed. Nor is sneaky jiggling. The bit should only be moved by the chewing action of the horse." ~ Catherine Haddad Staller
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Throwing the reins away to the point that they are so loose that there are loops in them is not the answer to solving your problem of being too strong/tense/rigid in the hands and arms. You must keep a connection, and learn to be elastic within that connection.
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"At the beginning of every ride you must be willing to explain 'yet again' to your horse what you expect of him with sympathy and empathy. Dressage is our dream, not theirs." ~ Yvonne Barteau
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It can be very helpful to keep all of your Dressage test sheets together, and to take the time to sit down and review them on a regular basis. This can remind you of the type of comments that you regularly receive, which you can use to help point you
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Shoulder in to the right really strengthens the right hind leg, which will help to improve the horse's ability to do haunches in and half pass to the left. And vice versa.
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From Facebook fan Rachel Rogers Laliberte ~ "The hands make contact with the mouth but the riders use of driving aids (leg and seat) create the connection."
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When jump schooling, it can be a good idea think about changing direction after each jump, unless you have a plan to do otherwise for a specific reason. So every time you approach off of the left lead, you turn right afterwards, and vice versa. This way, you get lots
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When lunging, pivot with one foot so that you keep yourself still and centered in the middle of your horse's circle. This way, he will learn to make an actual circle shape, rather than an odd shape.
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Neutral riding means the rider maintains their position, but with the absence of aids. Aim to return to neutral as much as possible after every aid.
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"Finding an honest connection and throughness can be as elusive as trying to find your true image in a fun house mirror." ~ Yvonne Barteau
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"Cross-country saddles should have room for five fingers breadth behind your seat. This allows room for you to slide your seat backwards. This will give you a 'safe seat'. The ability to do that depends on the length of your stirrup--they must be SHORT."
