BY JEC ARISTOTLE BALLOU No part of your horse is isolated. Everything in the muscular ... continue reading...
LESSONS
EXERCISES FOR THE WARM UP
BY JENNY ROLFE Constructive time spent warming-up is the key to encouraging the natural gymnastic ability of the horse. The purpose of training is to enhance the natural ability and […]
THOUGHTS ON THE CLASSICAL SEAT
BY GAEL BOURQUIN If we believe in the Classical System of training, which puts the well-being of the horse first and foremost then we must make an effort to become better […]
LATERAL MOVEMENTS
BY DR. THOMAS RITTER This article contains a general overview over the topic of lateral movements. “Lateral movements” is the term that is used to designate exercises in which the horse […]
IN THE ARENA: RATIONALE, STRATEGY AND TACTICS FOR EXERCISE
BY DR. NANCY NICHOLSON Working in an arena has multiple goals for developing a horse mentally and physically. As a benefit, carefully considered training agendas can develop a trainer’s perception and […]
THE TRAINING
DRESSAGE: STRENGTHENING THE HIND LEGS
BY CYNTHIA HODGES, JD, LLM, MA Strengthening the hind legs is key in dressage because balance is the ultimate goal. When the horse can carry himself and the rider in balance, […]
BUILDING A BETTER TOPLINE
By JOAN WILLIAMS I think the understanding of ’Riding Long and Low’ for new dressage riders is the most misunderstood concept, as they hear and read that the poll must be […]
BALANCE: THE BOTTOM LINE
BY ARLENE RIGDON In training the horse along the principles of dressage, there is one quality that, though it is elusive and often subtle, is fundamental to everything. […]
BALANCE
BY DR. THOMAS RITTER Balance is one of the most interesting subjects in riding, because it is relevant on so many different levels. Most people think of the position […]
THE RIDER
BECOMING MASTERS OF MOVEMENT WITH CONNECTED RIDING®
By PEGGY CUMMINGS Why is it that most riders are taught to sit up and sit still on a moving horse? Riders are encouraged to push, squeeze, and drive with their […]
TEACHING AND LEARNING TO FEEL
BY DR. THOMAS RITTER There is a technical /mechanical side to riding. There is a scientific/academic side to riding. There is an athletic side to riding, for both […]
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
BY DR. THOMAS RITTER When things go wrong and horses begin to misbehave, most riders search for the reason and the remedy outside themselves. The truth is that in most […]
LEARNING TO LEARN
BY DR. THOMAS RITTER One of my teachers used to say that you can’t teach anybody how to ride. The student either gets it, or they don’t. Another one said […]
THE HORSE
HORSE AS ATHLETE
BY DR. NANCY NICHOLSON HORSE AS ATHLETE Strategy and tactics for Development We have discussed walk as a foundation gait for horses and for humans. What we can understand, in addition, […]
THE MYTH OF THE NARROW TWIST
BY ZSUZSU ILLES Over and over again I hear “I need a narrow twist.” So why do I repeatedly answer, ”Not necessarily so”? Because a saddle with a narrow twist […]
MY FAVORITE SCHOOLING EXERCISE
BY JENNY ROLFE Introduction Have you ever been to the gymnasium for a workout? What exercises were you given in preparation for the more strenuous athletic movements? In my […]
KNOWLEDGE SPEAKS, BUT WISDOM LISTENS
BY GIGI NUTTER The title is a quotation from musician Jimi Hendrix. It captures a training concept that took me almost four decades to truly understand. Growing up in […]
THE SHOW
FROM THIS POINT OF VIEW: EVERYBODY KEEP RIGHT
BY IDA ANDERSON NORRIS “Everybody, keep right” my father used to say. In fact, everyone from dads to grandmothers to school teachers said it to us when we […]
WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT BASICS FOR HORSE AND RIDER? Answered by........
By CHRISTINE RIVLIN - Basics, I feel, are important for the horse. I always suggest people review, or at least have an idea of the classical training ... continue reading...
BY LINDA LANDERS The basics of the rider must come before a rider can really train the basics to a horse. This means that riders progress the most ... continue reading...
By JOAN WILLIAMS – The most important basics for the rider: Basic Balanced Position (BBP) I believe the most important component of ... continue reading...
BY GIGI NUTTER - Over the last five centuries, thousands of pages have been written about rider’s position and ability to influence a ... continue reading...
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO IMPROVE THE HORSE’S TOPLINE? ANSWERED…..
By CYNTHIA HODGES - If a horse has a low, weak back, the rider can improve his topline by combining exercises that will strengthen the ... continue reading...
By JOAN WILLIAMS - Developing your horses topline is an important part of keeping him healthy sound and strong. There are many exercises both on and ... continue reading...
By JEC ARISTOTLE BALLOU - To improve the horse's topline, you must strengthen the horse's bottom line. As the horse's bottom line strengthens, a ... continue reading...
By CHRISTINE RIVLIN - The first way would be through correct riding. Making sure the horse has a correct connection through the bridle and is using ... continue reading...
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF RIDING FORWARD? Answered by……..
BY GIGI NUTTER - The old Master’s directive was to “ride your horse forward and straight.” It is important for a rider to understand that ... continue reading...
BY LINDA LANDERS - Forward riding has two components in my mind. First, the horse must respond by going forward from the leg and seat aids ... continue reading...
By MELONIE KESSLER – The question of the importance of riding forward is a very interesting topic. For me, it is also over-thought and analyzed, like ... continue reading...
By CYNTHIA HODGES - Forward riding is an essential element in achieving the ultimate goal of dressage: balanced self-carriage. To carry the ... continue reading...
