It presents step by-step training programs and showing advice from recognized experts in hunters, jumpers, equitation, dressage, and eventing, along with money- and time-saving ideas on health care and stable management.
I tend to overthink things, and that can carry over into my riding. With my disposition, it was nice to hear the message from this issue’s experts that sometimes less is more when it comes to riding and training horses. For example, show jumper Margie Engle shares two ground-rail exercises that are simple yet effective when it comes to helping riders develop their jumping skills while limiting the wear and tear on their horses’ legs (page 14). John Michael Durr, a hunter, jumper and eventing trainer, notes that he often sees riders doing too much with their aids, thus giving their horses conflicting messages. He explains how to use an adaptable jumping exercise to get riders to practice sticking to a plan and communicating with their horses using subtle aids…
The photo is of Amber Gipp and her horse Furst Yogi. Here is what Amber had to say: “Furst Yogi is a 7-year-old, 17.2-hand gelding who is a mellow and happy horse, but he needs to stay engaged behind while under saddle. I am his trainer, and he is confirmed at Third Level and schooling Prix St. Georges.” My first impression after seeing this photo was: What a great picture catching this colorful and powerful moment! It’s one of those pictures you would hang inside your barn to advertise your training. Furst Yogi is trotting with engaged hind legs, good lift of the shoulders and nice self-carriage. He looks like he’s concentrating, his mouth is closed (with the curb bit at the correct angle) and he looks like he’s in…
My main goal is always to try to keep my horses happy, healthy and sound. I do just enough work to keep them physically fit so they stay fresh. I’ve found if you do the same type of work in the same ring day after day, the horses become bored and sour. So, I incorporate cross-training with dressage, trail riding and working on different terrain and surfaces to help my horses build strength and to keep them looking forward to their work. And when it comes to jumping, I believe less is more. You can easily replicate any jumping exercise with simple ground rails or cavalletti, which helps limit wear and tear on your horse’s legs. In this article, I’ll explain how I warm up on the flat and share…
Basic lateral movements are some of the most important things you can work on with your horse, and I’m a firm believer that you can never do enough. I ride lateral movements in every gait, every ride, on every horse—from young horses through Grand Prix. Lateral work will make your horse more connected, engaged, supple and on your aids. Your horse will feel more pliable, agile and responsive, softening through your legs, hips and hands. Lateral work also helps you discover your horse’s weaknesses by how he compensates in his work, and you can help him improve those weaknesses with the lateral movements. In this article, I’ll explain how to correctly ride the following lateral movements: leg-yield, shoulder-fore, shoulderin, haunches-in, and half-pass—in that order. Then I’ll describe how you can…
Your position is an essential part of helping your horse perform correct lateral movements because when you’re not in the correct position, you’re less effective. If you don’t get a response to your leg aid when asking for a lateral movement, be careful not to move your body to try to influence your horse. This causes the horse to lose his balance, which makes it harder for him to do what he’s being asked. For a correct lower-body position, every part of your leg should have contact with the horse—your seat bone, inner thigh, knee and calf. Your inside leg is the most important part of your lateral work. Keep your heels down to anchor your position. Allow your hips to swing with your horse so he can move through…
1 THINK OF YOUR VET AS YOUR PARTNER Taking a collaborative approach to your horse’s care means working closely with your veterinarian to ensure all aspects of your horse’s health are addressed. This partnership fosters open communication, where you and your vet share insights to make well-informed decisions. Together, you build a trusted relationship that helps identify and meet your horse’s specific needs. 2 SPEAK UP WHEN YOU HAVE CONCERNS Concerned or confused about a diagnosis or the cost of a recommended treatment? Don’t be afraid to voice them—your veterinarian will appreciate your candor. This type of open dialogue gives you the opportunity to work together on finding a customized care plan that benefits your horse as well as a payment solution that helps fit your budget. 3 MAKE PREVENTIVE…
