All Articles
Understanding Basic Equine Gaits
Understanding Basic Equine Gaits Awareness of horse footfalls will help you ride better At a clinic I gave recently, I asked a question which I assumed would be simple to answer, even for these beginner [...]
Truths in Riding
Truths in Riding Foundations and principles necessary for correct training of your horse Regardless of the level at which you ride, there are certain principles which always hold true. These principles, when strictly adhered to [...]
The Perfect Sitting Trot
The Perfect Sitting Trot Ride in balance with your horse As I began to write this article (in response to requests from several readers) I realized just what a great undertaking it would be [...]
Straightness in Equine Movement
Training your horse to track correctly Now that we are well into the show season, (and because I have received several e-mails requesting a discussion on this subject), I think it would be a good [...]
Schooling the Shoulder-In
Training your horse to track and bend correctly I have found that beginning shoulder-in exercises opens up a whole new proprioceptive maze of confusion for both horse and rider. Prior to this experience, both horses [...]
Rushing Horses
Training horses to slow down and pay attention. Not too long ago I was speaking with my friend Diane Rodich, who called to ask my advice regarding an issue she was having with a thoroughbred [...]
Riding Circle Points
Train your horse to bend correctly and ride correct figures Every good rider understands the benefit of riding correct figures. Early on in a horse’s training he is introduced to the importance of traveling on [...]
Performing Lateral Work
Learn Correct Rider Position for Executing lateral movements Lateral work will only be successful if the rider applies the appropriate aids while 1) in the proper balance, and 2) in the proper position. 1) Proper [...]
Infinite Adaptability: Improve your Riding skills
Ride Better by Improving your Communication with your horse It’s very common to see riders so focused on one aspect of their riding that they compromise another. This is especially true for less experienced riders [...]
Improve Your Trot Transitions
Learn the Main Components Necessary for to Perform Good Trot Transitions All good trot transitions (that is, all good transitions in general) can be divided into 3 main components. They are: the preparation the actual [...]
How to Perform the Half-Halt
Improve your Horse’s Self-Carriage and Balance What is a Half-Halt? Before you can perform a successful, skillfully ridden half-halt (something riders at all levels of training strive to accomplish) you need to get a clear [...]
Head Tilt in Horses
I was speaking to a trainer friend of mine recently, and she suggested I write an article about head tilt in horses, since this is a problem trainers often encounter with their students. So, for [...]
Fixing a Dull Horse Part 2: Exercises and Techniques
Training from the ground and in the saddle When teaching a horse to go forward, you can certainly teach him to move forward out of fear (many people do). But it’s far better to get [...]
Fixing a Dull Horse, Part 1 ─ Theory and Understanding
Train your unresponsive horse to be a winner Communication through aids is basically directed at teaching the horse how to move. This means that to be effective riders we need to do what great horsemen [...]
Combining Skills for Better Performance
Training your horse for transitions and bending smoothly When I watch a horse move, several factors come to mind, such as quality of the transitions, body alignment, responsiveness, self-carriage, resistances (of course!), and overall “preparedness” [...]
The Art of Learning to Ride
Effective methods to improve your ability to learn Usually articles appearing in “The Horse In Motion” center around improving equine movement and performance. However, several recent questions from readers (along with one very eventful clinic) [...]
Understanding Braces
Alleviating obstructions in equine movement In recent a recent 2–part article, Resistance-Free Performance, I discussed Resistances and their relationship to training where I briefly mentioned something called “braces”. Since that time, my e-mail has been [...]
Resistances, Training and Soundness
Avoid lameness through proper equine training Recently, I was asked why a particular horse continually developed soundness problems. Knowing how this particular horse carries himself in his movement, his developing soundness problems were not at [...]
Resistance-Free Performance: Pt 2 – Alleviating Equine Resistances
Improve your horse’s performance by alleviating resistances Years ago I realized I could make a greater change in how a horse moves by identifying specific mental, behavioral, training and physical resistances. It seemed the positive [...]
Resistance-Free Performance: Part 1 ─ Origins of Resistances
Train your horse to move with ease and balance *Note: This is a two part series. Part 1 is “Origins of Resistances”, and Part 2 is “Alleviating Equine Resistances” I admit that this information might [...]