Heard Horses

Horse riding posture is often reduced to instructions like "shoulders back" or "open your chest," but forcing your shoulders backward creates unwanted tension rather than a relaxed position. Instead, a simple rotation of the upper arm can open the chest and draw the shoulders back naturally, without any force at all. Below we walk through a quick exercise you can practice on the ground before applying it in the saddle, so you can ride with a more balanced, relaxed position. All equestrians have likely heard the words ‘shoulders back’ or ‘chest open’ (and perhaps other more entertaining lines!) during their journey to becoming a better rider. But what does this really mean, and how can riders achieve this without adding negative tension to their position? Interestingly, the answer to this question came to me during a yoga class! While helping students achieve correct posture during downward dog, the instructor demonstrated how to open the chest through a simple rotat...

Choosing the right bit for your horse isn't as simple as measuring their mouth, since fit also depends on mouth shape and the bit's style, material and action. Just as saddle fit benefits from an expert saddle fitter, a qualified bit fitter can assess your horse individually and recommend the best option for their comfort and performance. Below we explain why bit fit matters and how to find a qualified bit fitter, so you can avoid the pain, resistance and confusion a poorly fitting bit can cause. If choosing the right bit was as simple as measuring your horse's mouth, life would be much easier! But, just like saddle fit, every horse is unique and requires individual assessment to find the most comfortable and effective bit. Why bit fit matters A well-fitting bit ensures clear communication between horse and rider while preventing discomfort or damage to the horse's mouth. However, bit fit isn't just about size - it also depends on the horse's mouth shape and the...

A bullet journal for equestrians is the horse planner every rider needs to track training sessions, competition results, vet visits and progress in one place, far more reliable than memory alone. This modified Bullet Journal system, the Equi BuJo, combines a planner, diary and to-do list into one place, streamlined specifically for horse riders and owners. Below we break down the core sections of an Equi BuJo, the symbols that keep it organised, and how to build custom collections to suit your own equestrian journey. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Do you ever struggle to remember the details of your last training session, competition results, or vet visits? Keeping an equestrian bullet journal (Equi BuJo) makes tracking your horse's progress easy and efficient. A bullet journal dedicated to 'all things horse' helps you stay organised while being time-efficient and budget-friendly. It's far more reliable than memory alone and gives ...

Getting in time at the trot means applying rein, weight and/or leg aids at the exact moment the horse's hoof is coming off the ground and free to move, as when it is on the ground, the horse is unable to respond to an aid to move that hoof. Below we break down exactly how to time your aids to influence specific hooves at the trot, so you can learn to dance with your horse. Good timing is the key to achieving accurate, effortless movements that create a harmonious dance between horse and rider. By applying aids at the precise moment a horse can respond, the rider improves communication, balance and overall performance. Practicing good timing at the trot allows the rider to influence specific hoof movements at the exact moment the horse is physically able to step in the desired direction. This is important not only for turning and lateral work, but also for achieving smooth transitions between and within gaits. If you haven't yet, read Timing and feel: The key to effective horse ...

Getting in time at the walk means applying rein and leg aids at the exact moment the horse's hoof is coming off the ground and free to move, as when it is on the ground, the horse is unable to respond to an aid to move that hoof. Below we break down exactly how to time your aids to influence specific hooves at the walk, so you can build the foundation for effortless communication with your horse. Timing your aids correctly at the walk allows you to influence individual hoof movements, leading to precise and effortless communication with your horse.  When you understand when to apply an aid, you can: Create a more active walk Guide the horse's movement with precision Improve responsiveness in turns and lateral movements The key rule to remember:  You can only influence a hoof that is off the ground! Note: Make sure to read our article Timing and feel: The key to effective horse training to understand the WHY behind practicing good timing.  Now, let's dive into the HOW. F...

Timing and feel are the two concepts every rider needs for effortless communication with a horse: timing is knowing the precise moment a horse can respond to an aid, and feel is the subconscious ability to apply that timing. The good news is that timing can be learned through practice, and feel develops naturally once good timing becomes automatic. Below we explore preparation, footfall awareness, the power of the release, and how feel develops over time, so you can understand the "why" behind effective horse training. Why are timing and feel so important? To answer this question, we'll be exploring the following areas of communicating with horses: Preparation Footfall awareness The power of the release Developing feel Preparation A horse must be mentally and physically prepared for a request before the cue is given. If a horse is distracted, the request will be ineffective - like asking a student a question while they're daydreaming in class. Example:  A rider prepar...

Rider position affects how effectively a horse can respond to your cues, since poor positioning restricts movement and makes it harder for the horse to perform what's being asked. Correct position starts with a balanced, independent seat, the ability to apply aids without unintentionally affecting the rest of your body, supported by awareness of your weight distribution and alignment. Below we break down what seat and weight aids are, an exercise to build independent movement, and practical ways to evaluate and improve your position in the saddle. Have you ever struggled to get your horse to respond smoothly to your cues? You're not alone! Many riders unknowingly hinder their horse's movement with incorrect positioning. The good news? With the right awareness and practice, you can improve your seat, communicate more effectively, and make riding more enjoyable for both you and your horse. Regardless of whether you ride English, Western or bareback, a correct riding position ...

Teaching a horse to understand means making sure they know what you are asking, and are physically able to do it, before you expect faster, higher or sharper responses. This is achieved by applying consistent aids, waiting patiently for the horse to try different options, and releasing the pressure the moment they show a glimpse of the correct answer. Below we explain why understanding must come before expectation, and how to build it step by step, so you get a willing horse rather than a confused one. Have you ever watched a rider struggle with a horse that seems to just not want to cooperate? More often than not, the issue isn't stubbornness - it's confusion. Before we put any expectations on our horse, we need to make sure our horses truly understand what we are asking. The power of the basics Many riders are eager to move past the 'boring basics' and jump straight into higher levels of their chosen discipline. What they don't realise is that the basics are where...

Consistency in horse training means keeping your mood, your aids and your approach to training the same every time you work with your horse, so they know what to expect and can trust your communication. This isn't about riding the same routine every day, it's about showing up with the same calm mood, the same clear aids (on the ground and in the saddle), and training with purpose rather than just putting in saddle time. Below we break down these three areas of consistency, so you can build a better partnership with your horse. Have you ever felt like your horse just isn't getting it? One day everything clicks, and the next, it feels like you're starting over? The key to better communication and a stronger partnership is consistency - in your mood, your aids and your overall approach to training. Consistent mood Horses, like people, feel uneasy around unpredictable or inconsistent behaviour. If your emotions fluctuate dramatically during training, your horse will find it...

Understanding positive and negative reinforcement is the key to knowing how horses learn from training. Negative reinforcement, better known as pressure and release, means applying pressure and removing it the instant a horse gives the correct response, so the release itself becomes the reward. Paired with positive reinforcement, such as a pat, scratch, or treat, this combination builds clear, consistent communication. Below we break down how pressure and release works, how it combines with positive reinforcement, and how to apply both in groundwork and riding to build a solid system of communication with a horse. Every skilled horse handler knows that training isn't just about giving commands - it's about how and when you reward a horse's response. Understanding reinforcement is key to clear communication and effective training, helping your horse to become a trusting and willing partner. While there are many different factors surrounding the learning processes of a horse,...

Horse training principles stay the same even when methods vary between coaches, trainers and disciplines. Understanding the "why" behind these principles, how horses learn, consistency, and correct rider position, means you can apply any method with confidence, rather than getting confused by conflicting advice. Below we explain why the underlying principles matter more than any one method, so you can build clearer communication and a stronger partnership with your horse. Have you ever felt confused after hearing conflicting advice from different coaches or watching a YouTube training video? You are not alone. Many riders face this problem, especially when starting out or trying to improve their understanding. But here's the truth: although the methods can vary a lot, the principles remain the same - and this is where you will break free from the confusion. Let's explore some principles of training horses, and how understanding and applying them consistently can make ...