Heard Horses

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 rotation of the upper arm. Try this simple exercise: Stand with both arms extended directly in front of you, palms facing down. Rotate both hands outwards so the palms face the sky, allowing the upper arms and shoulders to rotate naturally. Drop your arms to your side - bend your elbows. Maintain this upper arm/shoulder position and only turn the forearms until your thumbs are facing the sky. Now, your shoulders are back, and your chest is open, and all without creating negative tension from forcing...

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 bit's style, material and action. Think about shopping for the perfect sports shoe. Even if you know your size, different brands, styles and materials fit differently. Some may pinch, while others offer the perfect level of support and comfort. The same applies to bits - finding the right one is easier with expert guidance. With so many factors involved, it makes sense to seek specialist help. Just like you'd engage a saddle fitter to find the perfect saddle, a bit fitter can help ensure your hor...

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. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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 you a structured way to reflect on past experiences and plan for future success. What’s a Bullet Journal? The bullet journal (BuJo) method, created by Ryder Carroll, is a system to track your past, organise your present and plan your future. It is a brilliant combination of planner, diary, notebook and to-do list that can be adapted to any aspect of life - including your equestrian journey.  If you would like to dive into the original framework, Ryder's book The Bullet Journal Method is packed with information an...

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 move 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 two essential concepts in horse training. They go hand in hand, allowing riders to communicate effortlessly with their horses. The good news? Timing can be learned and feel develops through practicing good timing! Why is 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 preparing for a left-lead canter must sit in position left, maintain inside bend and secure the outside rein to control the shoulders. If the horse is bulging its barrel into the left leg, the horse is not prepared to take the left lead. Good preparation sets the horse up for success. Footfall awareness Eve...

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 allows your horse to respond effortlessly, while poor positioning restricts movement and can make it hard for the horse to perform what is being asked. What is an independent seat? A balanced, independent seat is the foundation of correct rider position. This means the rider can apply aids without unintentionally affecting other parts of their body. Developing an independent seat requires: Gaining control of individual body parts while in motion on horseback Being self-aware of your seat bones, posture and position at all times Keep reading to learn: W...

Have you ever watched a rider struggle with a frustrated horse that just won't cooperate? More often than not, the issue isn't stubbornness - it's confusion. Before we expect faster, sharper responses, we need to make sure our horses truly understand what we are asking. The power of 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 the magic of advanced riding begins. A horse that responds willingly to the lightest of aids has a solid foundation for effortless, beautiful riding. Unfortunately, many riders expect too much before their horses are properly prepared. We often see horses being asked to jump higher, fun faster, climb dressage levels, spin quicker, or slide longer before they: understand the request are physically capable of performing the request Without this preparation, the result is often one of two extremes: a tense, an...

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 training schedule. Consistent mood Horses, like people, feel uneasy around unpredictable or inconsistent behaviour. If your emotions fluctuate dramatically during training, your horse will find it hard to trust you. From the moment you pick up the halter, be present. Set aside distractions, shut out stress and focus entirely on your horse. Give them an emotionally safe work environment by providing calm, respectful energy every time you interact. Aside from external thoughts negatively affecting the rider’s mood, communication breakdowns while working horses may cause riders to become increasingly frustrated, angered or fearful. Example: the frustration cycle Rider is feeling happy and positive Rider asks horse to respond to an aid 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. Positive vs. negative reinforcement To train horses effectively, we use both positive and negative reinforcement. These terms describe how we encourage the correct response, but they can sometimes be misunderstood. Let's break them down: Negative reinforcement - also known as 'pressure and release' - means rewarding a horse by removing pressure when the desired response is given. For example, when a rider applies leg pressure and releases it as soon as the horse moves forwards, the horse learns they have made the correct response through the release of the pressure. Positive reinforcement means adding something enjoyable to reward a correct response - such as a scratch/pat, a treat or...

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 skills. 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 all the difference in your relationship with your horse. The principles stay the same - but methods vary Whether you're a beginner rider or an experienced rider looking to refine your skills, it's crucial to understand the foundational principles of training a horse. These principles - such as how horses learn , consistency and correct rider position - are essential components for successful communication with your horse. Many methods teach the principles While the core principles ...