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...

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 ...

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. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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 whet...