What are the purposes of enclosing the horse’s mouth in Dressage or English riding? The employ of a tightened caveson, or flash, or other arrangement of noseband in the riding of the horse has long been purported as necessary to help the horse accept the pressure on the bit. To help develop the horse’s mouth. [...]

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While at the Midwest Horse Fair this weekend in Madison, Wisconsin, I was asked about correcting a gaited horse who would no longer gait. My first horse was a Paso Fino, and over the years I’ve played with a variety of gaited horses. To me, they are intriguing and fun, playful and energetic, and at [...]

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I’ve posted a new video on YouTube which talks briefly about the seat and one of its exercises. This is my first video, and am looking to critique it and create more!

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I’ve written about the importance of bend in previous posts, but I would like to once again emphasize its use, as well as expand upon and explore the benefits of correct bend further.
The bend that I am referring to in the horse, is the from nose to tail. It encompasses the whole of the horse’s [...]

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How do we combine precision with relaxation? How do we inspire it in our horse? It is done first by example, so how do we learn to do it ourselves?
Our mind can help and hinder our goals as riders. At times it seems like a running commentary there to disturb and distract, keep us locked [...]

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The importance of the half halt is considered bar-none to correct riding, however I think little is emphasized in the use of lateral suppling and it’s effect on the half halt. In my observations of riding, the presence of lateral suppleness maximizes the use of the half halt, while minimizing the pressure needed in [...]

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