Train Your Brain, Boost Your Riding
The brain training of mindfulness meditation can help improve your horsemanship in the saddle and your overall confidence with your horse.
Horsemanship
Become a better rider both inside and outside the arena with riding instruction from respected experts.
Introduction to Working Equitation
Working equitation is a hot new sport in the U.S. Find out how working equitation can improve your horse and make you a better rider.
Speed Transitions, With Trevor Dare
Don’t let an increase or decrease in speed at the lope put you in the penalty box. Learn how to prepare your horse for speed transitions at home so you can show mastery of them when it counts.
Secrets to Stop a Spin
A precise end to a set of spins keeps you out of the penalty box and prevents your horse from developing bad habits.
*Use* Your Horse’s Smarts With Reward-Based Training
Reward-based training—or positive reinforcement--can activate your horse’s intelligence in a way that makes him want to learn.
Control Your Horse's Body
Can you put each of your horse’s feet where you want them? Learn how with my tips.
Take a Stab at Working Equitation!
Working equitation is a fascinating equestrian sport imported from Europe. Try this fun exercise to give you and your horse a taste of what it’s all about.
Riding With a Hackamore or Bosal
The hackamore plays a pivotal role in traditional training for reined cow horses, following the snaffle bit. It allows you to use direct-rein cues, just like a snaffle, but begins to introduce the concept of neck reining. That concept is further honed with the two-rein setup and then eventually the bridle. But the hackamore isn’t exclusive to reined cow horses. You can incorporate it into your training program, no matter your area of interest.
Get Your Horse Moving
This exercise challenges and promotes your in-saddle balance so you can begin to develop a truly independent seat.
Change It Up for Confidence
This creative exercise is easy, fun, and guaranteed to get you focused on your riding—instead of your nerves.
Ace Your Pivot
Perfect your horse’s turnaround with these helpful tips and troubleshooting pointers.
Effective Gait Transitions
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, ride trails or rails, effective speed transitions are an essential part of your horsemanship. Controlled, smooth changes of gait make for a more enjoyable ride for you and your horse—less bouncing around, fumbled cues, and confusion for your horse. And they net you a better score if you compete. Here I’ll explain how one of my young riders works on her transitions to eventually make them effortless and almost invisible.
Simplify the Turn
There’s a secret subtlety when it comes to turns for any type of riding. It involves you following your horse’s movement and staying out of his way. Really—it’s that simple. Your horse notices everything you do in the saddle, so you can inadvertently get in his way without even knowing it. Here I’ll explain how something as simple as turning your torso away from the turn hinders your horse’s turning ability.
Why Won't My Horse Move?
Balky horses have reasons for their behavior. Here’s how to recognize root causes and overcome the different varieties of balkiness.
The ‘Secret’ of Champion Riders
Talent, instruction, the right attitude—even with all these, you may not reach the top level without this “secret” of champion riders.
Get Through the Line
Executing four consistent lead changes in a row is challenging. Here I’ll offer advice on how to improve your changes down the line and score when it comes time to show.
The Finer Points of Fencing
Use this schooling technique for the right reasons and in the correct way to improve your horse’s rundown and stop.
Take Charge
Here’s how to take charge and build a better, more responsive trail partner for safety and control.
Lope 'Out Loud'
If you get breathless and jittery at the lope, try this to substitute enjoyment for anxiety.
Tight Turns, Big Benefits
Try this quick exercise to boost your control while encouraging forward motion.
‘Now’ Exercise Makes Safety a Habit
Practice the one-rein stop this way to maximize its effectiveness—and your safety.
Cloverleaf Over Poles
Use this cloverleaf over poles pattern to practice pole work for trail and enhance your horse’s guide and self-carriage for any riding purpose.
6 Proven Ride-Better Practice Tips
Work on your equitation every time you’re on your horse by using these proven ride-better tips and strategies.
Cure a Stumbler
Is your horse a stumblebum? Here’s what you need to know to address dangerous stumbling.
