The “Forever” Horseback Riding Student? Yes, You Are!

Getting ready for ride
Getting ready to ride. Photo Credit: NBanaszak Photography

When you're a horseback rider, it helps a whole lot if you are content to be forever students.

You are continually floating around in this perpetual learning curve. Just as you think you've got something down for real, other things pop up - and you find yourself back at square one, even if you're relearning something for the hundredth time.

The catch is that there are so many levels of learning of any one aspect of riding.

Take transitions, for example. First off, you think that a good transition consists of a horse actually changing gait after you use your aids. Then, you realize that a good transition happens at a determined location - so it's no longer good enough to get just the gait change.

After you become more precise, you realize that a good transition happens where you want it and that it should be well-balanced. So you work hard on getting your horse to use his hind end and your half-halts help him stay off his forehand even though he might be doing a downward transition.

After you get your balanced transition at your desired location, you realize that a good transition happens where you want it, in balance and more! Now you've discovered the great feeling of "forward"- the energy should flow freely from the back to the front of the horse!

Then you figure out that a precise, balanced, forward transition happens from the seat. So you work hard at using your core muscles and seat and legs in place of your hands. But later on, your good transition must also include a light use of aids. You spend time on developing even better communication with your horse so that you can soften all your aids and still get the balanced, forward gait change.

And so it goes on and on. Nothing we do in riding has an end to it. I'm sure you can think of other stages of what could be considered as a "good" transition.

This is where being life-long learner comes into play!

The good news is that the more you learn, the more you know coming into a new situation.

The bad news is that every time you learn something new, what you thought you already had mastered changes! Sometimes, the new learning adds to what you have been doing so far. Other times, you might have to rework your whole understanding!

In my experience as a rider and instructor, you can break down pretty much all of our learning into four stages.

Stage 1: Coordination and Aids

The first phase usually takes quite a bit of both physical and mental effort. Everything seems new. You develop "feels" that you haven't known. You find you have to put quite a bit of attention into learning the aids, developing coordination of the aids, and figuring out the timing in relation to the horse's gaits. There is little for you to refer to in terms of background knowledge or experience, so you might not even know what you are looking for!

At first, it seems like you are doing way too much. Hand here, leg there, seat bone here... there are many bits and pieces that go into to creating a successful whole movement and because you are new to the movements, it takes thought and focus to put everything in its place.

Somewhere in the middle, you might feel like there is no way you're going to get it. You think you are doing the right thing, but the horse is not responding the way he should. 

You might wonder that your instructor is asking too much of you. There might be confusion, difficulty in understanding the why and the what. You might get frustrated and sometimes even want to give up (this is when it's as healthy for you to quit as it is for your horse) - well, just for that day, of course!

But then at some point, something different happens.

Stage 2: The Time Warp

This happened to me one of the first times that everything seemed to fall together. After getting used to trying, doing, keep on going, never stopping... a light bulb moment happened without any intention on my part. Suddenly, I found all this extra time while everything that was supposed to happen, simply happened on its own! What used to take 5 seconds seemingly happened with little effort in 1. 




I call it the "Time Warp" because it almost feels like time stands still. Everything happens together, fluidly, in coordination, and you get to just sit there while it all happens. Has something like this ever happened to you?

I believe that this feeling is the in-between stage of the initial struggle of learning, and the final mastery. So when you hit the Time Warp (or however you want to think of it), you know you've finally put together all the aids in a way that makes sense for your horse.

Stage 3: Mastery 

Mastery happens when you can duplicate the skills repeatedly under different circumstances.

Let's use the transition example, at the first level of understanding. If you can get your horse to consistently make a change gaits after you've applied the aids, you're on your way to mastering the first level of transitions. If you can get different horses doing the same thing, you've really mastered that skill!

Mastery is great because you know what to do, when, where and why, and you can reproduce it at will. The effect is almost instantaneous and your horse feels better after you've applied your aids. You've finally arrived!

Stage 4: The Next Level

That is, until you notice that next level. You might become aware of it on your own, or your instructor might give you a push in the direction. In any case, you realize that there is so much more to that one skill. 

For example, doing the transition just anywhere suddenly doesn't become good enough for you. Now, you want to do it at a particular spot!

The only catch - you start the learning process all over at Phase 1. Aaaand you go through the rest of the phases, then discover the new next level, and repeat the cycle again and again and again and again....

Do these learning phases sound familiar? What are you learning now, and what phase are you at?

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Ready for something completely different? If you liked what you read here, you might be interested in the new Horse Listening Practice Sessions. 

This is NOT a program where you watch other people's riding lessons. Start working with your horse from Day 1.

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Horse Listening Book 2
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Horse Listening – Book 2: Forward and Round to Training Success

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Top 10 Ways To Prevent Progress in Horseback Riding

Annahi performing a dressage demonstration
Annahi performing a dressage demonstration

When it comes to horses, why bother to learn new skills and work for progress? Isn't horseback riding a recreational pursuit, something that is meant to be tremendously enjoyable? What is wrong with going to the barn to play around, socialize with friends, and have a good time with a horse?

Well, nothing at all. Enjoyment, relaxation, pleasure, exercise... these are definitely major perks of spending time with horses at the barn. However, horse riding is also a serious commitment - especially because of your equine partner, who deserves your best in terms of riding skill and development.

Yet, it is so easy to stay with the status quo and do the same things day in and day out. If you want to limit your learning opportunities, give these following ideas a try! 

10. Never Leave Home.

Stay in your own barn and do the same things over and over! Avoid learning from others or exposing you and your horse to new situations! Get into a riding rut and stay there! Yes, I'm being sarcastic. If you have access to a trailer, there are so many things you could do with your horse that not only will give you a nice change, but might also help you expand your skills and learn something new. Maybe you like to show. Maybe you want to go to a fund raiser ride-a-thon. Maybe you'd rather go for a long gallop on gorgeous trails with friends.

9. Be Closed-Minded.

There are so many "ways to Rome" in horseback riding. It seems like everyone has an opinion about everything! No wonder - when every horse has a unique personality and physical trait, and every rider comes from their own perspective - it's perfectly reasonable that we come at the same problem from so many different angles. Every riding discipline has its strengths and contributions to riding theory and practice. Keep and open mind and take the variables into consideration in order to really understand what others are doing. Then, decide if you think it will work for you or your horse.



8. Stay In Your Comfort Zone.

Y'know what they say - if you always do what comes easy, you'll rarely get beyond your present abilities. This is definitely true when it comes to horseback riding. Personal development often goes hand-in-hand with discomfort. Push your own limits to reach new heights. It's not just a cliché - it's literally true.

7. Compare Yourself and Your Horse to Others.

Well, we always compare ourselves and others to a certain degree. But one of the key lessons we all learn after some time with horses is that judgments usually get you nowhere - whether you think they're better or you are. If it's about the ego, you will always have something to worry about. So instead of competing against others, compete against yourself. Take your horse and your own strengths and weaknesses into consideration, and through diligent goal-setting, work toward personal bests.

6. Come to the Barn in a Bad Mood.

Your horse will pick up on it immediately! Unfortunately, you can't really cover up your attitude when it comes to horses. They feel you, whether on the ground or on their back, and some do respond accordingly. On the other hand, one huge benefit of riding is that you can leave your gripes at the barn door and just be in the present when you're around your horse. There is often no better way to improve your day than spending some of it with your four legged friend!

5. Ride Sporadically.

Just like any other endeavor, there is no replacement to practice. If you ride every now and then, you can be guaranteed that any learning will take longer than if you could commit to two or three times a week. Now I know most of us cannot commit to more than one ride a week and that is fine, so long as you understand that everything will take longer. The body needs repetition in order to make new synaptic connections. The more time in between each practice, the longer it will take for the body to make adaptations.

4. Keep Doing the Same Thing and Expect Different Results.

Another cliché, but oh so true in horse riding. We often find ourselves getting frustrated as we have every intention of progressing to the next level, only to find that in order to do that, we need to make even more changes to ourselves. The problem is that you can't expect the horse to respond to the same thing in a different way. And the change begins with you.

3. Make It All About Yourself.

If you ride because you want to show everyone your great riding technique and amazing talents, I have news for you. Riding horses can be a very humbling experience, especially the first time that the horse decides to do something unexpected. 

2. Don't Take Lessons.

This one is a no-brainer. If you want to try new things, learn new skills and feels, chances are that someone with more experience can help you find that path. If the person is also a good teacher, you might just be surprised how quickly your riding techniques can develop.

1. Don't Listen to Your Horse.

Horses communicate with humans all the time. We only need to become sensitive and informed enough to know the horse's body language. You can tell if a horse is happy in his work by his body outline and way of going. During a ride, you can make decisions based on your horse's feedback. Rather than just pounding away at your predetermined goal, you can take into consideration what he is "saying" and address those concerns before moving on.

Do you have any tips to prevent progress? Let us know in the comments below!

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New! Horse Listening – Book 2: Forward and Round to Training Success

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Read more about some of these topics:3d Book 2

13 Reasons Why You Should Be A Barn Brat: Taking back the true meaning of the expression!

5 Ways To "Relax" While Riding A Horse: Not exactly the lying-on-the-beach kind of relaxation!

6 Reasons To Thank My Horses: How horses contribute to our lives.

7 Ways To Listen To Your Horse: The information can inform everything from general health care, to training and conditioning programs, to your horse’s mental well-being.

4 Mutual Grooming Strategies For Your Life: I think of all the different ways we could follow suit and metaphorically partake in  mutual grooming through our own paths in life.

How To Stretch Your Horse Over The Topline

If horse movements were the letters in the alphabet, the "stretch" would be the letter E. Statistically, the letter E shows up more frequently in words of the English language than any other letter. You can find the letter E in every part of the word - from the beginning, to the middle, or even at the end. And so should the stretch be incorporated in exactly the same way during your rides.

If you are a yoga aficionado, you might relate better to thinking of the (horse) stretch over the topline as a sort of moving savasana - after completing a series of movements requiring contractions and releases (collection and extension), allow the horse to just "let go" for a few minutes, whether in walk, trot or canter, using the savasana-like stretch over the topline.

But don't just let the reins go to the buckle and become a blob on your horse's back. There is a real art to stretching the horse so that it is beneficial for him. If you just let the reins go, the horse has nothing to reach for and gets longer and longer (disengaged in the hind end), heavier and heavier (on the forehand) and hollower and hollower (over the back exactly where your weight is).

This sort-of stretch is not only counterproductive to the development of your horse's muscles, but also teaches him that he can't rely on you to be his partner in movement. If you drop him, he learns to drop you.

So what's the alternative? Here are the aids to develop a functional (or effective) stretch over the top line. You can stretch at any gait assuming that the horse doesn't just speed up and "run away". The stretch is most useful for encouraging the horse to release the muscles especially over the back and under the saddle.

1. Take Contact

Just be careful to not actually pull back. There is a difference between shortening the reins and feeling the horse's mouth, and pulling backwards on the rein. If you notice your elbows going further back than your torso, you are pulling too much. Just shorten the reins until you feel the pressure, and stay there.

2. Use Seat and Legs

This part is the the "ask" for the stretch. Use two legs together to engage the hind end. Immediately after that, the seat initiates and encourages the stretch by scooping up and forward to the front of the saddle. You can also lighten your seat - not by tilting your body forward (as in two point), but by just becoming lighter in the saddle. 

Up till now, you still have the same level of contact that you established in part 1.

3. Allow the Horse to Pull the Reins Out of Your Hands

This is where things get tricky. Most people want to just throw the reins forward toward the horse's mouth. If you've ever tried it yourself, you'll know how it feels when something is just let go. Instead, you should wait for a few strides.

Once your horse takes pressure on the rein, you can let the reins out a tiny bit at a time. Even now, don't just throw the reins at the horse. Have a soft, marshmallow feel to the reins and let him take the reins out of your hands.

4. Stretch Forward and Down

This is critical. The whole point of the stretch is to elasticize the topline. To do that, the neck must move forward (to stretch the topline muscles) and down (to reach the muscles behind the wither area). So lengthening the neck straight ahead at the normal head height does not qualify for a stretch.

Of course, lengthening the neck up to the sky isn't the answer either, because the muscles behind the withers are not stretched and probably must even contract. There should be a round arc in the neck and steady contact to make it an active stretch

5. Take the Nose Forward and Out

The key to the stretch is for the horse to take the nose forward and out at the bottom of the stretch. It shows a softness in the poll area and ensures that the stretch occurs "from the nose to the tail". If your horse stretches forward and down but keeps his head tucked under, don't worry too much but lightly push the reins forward to encourage him to take the nose forward.



Just keep that steady contact and wait for him to learn to take the reins forward even in that position. Keep asking with your aids (#2) and calmly and steadily wait with the contact. Let the reins out at the first hint of pressure from your horse.

What if your horse doesn't take the reins?

This happens all the time, especially for horses that are not used to stretching, or for riders who are new to it. There is nothing else to do - you can't take more pressure, kick more, lean forward, or get agitated. The only suggestion I have is to wait. Re-establish your contact, ask with your aids again (#2) and wait.

Look for any movement in the right direction. If your horse even thinks about taking the reins out of your hands, lighten your fingers - but don't throw the reins forward - and patiently wait for him to take the reins from you. It will come in time.

Incorporate the stretch at the beginning of your ride to loosen up his topline and set a calm, elastic frame of mind. Use the stretch at the end of the ride to "shake out" the muscles. Use it through your ride to reestablish a soft, swinging topline.

Once your horse discovers the stretch, he might want it periodically through your rides. Listen carefully and use the stretch like you'd use the letter E - all the time!

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Ready for something completely different? If you liked what you read here, you might be interested in the Horse Listening Practice Sessions. 

This is NOT a program where you watch other people's riding lessons. Start working with your horse from Day 1.

Click here to read more and to join one of the most complete programs on the Internet!

Horse Listening

I don't believe in putting my work behind a paywall. But there are expenses in every venture. If you really liked this article, consider tipping us! Your tip will help me keep producing more riding TIPS (pun!) with free access to everyone. With thanks for reading!

Horse Listening Book 2
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New! Horse Listening – Book 2: Forward and Round to Training Success

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The Benefits of Cantering Round and Round the Ring

canter long
Photo Credit: NBanaszak Photography

Or straight on the trail! If your horse is safe and the trail is suited for a longer canter, by all means, try this in the great outdoors.

There is no greater feeling of cantering on - and on, and on. Although you probably ride the canter regularly in your daily rides, there is something different about "living in" (an expression I first heard from Robert Dover) canter until it becomes normal - and effortless.

Just like the other gaits, the canter offers both the horse and the rider many learning experiences. Although we often ride the three-beat gait during any given ride, chances are that you're in and out of it in less than a minute. Because even just one minute of consistent canter seems like an awfully long time when you aren't used to it!

So here is something to practice: if you think your horse is fit enough, go ahead and give this a try. After an adequate warm-up, head into the canter. And don't stop. You can even time it with a watch. Go long enough to start to find the benefits below, but not so long that you'll run your horse into the ground.

If your horse loses balance and falls out (without you asking for the downward transition), calmly get your balance, put the trot back together, find your good trot rhythm, and head off into the canter once more. You can change leads through a simple change (through walk or trot) or flying change. Just be sure to pick up the new lead and continue on as if nothing happened.

Some veterinarians order horse medicine online (this is easy in 2020). Now, most young people on darknet are also doing it, who order substances (for example liquid lsd) by paying with Bitcoin.

Start with one minute in canter. Then as you and your horse get fitter over the next few weeks, go to two minutes non-stop, then three. As with anything else in riding, the more you canter, the more effortless it becomes.

As you and your horse continue along, you will both strengthen and let go of tension. But there are many more benefits to discover.

Balance and Coordination

Many horses don't expect to maintain the canter for very long. For that very reason, they learn to disengage in the hind end after several strides and get longer and longer and... trot!

If you work at maintaining the canter, the horse learns that he should stay active in the hind end in order to feel better balanced. He'll learn to respond better to your seat and leg aids. He'll develop that "oomph" that he needs to keep going.

A longer canter will also give your body a chance to develop balance. You'll negotiate through the energy surges and drops from your horse. Your core muscles will work longer and develop their own intricate contractions and releases that will help your body stay in the saddle and maneuver within the horse's movement.

As you move around the arena, you will go from straight lines to curves to turns and circles. Both of you will strengthen in your ability to work through these changes of balance if you just give yourself enough time to adapt.

Conditioning

When the horse canters, his breathing rhythm ties into the rhythm of the strides. Cantering long term develops the lungs and muscles, making for a workout that is quite different from the walk or trot.

Same goes for the rider. If you canter long enough, you get a nice core workout that you might feel the next day!

Breath Development

Since the horse can only breathe with the canter strides, he will learn to breathe every step. Some horses puff in rhythm with the strides - those horses have already learned to regulate their breath according to the movement.

You might notice your own improvement in breathing as well. Many riders can easily hold their breath for the duration of a few canter circles. But even at just one minute, your body needs to finally let go and take a breath! You will be forced to breathe if you can maintain the canter long enough. Once you know how to breathe, you will have an easier time breathing at any gait.




Equalizer

The horse that speeds up in the canter will have enough time to settle down and discover that he'll run out of steam if he keeps rushing. He'll likely soften through the body, slow a bit in rhythm, and find a happy place where he can just keep going, but at a nice controlled pace.

The horse that likes to quit will learn that he has to give a little more - and even more. Soon enough, he'll get used to giving more and will develop the balance and coordination needed to keep going.

Suppleness

Once the horse settles in the canter rhythm, his topline muscles will find a release and he'll develop a better swing within the movement. At the end of the canter session, you might discover that his back loosens in the trot as well. His longitudinal suppleness will develop seemingly on its own.

You will also benefit. Many of us freeze up at the idea of cantering (and not even know it). If you put your body in the situation, and keep it there for some time, your tension will slowly dissipate, especially as your muscles tire. Once the release happens, your body can work on maintaining better posture over the long term.

Of course, don't overdo it. Keep your horse's current fitness level in mind. If you do go for a whole minute, be sure to give your horse a nice walk break afterward so he can catch his breath. If your horse is fitter than that, find the "just enough challenge" point without pushing him beyond his ability. Always err on the side of caution when doing something new or difficult.

Do you canter for extended periods? If you gave this a try, let us know how it went in the comments below.

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Ready for something completely different? If you liked what you read here, you might be interested in the Horse Listening Practice Sessions. 

This is NOT a program where you watch other people's riding lessons. Start working with your horse from Day 1.

Click here to read more and to join one of the most complete programs on the Internet!

Horse Listening

I don't believe in putting my work behind a paywall. But there are expenses in every venture. If you really liked this article, consider tipping us! Your tip will help me keep producing more riding TIPS (pun!) with free access to everyone. With thanks for reading!

Horse Listening The Book
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Buy Horse Listening – The BookStepping Forward to Effective Riding

From the first book in the Horse Listening Collection: Horse Listening, The Book
"There are many reasons why we enjoy riding horses. Maybe one of the most appealing facets of riding is the sense of freedom: freedom from our own limitations, freedom from gravity, freedom to (literally) roam the Earth. Time stands still while we have the privilege of feeling movement from the back of our four-legged friend. Riding gives us the place to just be.
Of course, there are other purposes too. Some of us revel in the challenge of learning the skills required to becoming a good team member of this unlikely duo. Riding is like no other sport or recreational pursuit simply because of the equine partner that must not only carry us, but also do so effortlessly and gracefully. As we develop our specific skill sets, we also grow as human beings in character, emotional maturity and mental acuity.
But there is one other motivation that drives some of us to persevere in the never-ending learning process that is horseback riding: improving the horse. As your own skills develop, you begin to realize that not only can you meet your own needs through riding, but also that you can even become an instrument of benefit for the horse."
And so begins the book that reflects the most important learning I have had in all of my riding years: that I want to be the best rider I can be for the sake of my horses.
This book is geared toward the rider:
- the rider's motivations
- the essential skills for the rider
- some specific strategies
- solutions to common problems
- and the results: the great horsey moments we get to experience
Along the way, you will find chapters that discuss everything from the seat to the leg aids to the reins, discussions on half-halts, imbalance, halts, straightness and more!
Special in this book are the "In The Ring" sections that give specific suggestions based on the preceding chapters. Take these to the barn to try with your own horse!

Available as an eBook or paperback.

13 Reasons Why You Should Be A Barn Rat

barn brat
Grass, trees, gorgeous fence line, and one beautiful horse. Let's be barn brats!

It's time we take back the term "barn brat"! This applies to you if you are 5 years old, or 50 (or more!).

If you are one of those people who spends hours at the barn, eagerly taking in all things horse, this one is for you. Not only is time spent at the barn well spent, but here are 13 reasons why barn bratting is good for us - and more importantly - makes us better not only as equestrians, but as all-around humans.

- Exercise

From grooming, to carrying feed bags, to walking between paddocks - you get a full body, cross-fit type of workout. It's completely organic. You don't have to count reps or buy any equipment. All you have to do is get things done! And voila! Your body moves and you feel better.

- Oxygen

Fresh air - the country type of air that invigorates and leaves you pleasantly drained at the end of the day. For those of us who sit still whether at school or work, the barn represents a chance to not only move but also to breathe. And if you get on the horse and go for a ride, you might be huffing and puffing in no time.

- Natural Setting

Speaking of which - the natural beauty of most barn properties is another enriching aspect to our daily lives. Whether the barn is situated on rolling hills lined with oak board fencing, or forested trails beckoning exploration (or both), the barn provides us access to uneven ground, green grass, gorgeous trees and the smell of the great outdoors. The barn gives us the opportunity to trade off concrete sidewalks and wall-to-wall houses even if for only a few brief hours.

- Responsibility

One thing you learn at the barn is that you have to do what you have to do, especially if there is no one else around to do it for you. The horses rely on you for feed, water, turn out, turn in and even exercise. Their needs can't be shoved to the side of a desk even if you are sick or tired or if it's too cold outside. You get up and go no matter what because they rely on you. And that is all.

- Social Skills

Barn brats tend to become socially adept even if they aren't naturally outgoing. When you spend time with fellow horse lovers, you can't help but to interact with the people who are there with you. The extra perk is that horse lovers come from all backgrounds, and in all sizes and ages. The barn is one of the few places that children can interact with adults on a mutually respectful and respected level.

- Challenges

Things don't always go right/as planned/well at the barn. Sometimes, you have to go through a situation that you'd rather avoid altogether. But the one thing you learn is that you can face those difficult times and even overcome them when necessary. And that makes you a stronger person in the long run.

- Be A Student

Hanging out at the barn sets you up to become a lifelong learner. Not only will you continually want to improve your riding skills, but you will likely appreciate how you can learn something from everyone. Thanks to the horses' individual personalities and abilities, each horse will give you different experiences to learn from. Even if you don't take formal lessons, I would bet that you will learn new things on a regular basis just by being at the barn.

- Being A Leader

Not only will you value being a learner, but you will also invariably become a leader in no time. Horses respond best to confidence. Clear and effective communication skills will quickly develop to keep not only yourself safe, but also your horse. Hang around regularly, and you might find yourself teaching others what you know.

- Empathy for Animals

This is almost a given, but you'd be surprised at how much your natural abilities will be developed. You will be able to understand horse language, and interpret horse-to-horse communication. You might even become good enough to know what they say to you! More importantly, putting yourself into another's "hooves" will make you better able to do the same with fellow human beings in any life situation.

- Team Work

Working together becomes a habit when you hang out at the barn. Even if you don't know the other person, you will find yourself gravitating toward helping each other, especially when it really matters. Four hands are better than two, two heads are better than one, and two people riding one horse is the best (one on the ground and one in the saddle)!

- Riding Skills

Riding is a full-body, intricate workout that involves the coordination of the core and body parts you didn't even know existed until you sat on a horse. It does get easier over time, but this is one of those sports that has layers of learning and never-ending self-improvement. Just when you think you got it, the next needed skill surfaces and you're on a new learning path all over again.




- Confidence

When you first hang out at the barn, your self-confidence might drop considerably until you know what to do and how things work. Certainly, the activities relating to horses and horse-keeping are sport-specific and not particularly common out in the "real world". Conversely, as you become adept at everything including riding, you become more confident not only at the barn, but also in your human interactions.

- Real Life (vs Screen Life)

I saved this one for last because of its pervasiveness in our smart-phone society. Everywhere you look, you see people hunched over their phones with thumbs flying.

Except at the barn.

Granted, when we are standing around, we might check for texts and whatnot, but interacting with horses requires our full attention. The pure physicality of even walking beside a horse as you bring him in to the barn, and obviously when you ride, requires your absolute attention. Being around horses is the one place that keeps us living "in the present". There is no other way.

Well, as it turns out, barn bratting is not so bad, and maybe even better than you might think! There must be so many other reasons why it's good to spend hours and hours at the barn. Write them in the comments below.

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Ready for something completely different? If you liked what you read here, you might be interested in the Horse Listening Practice Sessions. 

This is NOT a program where you watch other people's riding lessons. Start working with your horse from Day 1.

Click here to read more and to join one of the most complete programs on the Internet!

Horse Listening

Horse Listening The Book
Click to learn more.

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

⭐️⭐️Personally signed books available! Give the best gift for the horse lover in your life (or for yourself! 😉). Send me a message for more information.⭐️⭐️
From the first book in the Horse Listening Collection: Horse Listening, The Book
"There are many reasons why we enjoy riding horses. Maybe one of the most appealing facets of riding is the sense of freedom: freedom from our own limitations, freedom from gravity, freedom to (literally) roam the Earth. Time stands still while we have the privilege of feeling movement from the back of our four-legged friend.
Riding gives us the place to just be.
Of course, there are other purposes too. Some of us revel in the challenge of learning the skills required to becoming a good team member of this unlikely duo. Riding is like no other sport or recreational pursuit simply because of the equine partner that must not only carry us, but also do so effortlessly and gracefully. As we develop our specific skill sets, we also grow as human beings in character, emotional maturity and mental acuity.
But there is one other motivation that drives some of us to persevere in the never-ending learning process that is horseback riding: improving the horse. As your own skills develop, you begin to realize that not only can you meet your own needs through riding, but also that you can even become an instrument of benefit for the horse."
And so begins the book that reflects the most important learning I have had in all of my riding years: that I want to be the best rider I can be for the sake of my horses.
This book is geared toward the rider:
- the rider's motivations
- the essential skills for the rider
- some specific strategies
- solutions to common problems
- and the results: the great horsey moments we get to experience
Along the way, you will find chapters that discuss everything from the seat to the leg aids to the reins, discussions on half-halts, imbalance, halts, straightness and more!
Special in this book are the "In The Ring" sections that give specific suggestions based on the preceding chapters. Take these to the barn to try with your own horse!

Available as an eBook or paperback.

What Is A Neck Bend? And What To Do About It.

straight neck
Well positioned neck on a turn. Photo Credit: NBanaszak Photography

Have you seen a horse doing the neck bend? Maybe you do it unintentionally, thinking that it "feels right".

On a turn, you "bend' the horse, and the horse's neck comes far to the inside. The body continues on the same original arc, but you've got that head and neck pointing in the direction you want to go!

Sometimes, the horse's body actually drifts out even though the neck is pointing in. Other times, the horse takes a tight turn to the inside, almost stumbling over his front legs because of the sudden movement.

Neck Bend 

The neck bend looks exactly as it sounds. The rider goes to bend the horse, and instead of achieving a tail-to-head arc through the body, only the neck juts to the inside. It looks almost like the neck comes off the body and does its own thing, regardless of what the rest of the horse is doing.

It might be caused by the rider who is pulling the neck in with the inside rein, or it might be caused by the overly one-sided horse who prefers to carry his neck to one side of the body. If you feel carefully, you might notice the outside rein getting longer and the inside hand pulling farther back.

The neck bend causes the horse to be imbalanced. No matter which movement he performs, his neck is essentially taken out of the equation and the horse moves out of straightness. Crookedness can cause many problems over the long-term, from misbehavior to soundness concerns.

Needless to say, all horses and riders have a stiffer and a more supple side. We work diligently on developing both sides equally in effort to become truly ambidextrous in the long run.

True Bend

True bend happens through the whole body. The hind end has a slight inclination to the inside, the rib cage is actually lifted off the inside leg, and the whole front end - from withers forward, not just the neck - is correspondingly pointed to the inside. Some people describe a good bend as a "banana curve", which gives us a good image to keep in mind (although no horse can really bend to that degree).

"Bend" is one of those constantly challenging basics of riding, no matter what level you ride at and the experience of your horse. Bend allows the horse to move in balance around turns. Proper body positioning encourages adequate weight-bearing of the inside hind leg, freedom of movement and swinging through the back. A lateral bend encourages (and allows) longitudinal flexion - the lifting of the back that results in "rounding" and better weight carriage of both the horse and the rider.

From Neck Bend to True Bend

1. Straighten the neck.

I know this sounds counter-intuitive. You want to bend so the neck should be bent, right? Well, not exactly. Make sure that the neck comes out of the shoulders naturally.  Use your outside rein to support the neck. If the horse wants to take his neck to the inside, use a resisting (not pulling backward) neck rein aid to prevent him from pulling in.

In contrast, if you find yourself pulling his neck in with your inside rein, stop! Even out your reins and start working on a nice neck rein to doing the talking.

2. Point your body into the turn.

Starting at your seat, position yourself so that your whole body is looking just about a quarter of a circle ahead on your circle. Your torso should be on top of your seat (not collapsing/leaning in or out). Your shoulders will be also pointing in the direction of the turn - not too much but also not too little. Your head should look natural - about 1/4 of a turn ahead - don't crank your own neck to the middle of the circle!

3. Use your inside seat and leg.

Start the horse's body bend with your weight on the inside seat bone and your inside leg at the girth. You can pulse your inside leg in rhythm with the horse's strides rather than keeping one even pressure through several strides. If necessary, you can let the horse drift out a bit until he understands that you want him to take more weight on the inside hind leg. This should help him move his rib cage slightly away from your inside leg.




4. Use your outside leg.

The outside leg asks the horse's hip to come to the inside. Position this leg behind the girth. This leg also prevents the horse's hips from drifting out too far.

5. Use the inside/outside reins.

The inside rein is responsible only for the horse's flexion through the jaw. Use a direct rein pressure on the inside rein until you see just the corner of the inside eye and no more. The outside rein is the neck rein. It should indicate the direction of the turn and act as the barrier that prevents the horse from stepping out too far.

Start with a mild bend and work toward a deeper bend over time.

Developing a true bend on a 20-meter circle is hard enough for a stiff horse and rider. So start there, and work on achieving and then maintaining the bend over the whole circle. As you both get stronger and more evenly supple, make the circle smaller in increments. 15-meter and 10-meter circles require progressively deeper bends. In all cases, make sure it's not just your horse's neck that is coming in but that there is a nice arc through the whole body.

It takes years for both the horse and rider to become truly supple on both sides. Every time you add a new movement, you will likely need to revisit the bend within that movement. But don't despair - just keep working on it at all times and be aware of that dreaded neck bend!

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Ready for something completely different? If you liked what you read here, you might be interested in the new Horse Listening Practice Sessions.

This is NOT a program where you watch other people's riding lessons. Start working with your horse from Day 1.

Click here to read more and to join one of the most complete programs on the Internet!

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Horsey Word of the Week: Conformation

walking away
Walking away to show hind end conformation. Photo Credit: NBanaszak Photography

 

Conformation - noun

Definition: The shape or proportionate dimensions especially of an animal.

_____________

When you start to really get into horses, you begin to realize that conformation (not conf-i-rmation, which is completely a different topic) is a subject that is most important to horses and their people.

Let's face it - the horse's entire future is dictated by how its body is put together. Good breeders over the centuries have considered conformation as one of the critical factors in stallion and mare approval. Horse shows everywhere have conformation and movement classes designed to validate and reward young horses that are built to excel in their discipline and stay sound. Take an equine course and you will likely have to learn all about not only the horse parts and names, but also the common conformation faults.

Speaking of which, when it comes down to it, most horses are not built to the ideal standards. One might have a club foot, another might have a long back. One might be sickle-hocked while another is camped out. There are so many possible variations of not-so-perfect that you might initially be a little overwhelmed by it all.

The trick is to know the horse's strengths and weaknesses, and what needs to be done to compensate for or support that area of need. Aye, there's the rub. 

And so we set off on a lifetime of learning - from the science of it (identification and understanding), to the practice of it (riding). We figure out how to solve the specific problems - and believe me, every horse is different - through riding, shoeing, veterinary and medical care, and whatever else is needed to help the horse be happy, safe and exercised over the long term.



Some people say that conformation is not as important as other traits such as temperament, rideability and level of education. I think the key is to first of all, analyze the horse's conformation as it relates to the kind of riding you want to do, and then, take into account everything else. 

It is quite possible to pick a horse based on his training level, for example, knowing full well that you will always have to engage his hind end to compensate for his long back. Or maybe you will do best with a short-coupled horse that can turn on a dime despite the fact that he might be a little higher energy than you were looking for. 

In any case, knowing about conformation is almost as important as knowing how to ride. One informs the other, and the more we know about both, the more we can do well by our equine friends.

How does conformation affect your horse and riding? Tell us in the comments below.

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More Words of the Week:

Ground Work

Horses for Courses

Gallop 

 

 

 

Try This to Feel “Forward”

forward

The concept of "forward" in horseback riding is a difficult one to explain, to feel and to be able to reproduce consistently. Before you know what it is, it might appear as though it's some "heebeejeebie" concept that is reserved for people far beyond the regular set. After you can produce it, however, you won't want to go without it, and you'll wonder how you ever rode without "forward" as one of the most basic skills needed to elicit the best movement from whichever horse you ride.

But it is a long road to true forward. Not only do you have to teach and then encourage your horse to move in a forward manner, but you also have to learn to feel and do it within your own body. Just because your horse is able to move doesn't mean that you can. Riders often get left behind when their horse moves honestly, mainly because the extra surge of energy is somewhat unexpected. So the horse moves, you lurch, and he stops all over again because he felt your lack of balance. A strong(ish) core helps correct this problem!

So if you've never felt "forward" before, how on earth are you supposed to learn it? You need a friend to help you with this one. Do it before you ride your horse so you can have a good sense of what you want ahead of time.

You pretend to be the rider and have your friend pretend to be the horse. You both should stand facing the same direction with you behind your friend. Put your hands on your friend's shoulders.

1. Not Forward ("Backward")

First thing to recognize is what "not forward" feels like. As the rider, you go ahead and push your horse (friend) into a walk. The idea is that you push her along, and she moves straight ahead. 

To feel "not forward", have your friend push back just a little on you. Her feet still move straight and forward, but there is this slight leaning back she is doing on your arms. 



"Not forward" should feel a little quicksand-ish. You're getting somewhere but it's work. The horse feels like she wants to quit every stride. The progression through space is stilted, not necessarily rhythmical and just not free. 

When you ride, you might mistake "not forward" for smoothness. In reality, the "not forward" horse is moving flat. He isn't committing his energy honestly through his whole body. He might be blocking in the hind legs, through the back, at the withers, or through the neck (or more than one region at the same time). But the energy is somehow not flowing, not forward, or "backward". (No, the horse isn't actually moving backward. And yes, the back up can be "forward" and also "not forward"! Confused yet??)

2. Forward

OK now start all over again. The set up is the same. This time, your horse (friend) is going to be "forward". When you start to push her, she goes under her own volition. You go along, still with your hands on her shoulders, but both of you move together, lightly and in balance.

What a huge difference! There is no resistance. There is no chance that she'll stop if you release a bit. You don't have to force her nor do you have to tighten through your body and joints. Notice that you get to (have to?) step along sharply to stay with her. You become more able to control your own balance and position.

On the horse, the best way I can think of describing it is that you will feel a free flow of energy. This is when your aids can be light and specific. An onlooker might notice a strong hind end and freely flowing shoulders. Since there is no pushing/pulling on your part, you can both be in better balance. The extra energy that the horse is able to offer helps him in using his hind end better and rounding over the topline more consistently. Your contact likely becomes softer and you can aid through your seat more effectively. You might feel more motion through the horse's gaits - more of a trampoline-y feeling in the back.

3. Running Away

There is one other possibility. Go back and set up with your friend again. 

This time, when you go to push her along, she runs away from you. When she acts as the "running" horse, you lose her in no time. The next thing you know, she's far ahead of you and you've lost all your connection with her.

This happens when the horse misinterprets your "forward" aids to mean "faster legs". Of course, it's not that you physically lose the horse (at least most times)! You'll likely stay on and just speed up with him. The key to being "forward" is to create and then contain the energy, not let it run out from under you. Thus, we have to learn all about half-halts in our quest to contain the energy we've created. 

When riding, you have to learn to distinguish between the legs moving faster versus an increase in energy. Energy does not mean speed. Say it again - energy does not mean speed! If you think your horse just sped up, you need to be there quickly and promptly to half-halt or even do a full downward transition. 

Now that you've read this, you can probably imagine what "forward" feels like. But go out to the barn (or even at home) and try it with someone else. There is no replacement to actually feeling something physically, and blueprinting it into your body.  Do each one several times so you have a good idea. Then try to transfer the concept to horseback. Of course it's not exactly the same. But it's a place to start.

Did you try this? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Ready for something completely different? If you liked what you read here, you might be interested in the Horse Listening Practice Sessions.

This is NOT a program where you watch other people's riding lessons. Start working with your horse from Day 1.

Click here to read more and to join one of the most complete programs on the Internet!

Horse Listening

Horse Listening Book 2
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Horse Listening – Book 2: Forward and Round to Training Success

Stop printing off the articles! Your favorite training articles are compiled in this beautifully bound paperback book. Have everything at your fingertips - this book can be taken to the barn as a quick refresher or leisurely read at home.
Signed Author Copies available - perfect gifts!
From the book:
"Regardless of discipline, what would be the most significant effect a rider would want to have on her horse?
We all want our horses to improve in their athletic development, skill acquisition and connectedness. Much of our rider development and training efforts go into working toward our show or personal goals....
But the best riders aspire to do one essential thing each and every day, regardless of goals and lesson plans: they work hard to improve their horse’s way of going.
Because proper balance and weight carriage is essential to a horse’s longevity. Each and every minute of each and every ride has the potential to contribute to your horse’s health and well-being.
Or not."
Just as with all the Horse Listening Collection Books, this book is focused on helping the rider improve for the sake of the horse. But this book goes deeper into the best training articles from the blog - horse-centered theory, strategies and ideas you can try with your own horse.
The book begins with the horse's hind end (!), considers the horse's back, moves on to rider development, and fills it all in with the fundamentals of horse riding so your horse can be:
➡happier in his body
➡happier in his "work"
➡better balanced all-around

Available as an eBook or paperback.