Horse Listening

Done With Going Round and Round on the Rail? Try the “10/5 Challenge”!

go and no — Photo Credit: NBanaszak Photography

Do you ever get stuck in the same rut ride after ride? It is true that finding a routine is a good idea because it gives you and your horse a sense of structure that you can build upon over time.

But there are times when you want to spice things up before you pack it up!

Use the 10/5 Challenge when:

- you're both done with that 50th loop around the rail and want to do something completely "off the wall" (pun intended!)

- you feel that everything went right in the ride and there's still more left in you and your horse for a bang-up last effort

- you want to get the kinks out and release tension in you and your horse

- you want to develop hind end engagement and larger hind end strides

- your horse is feeling a little lethargic and "uninspired"

- your horse is too pumped up and needs to put his energy somewhere

- you want to fine-tune your aids and transitions

- you want to play a little with a "last dance" before you're done for the day

In any case, this exercise will help both you and your horse work out of your tightness. It encourages your horse to loosen over the top line, work out his balance and engagement, and in general, become better able to work through any transition.

The 10/5 Challenge

The idea is pretty simple. You want to do 10 strides of one thing and then 5 strides of something else.

For example:

- 10 strides canter/5 strides trot

- 10 strides left and 5 strides right

- 10 strides canter/5 strides walk

- 10 strides leg yield/5 strides shoulder-in

There really are an infinite of variations you can use.

But I love the first one the most, especially for beginner to intermediate horse and riders, so let's break that one down more for an example.

The 10 Strides Canter/5 Strides Trot Challenge

1. Canter

Go into a canter. Make sure you have a "decent" canter to start - encourage your horse onward if at all possible.

2. Count strides.

The idea is to hit the transition on that 10 mark, and be absolutely picky about changing gaits in the 10th stride.

3. Transition to trot.

You might have to really prepare for this transition at first. Chances are, your horse will not be expecting such a downward transition so soon, so be ready to reinforce your asking aids as soon as you can. The idea is to stay in that 10 stride number. So be picky.

4. Transition to canter.

But watch out! Don't "sit" on your laurels! Those 5 strides are over before you know it, and you have got to get back into the canter on the fifth trot stride!

And there is the real challenge. This exercise requires you to be sharp, accurate and physically in sync with your horse. The quickness of the transitions will jolt you into a higher level of accuracy and timing. The physicality of the transitions will have you both huffing and puffing in no time. Just remember to keep breathing! You might solicit a nice body-shaking snort from your horse in the process. That is a good sign.

5. Do it again!

The first time is probably going to be the easiest for a while. The next bunch of tries will really highlight the areas that need to come together for a better transition. As your horse starts to realize that there will be more and more transitions, he may go through some tension and resistance before he can gather up his strength and balance to be able to smoothly make so many transitions.

You might discover a few issues as well! Initially, the transitions come up very quickly. You might feel overwhelmed and thrown off balance a bit. Keep at it. If you find yourself not making the 10 strides, do 12. But aim for 10. Figure out how to adjust your timing for the transitions. You might have to do the "ask" for both the upward and downward several strides before.

Practice. Stick with the program 10, 20 times even if things don't go well. You will get better at it and your horse will become more balanced. Things will start falling together. The next time you try this, you might discover that the horse has an easier time with the transitions and responds more smoothly and efficiently to the aids.

Of all the exercises I've used, (click here if you'd like to see more of these sort of ideas in my first book) I'd recommend this one the most for anyone to try at any level. It works well with an advanced horse/rider combination as well as for the beginner rider or horse. You can make it a very basic exercise of one simple transition or complicate it as much as you would like. If the canter/trot is too simple, move onto something that challenges both you and your horse. Do the transitions while you change directions. Change leads and then break to the trot. The variations are limitless!

If you have tried the 10/5 Challenge, let us know in the comments how it worked for you. What went well? What problems did you run into?

If you like this sort of pattern work, join my Practice Sessions Premium Membership. The Practice Sessions are a complete program beginning with exercises like the one above, designed to improve specific aspects of the horse and rider. All set up and ready to go, all you have to do is watch the video, print off the pattern PDF and head to the barn!

But there's so much more! There's quality of movement exercises, theory "Mini-Classes" on specific aids and figures, a fantastic group of riders who motivate and encourage each other, and so much more! Click here to learn more.

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping 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.

Why Everyone Needs A Golden Horse – A Poem

Do you have a Golden Horse? You can spot him from a mile away.

He is "golden" because of his heart of gold. This is the horse that takes care of you even more than you take care of him. You know you can rely on him to not spook, not get unnerved and let you enjoy what it was you set out to do. In fact, it seem that he enjoys his job even more than you do!

If you have a Golden Horse, you will soon realize how lucky you are. You will never want to part with him. Because as you learn and grow through his graciousness, you realize how much you are benefiting from him, and how much he is giving you. Every ride becomes a gift and every workout is easy because of his willing nature. You become the rider of your dreams because he lets you!

Although that calm generosity can be learned by good training, upkeep and handling, some horses are just "born that way." So, for all the Golden Horses out there, here is a poem of gratitude.

*****

The Golden Horse

Interested ears forward pricked,

patiently waiting through soft velvety nose-kisses,

the Golden Horse

loves the grooming attention;

two hours of brushing, polishing and wiping

with nary a fuss but more like a sweet relaxation

reminiscent of a day at the spa.

Solidly standing for the mount,

quietly ambling the first strides

into 100% effort.

Team player to the point

Of two becoming one.

Reciprocal listening, flickering ears back and forth,

gives and takes and loose flowing backs,

seamless communication seemingly telepathic,

mindreading aids and signals, snorts and strides,

bounces and swings -

there is no better synergy

than when two combine.

Patiently waiting through your confusion,

Kindly caring through less-than-perfect risk-taking,

he is the ultimate teacher

in your quest to grow.

One of a kind.

Don’t miss a single issue of Horse Listening! If you like what you are reading, become a subscriber and receive updates when new Horse Listening articles are published! Your email address will not be used on any other distribution list. Subscribe to Horse Listening by Email

Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Available as an eBook or paperback.

If you liked this poem, you might like these ones too!

Eight Legs Plus Two: A poem.

Living in Flying Changes: I wrote this short poem after a wonderfully exhilarating night ride.

An Ode to Kayla Queen – As She Turns 30: Happy 30th birthday, dear Kayla, the exhilarating horse with a never-ending zest for living!

Because of Horses: What has changed in your life because of horses?

A Recipe for Living: If life were a recipe, what would it look like?

Horse Listening – The Book: New Ordering Options Available Now

Thanks to everyone who has already purchased a book! If you have time to write a short review, please go to the Amazon page and scroll down to "Customer Reviews". If you have any feedback for me, please email me personally: fwdnrnd@gmail.com

There have been questions about offering other purchasing options. I've looked into formats other than directly ordering online from Amazon.

Personalized Signed copies!

Would you like your own signed copy? I can sign one and send it directly to your mailing address!

Pay Pal - Individual Books

Some people contacted me asking if it would be possible to buy books using PayPal. I have looked into it and I can now sell individual books through a PayPal purchasing system.

Special Bulk Order Discounts for Riding Schools, Barns or Clubs!

If you belong to a riding group and you think there might be several people from your group interested in buying a book, I have a an offer you won't be able to refuse!

Free author signing of each book!
12 -23 books: 10% discount per book
24+ books: 15% discount per book
** Free shipping for bulk orders!! **
The books will be shipped in one box to one mailing address, and will need to be paid through one account.

(International orders outside of Canada: Duty charges may apply)

Please email me for further details at fwdnrnd@gmail.com

The Need For “Yes” Speed – While You Ride Your Horse

Inside Rein Release — Photo Credit: NBanaszak Photograpy

There are more ways than one to let your horse know his efforts are appreciated and he is on the right track. Just as you need positive reinforcement, your horse needs to know that he can find his "happy place" while you are on his back.

The two tried and true methods of petting the horse and saying "good" certainly help to communicate your positive message. But did you know that there are many other more subtle ways you can say "yes?"

The Need for "Yes" Speed

As you develop in your riding skills, you will begin to recognize the ongoing physical communication you have with your horse during your ride. This communication goes much deeper than a verbal discussion we can have with our human friends.

Better balance and "quieter" aids will enable you to realize that...

... communication between rider and horse occurs as quickly as we can think - actually, no. It happens even faster than that. (Click here to tweet that if you agree.)

Because we are literally connected to our horse through our seat and legs, our "discussion" speed can happen as quickly as our central nervous system can respond to the horse's movements. In the long run, we might become even faster in our discussion than we can think (thereby leaving the "thinking" moments for when we are off the horse's back).

Another reason you want to say "yes" quicker than speaking or petting is that things can happen very quickly on a horse's back. So while you are flying off to the left riding through a buck, you might want to be saying, through your body language, "Stop the buck - GOOD!" instantly. Many horses will find relaxation and security in the rider that can follow them in their language pattern and speed.

When you can communicate this quickly through your aids, the onlooker will not have any inkling about the many and varied messages being sent back and forth between you and your horse. However, the experienced onlooker might notice the tell-tale sign: an active yet calm horse "dancing" enthusiastically with his rider. And of course, the rider appears to be doing nothing.

So how can you say "yes" quickly enough to help guide your horse effectively and efficiently while you ride?

9 Ways to Say "Yes" While Riding

1. Release through the inside rein.

That inside rein is the maker or breaker of the inside hind leg. This means that it also affects the horse's balance pretty much all the time. So if you can find an excuse to give a little "yes" through the rein, you will discover a significant method that communicates comfort and strength to the horse. He will appreciate being able to bring his hind leg underneath his body so that he can balance both you and himself better.

2. Release through your seat.

The seat release is almost as powerful as the inside rein release. While you ride, you can either brace your seat, ride passively or release. Most of the seat control comes through your lower back, which communicates your messages to your horse through his back. So if things are going well, you can let loose through your lower back so that you can synchronize your movement with the horse's swing.

3. Softening of the legs/knees.

We often grip tighter than we need to with both the knees and the legs. When you want to communicate harmony with your horse, try softening through your calves and even your knees. Work on lengthening your legs from the hip so that there is only a soft angle in your knees, and your legs can therefore "drape" along your horse's sides.

4. Opening of the seat.

This is a little different than the seat release. When you open, you in effect create an open space to invite the horse into as he is moving. So if you want to do a leg yield to the right, you can encourage a "yes" when the horse steps right by actually opening in rhythm to the right direction. This is tricky but the results can be awe-inspiring.

5. Stretchy walk/trot break.

Ah! The stretchy! Once a horse learns to release his top line into an active stretch, he will always look forward to a stretch in either walk or trot.

6. Do his favorite move.

Most horses have a favorite romp that makes them happy and lets them know that things are just great. Find out what your horse likes best and let him play once in a while after a particularly challenging maneuver.

7. Celebratory hand gallop.

Teach the horse to "stride out" when things go well. So instead of slowing down to a walk or halt, go for a run! Amp things up, get hot and sweaty and hear the wind whistle in your ears! You might be surprised to realize how much your horse likes this once he knows he is allowed to stretch out once in a while!

8. Lighten through the seat and body.

Do you remember how you used to be able to jump up into a loved one's arms as a child? You could hold yourself in a way that allowed them to hold you up for a long time because you were holding your own body tone to help them out. In the same manner, you can control how heavy your body feels to the horse. Say "yes" by lightening through your seat, holding your torso in a more toned manner and allowing the horse to have a bit more freedom underneath you as you ride.

9. Flowing through your body with the horse's movement.

This is the most important "yes" you can give your horse. If you can follow through not only your seat, but through your whole body, commit to the movement and "be there", you are able to give the strongest "yes" communication possible. And this can be done instantaneously, long before you can even open your mouth to say the word "good!"

So there you have it! Next time you ride, try some of these tips and see what your horse says. If you have any other ways to say "yes" please post in the comments below!

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

Available as an eBook or paperback.

If you enjoyed the above post, you might also like to check these out:

5 Ways to Amp Up Your Warm Up in Horse Riding: What to do if you get into a warm-up riding rut that becomes uninspiring and tediously routine.

Top 10 Ways to Reward Your Horse: How to reward your horse while you are riding. A happy horse is a willing partner, and many horses will give everything they have if they feel your acknowledgement and generosity of spirit.

20 Ways Horse Riding Becomes Life Itself: You could say that horses are our teachers. Not only do we grow in terms of physical ability, but perhaps even more so, we grow in character.

Why You Don’t Want to Pull on the Inside Rein – and What To Do Instead: We think that by pulling on the horse from the inside, the horse must obviously turn his nose and then follow it. Right?

7 Reasons Why “It Depends” Is the Right Answer in Horse Riding

happy-horse-800x1024 bw — Photo Credit: NBanaszak Photography

It seems like everywhere you turn, someone has a different idea about what you should do when you ride.

There might even be the time when the SAME person tells you to do two completely opposite things in one day.

Let's take your coach for instance. One day, she says you need more leg to get the horse going better. Another day she says to half-halt more often and slow the legs down. Bend more here, straighten up there.

Make up your mind already! How is it that so many variations apply to the same outcome?

Obviously, the last thing we want to know is that there are seemingly endless variations to a multitude of skills that we have to learn if we want to be effective riders for our horses.

But when it comes to horses, the only "truth" is that there are many truths. It is our calling as riders to figure out which one works when and why. The learning is never-ending and even when you think you know it all, another horse comes into your life to bring you back down to earth (hopefully not literally).

Here are 7 reasons why "it depends" might be exactly the right answer to your situation!

1. Your horse might be very accommodating.

When your horse works at his best, the sky is the limit! You can do almost anything you can think of - with very little effort coming from you! These moments teach you how much you can do and how the aids combine to make everything come together. Your aids can whisper and you can float along almost as if you aren't there. Your horse's responses might come easier, and he also appreciates the harmony.

2. Your horse might be excited.

An excited horse may need more guidance, simpler and quicker aids. The quiet suggestive aids from yesterday may not be adequate if the horse is distracted or unresponsive in some manner. You might need to seek his attention and work harder to make more basic requests. You might not be able to do the intricate moves from yesterday simply because his frame of mind is different.

3. The weather conditions might be different from the day before.

Almost all horses are affected in some way by temperature or precipitation. Riding the same horse on a hot muggy day or in pouring rain or in freezing cold temperatures might require different strategies. Discovering your horse's preferred weather condition makes the ride easier but working in less than ideal conditions is also necessary if you want to stay on a regular program. You have to learn how to ride the horse during various conditions.

4. You might not be as coordinated as your last ride.

You might be the inconsistent one. Maybe you had a rough day at school or work and you come to the riding session tense and frustrated. Maybe you have a cold and your reactions are slow and laboring. If you can be sensitive to your own emotional and physical state, you can take steps to counter them once you get on your horse's back.

5. You might be trying something new.

Whenever we step out of our comfort zone, we step into insecurity and frustration. It is perfectly normal to go backward before you move beyond your current level of expertise. While you try to speed up/slow down/quieten the aids, you discover that you lose some of the mastery you once had.

The same happens with the horse if you are trying to teach him something new. Awareness of what needs to be done during the confused moments is the ticket to making it through the learning curve, both for yourself as well as your horse.

6. Your situation might be different from someone else's.

You go to a clinic and watch as someone learns or develops her skill during the ride. You come home and apply the same strategies and for whatever reason, things don't go the same way. In horseback riding, it is often unfair to compare yourself to others in the sense that everything impacts your and your horse's performance. By knowing the specific factors that go into your situation, you can make better gains.

7. Training level causes variations.

Both you and your horse's background and skill impact the next steps you can take. More often than not, you will discover that you have to go back to the basics and develop them before you can go ahead with higher expectations. There is nothing wrong with identifying a missing building block and working on that before you try to do something more difficult. Learning things step by step is a valuable and safe approach to riding.

I hear people's frustration when they ask a question and the answer isn't black and white or easily predictable.

But understanding the variables in riding is the key to knowing that it is perfectly fine to learn many strategies that will invariably end in the same goal. And when someone asks, "What do I have to do when...?"

The answer might just be, "It depends!"

When have you had to change your riding plan because something unexpected came up? Let us know in the comments below.

Signed Book Giveaway – Winners!

When I wrote the post about giving away five signed copies of my new book, Horse Listening: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding, I asked people to enter by writing a brief comment about why they wanted the book. I was absolutely not prepared for the wave of feedback that followed (I do read each and every comment that comes through here).

Believe it or not, I had no idea that the words I type on this end of the keyboard are making such a difference to so many readers (and riders) on the other end. It was simply amazing to have names and thoughts reflected back with such generosity and kindness.

I am thrilled that the articles in Horse Listening are making an impact on people's relationships with their horses. With thanks to each one of you for taking the time to participate in this draw and for reading.

Here are the winners of the draw.

********

Lynn Moker | February 27, 2014 at 5:01 pm

I print all the articles and re-read regularly. It would be so nice to have them organized in book form. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

*********

Tina J. | February 27, 2014 at 7:25 pm

Hello, first off congratulations on the writing of your book. I have been following your posts and find them very helpful and inisghtful. I love horses and find it quite interesting to understand how they think and to become one with your horse. I would love a signed copy of your book, however I feel it should go to someone that may not be able to afford it. I would gladly pay for a copy to allow another to possibly win the free copy.

**********

Catherine Siemiet | February 27, 2014 at 10:30 pm

I need a break from Mother Goose! Iam reading to my 4day old grand daughter,Corinne, and she and I would love some inspiration from Horse Listening.She’s never too young to start her equestrian life.Yipee,I see a pony listener in our future!

**********

Janet Durant | March 3, 2014 at 3:58 pm

I’ve been receiving your very informative, motivational, and useful emails since last year. I wish I had been introduced to Horse Listening sooner. Having your signed book at my fingertips would be wonderful!

**********

Amy Dionne | March 13, 2014 at 9:45 pm

I cannot wait for this book. I’m starting to shop for my first horse and know that I have tons more to learn. I’ve ridden for years but want to know how to really listen and connect with my horse.

**********

Can the winners please email me privately at fwdnrnd@gmail.com?

And for everyone else who didn't win this time... who knows? Maybe there will be other reasons to celebrate with book giveaways!

😉

horse logos 1

New! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Available as an eBook or paperback.

Two Steps to Facing Fear While Riding Horses

*Note: Safety first! Always use any of these suggestions at your discretion. Always check to see if your horse is reacting to some discomfort or misunderstanding, especially if the behavior is unusual. There is no one-way-cures-all method to riding. Feel free to change anything to meet the needs of you and your horse.

buck — Photo Credit: NBanaszak Photography

When you start to ride horses, there comes a time when you must face your own mortality.

Because riding horses isn't just about feel-goods and swoon-moments and lovey-dovey pet him behind the ears satisfactions (although those surely are wonderful occasions).

Invariably, one day, your horse looks you in the eye (or not) and says, "No!"

Or maybe it's more like he sees/hears/feels some great horse-eating monster-thing and suddenly, his flight or fight response kicks in and sure enough, he FLIES! Good luck to you, wingless human, who wishes to share in his space and time continuum! 🙂

After one or two (or more) parting of ways, you will surely begin to dread, or at the very least, physically tense, in anticipation of the next event. You might find yourself nervously looking around for the next monster. Occasionally, you might become reactive or even apprehensive and then you become part of the problem.

However, in possibly all horse disciplines, you are taught to never show your fear to the horse. If you do, the horse will pick up on your emotions and respond in kind. There is some truth to that. Horses are mirrors of us and often read our body language much earlier than we intend. So your tension can breed his tension and then you both end up spiraling into something that becomes much worse than it could have been.

Why Fear is Good

Never apologize for your fear. In horseback riding, think of fear as a good thing. It is what protects both you and your horse from danger and keeps you safe.

Fear can help you draw the line that guides you into making life-saving decisions. Instead of fighting it out with a 1000-pound animal, maybe it's ok for you to get off his back and call it a day.

Instead of pushing the situation to a level that makes you deal with something you cannot or should not or do not want to have to go through, you can tone down the exercise, going back to an emotional level that your horse can tolerate or that you can comfortably ride.

But sometimes, you don't get a choice in the matter. What to do then?

How to Ride Through It

1. Focus on Your Seat

Easier said than done, right?

There is one key method to staying on when the horse throws you a spin, buck or lurch.

Loosen through your seat.

Take every bit of energy and strength you have, and through the up/down/sideways/lurch moment, let loose. Rather than tightening your lower back, make it move with the horse. Find that saddle and let your seat glue in and go in whichever way it has to. The rest of your body will follow (trust me on that!).

Put all your attention into (not tensing but) releasing.

Stay open in your body. Avoid hunching over into a "fetal position."

Think, "Velcro seat!!"

Ride through it.

Keep your cool.

Stay consistent.

Don't get mad/even/offended or feel resentment.

Then, as soon as you have a semblance of balance and you feel confident enough to start talking (physically) with your horse again, go right back to what you were doing before the excitement began. Do Step #2.

2. Stay on topic

Your job, other than not falling off, is to be an active rider by continuing to give The. Same. Message.

Just like that. Calm, cool, and thinking... "We were having a nice conversation before you interrupted!"

Go right back to getting that inside bend. Restore your balance by reestablishing the horse's balance, rhythm, straightness, stride length - anything and everything that will help him go back to his calm outline and way of going.

Then be ready for the next time.

Of course you're going to look for the next spooky corner. Or listen for the next sound.

It's perfectly fine and even useful for you to be aware of your surroundings. You SHOULD know what causes your horse's behavior and be able to predict what's coming next. Just don't let your horse do the looking.

Make sure that your body "stays on topic." You might not be able to stop the next spook from coming, but if you were planning on going with a nice bend through that corner, you aids should clearly keep telling the horse to bend. Sticking to the program helps the horse know that you are predictable and consistent.

Prove Your Leadership

The horse is almost always relieved to find that you are willing to be the leader in your horse/human herd. He will often relax and become more confident when he knows that despite the monsters that are lurking in every corner, he can boldly go forward and strong because you will guide his way. You will tell him what to do. You will keep him safe, not (only) because you love him and have the best at heart for him.

But because you can physically stay with him, and then correct or help him in his time of need.

Over time, you will realize that your actions will help your horse in his reactions. Your emotions will be more easily controlled and your confidence will allow you to stay purposeful, rational and active during the unplanned moments of your ride. Although there is always the potential for the unexpected, you can take steps to minimize the risks.

Buy the book for many more riding tips!

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

Riding gives us the place to just be.

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.

Purchase Here! Horse Listening – The Book

Horse Listening - The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding is available for purchase through Amazon

*Update: Over 5 months in the top 10 list on the Amazon Kindle-Horses category! 37 5-star reviews!

What readers have said:

Excellent book! This is now my "go-to" book when I am not connecting with my horse. I totally get that it is typically rider error (me!) when I do not get the response I am expecting from my horse. It gives me a clearer picture in my head as to what body part I need to engage when asking the question. I have been waiting for a guide book such as this one to help me visualize lightness and balance in my riding. I can't put this book down! I carry it in my gear bag and even to work in my work bag so that I can reread certain segments of the book.

– East Coast Horse Lady

On the "must read" list for my students. Especially if you are a dressage oriented rider every page will hit home (or needs to!) Well worth the price of the book if you consider the cost of lessons and here you have reading that will sustain you for years. Can and needs to be read over and over.

– Sheryl Butler

Have you ever wished your horseback riding lessons could come with a user manual?

Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding focuses specifically on riding as a means of improving the horse. Based on the popular blog, HorseListening.com, the exercises and ideas are purposely handpicked to help you develop your path to becoming an effective rider, not only for your own benefit, but also for your horse's long-term well being.

Over 30 chapters on the most fundamental aspects of horseback riding have been collated according to five themes, and prepared in a tidy, all-in-one package for quick and efficient reading (or alternatively – long, thoughtful perusing of deep and meaningful concepts)!

You'll get 196 pages of information on the fundamentals of riding - terms are examined and strategies are discussed. Best of all, there are many practical, ready-to-use exercises and ideas aimed to help you improve your riding skills.

The book is divided into five sections.

Section I: The Reason is an analysis of why we are so enamored by horses. What drives us to put in the time and effort needed to rise to the challenge of becoming the best rider we can be?

Section 2: The Essentials is devoted to some of the basic riding skills that form the way we communicate with the horse. These techniques are the building blocks of future success.

Next, we look at Section 3:The Specifics - particular exercises that develop the quality of the horse's movement.

Section 4: The Solutions presents several chapters that give insight into correcting common problems. Try some of these exercises to develop good rhythm, hind end engagement and turns. A section on rein lameness analyzes something that is very common but rarely discussed. These solutions might help to put you on track toward developing your horse's highest potential.

Lastly, we pause to take a look back at Section 5: The Result of our work - what have we learned through this process? What happens when we dedicate ourselves to a regular routine of self-improvement and development of the horse?

Special feature: the In The Ring sections at the conclusion of many chapters. These sections are designed to give you suggestions on how you can take the ideas from the chapter into the riding ring. No book can ever take the place of a live teacher. However, what this book can do is give you action plans and strategies that you can take with you to your rides.

The book is thought provoking but also chock-full of useful, ring-ready practical suggestions. As with all Horse Listening material, the purpose is to help the rider improve so that the horse can benefit.

Purchase Here!

Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding is available in both digital and print (paperback) versions.

Buy the print version ONLY $24.99

Buy the digital version (supports all Kindle and iPad/iPhone readers). ONLY $9.99

Both versions of the book are available internationally. ** Additional charges (such as duty) may apply. **

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Kathy Farrokhzad is a talented writer. She has a unique ability to write about dressage and horse training in general. The principles of dressage can seem very complicated and overwhelming. Kathy has a special gift in communicating the concepts clearly and logically without making it seem like rocket science. I love her Horse Listening Blog and the book is a must have for dressage riders or riders of any equine discipline who want to learn effective and humane riding techniques that can improve the human-equine relationship, be more effective in their cues and free a horse's potential for flowing and powerful movement.

– Barbara

Horses. Riding. Life.

Author: Horse Listening

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

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

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Buy the book for many more riding tips!

Purchase Here! Horse Listening – The Book

Horse Listening - The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding is available for purchase through Amazon

*Update: Over 5 months in the top 10 list on the Amazon Kindle-Horses category! 37 5-star reviews!

What readers have said:

Have you ever wished your horseback riding lessons could come with a user manual?

Purchase Here!

Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding is available in both digital and print (paperback) versions.

Buy the print version ONLY $24.99

Buy the digital version (supports all Kindle and iPad/iPhone readers). ONLY $9.99

PayPal/Personalized Signed copies!

Would you like your own signed copy? I can sign one and send it directly to your mailing address! Pay by PayPal.

Click here for more information.