Ravenroyd Equestrian - Liana Upton

What stirrups do you use?

There seem to be so many options available these days, all claiming to fix one problem or another (usually with a pretty hefty price tag attached!).

Over the years I’ve found that some adaptations can genuinely help certain riders. I’ve used flexi irons for riders with arthritis, wedge treads to help with ankle positioning, and in some cases I’ve fitted the treads differently on each side to assist riders with physical restrictions.

But I’m interested to hear what you have found works in practice rather than just in the marketing. Especially with the million different types of stirrup available now! Have you found a particular stirrup or tread that has made a real difference to your comfort, stability or position?

Obviously a lot of positional faults can be addressed with exercises off the horse and a good riding instructor but there is still a place for helpful tack I believe, especially for individuals with long standing physical difficulties.

I’d love to hear what you’re using and why it’s worked for you. If you’ve got a photo even better.

‘earlybirdjune26’ discount code works until 10th June for your tickets.

When Philippe Karl established the Ecole de Légèreté he did it to not to create a series of carbon copies of himself (impossible!) or to provide a step-by-step system of training. Instead, he wanted to gift as many instructors and teachers - and therefore riders - with principles, ideas and approaches which might help them to ride with 'Respect for the horse'.

In a world where so many equestrians are rightly looking for alternatives to tight nosebands, lots of equipment and harsh training, it can feel extremely difficult to know what is possible and practical. If we want our horses to feel good about being ridden - both mentally and physically - how can we set about to do this with as much insight as possible?

Philippe Karl took the best of French classical training, along with modern understanding of horse anatomy and psychology, and created a school which welcomes horses of all shapes and sizes. He has shared his knowledge and insights through books, DVD's, lectures - and a huge body of instructor training which can be found in many countries.

This June 26th-28th you can see master teacher Sylvia Stössel teaching the UK Advanced instructor group at Naturally Light Equitation. This group includes very experienced riders who are new to this approach, and teachers who have been training in the school for many years. They bring with them an interesting and varied group of horses, so there will be something relevant to everyone who comes watch.

If you buy your tickets before June 10th using code 'earlybirdjune26' you get £10 off each day spectating. We hope to see you there!

Saturday 13th June – Northumberland

I’ll be travelling up to Northumberland on Saturday 13th June, if you’d like support with your horse, whether that’s ridden work, groundwork, or lunging, I offer a kind, classical, horse-centred approach.

I have space available both at the Rhino Centre in the morning, or along my route home later in the day.

I’ve attached photos of my route. If you’re nearby and would like to book a session or find out more, please get in touch.

When we start working with a horse with a mindset to improve his movement, balance and posture we start to notice where the horse is bracing and resisting. Through flexions, groundwork, and gentle exercises, we encourage the horse to release areas of tension physically and mentally.

But sometimes once the brace releases, lameness begins to show. This isn’t because the work caused the problem, but because the brace was helping the horse compensate for it. Sometimes you will see a more lame horse when the physio has treated the horse- because she has released the braces. Horses will brace through the neck, back, jaw, or body to help themselves move despite discomfort somewhere else. Sometimes these are horses who have stayed well muscled and have continued doing serious jobs like jumping without obvious signs of lameness. Sometimes they are horses who have barely worked at all, but have still learned ways to move without appearing lame.

When the body no longer needs to hold itself together through tension, the underlying weakness or pain becomes visible. Tension is often protective. Horses compensate because they need to. In the wild, a lame horse attracts predators. Survival depends on hiding discomfort for as long as possible.

Sometimes I see people adding training aids that they didn’t previously need, the horse becoming more resistant and braced. Riders think it’s because they have stepped up a level but many times it’s the horse protecting his body through brace due to discomfort.

Our job can’t just be to create softness, but to listen to whether the brace is protecting something else. Why is he carrying himself with brace or why does he feel the need to brace to my aids?

It’s a really lovely moment when the owner gets to sit on their horse for the first time - especially if they’ve raised that horse from a foal. Lovely Summer has been having her first rides this last week with her owner. This horse is 6 this year and hasn’t been rushed. It’s hard to wait especially when they’re big and look developed but the best things come to those who wait - or so the saying goes!

We had another wonderful Légèreté clinic yesterday at Thornton House Arena near York. There were a variety of horses, most have been training with the system of Légèreté before. It was a lovely day, and great to be outdoors in the fine weather!

We talked about many things, including starting a horse on the lunge with the right foundations so that lunging is beneficial and not detrimental to the horse. Flexions, symmetry, improving the horse’s balance and strength with a range of exercises, rider position, and aids for lateral work, which lateral work exercises are most helpful to each horse to build straightness.

We welcome friendly faces to come along and spectate these clinics. Questions are welcome between lessons.

Our next clinic will take place on 18th June. If you would like to join us, please contact Sophie Phillips.