Training of Horse and/or Rider by Sabrina Caton

Many riders feel they need to work too hard with their legs, but this often leads to a tight leg that restricts hip movement, which in turn shuts down the horse's natural motion. The horse's ribcage can tense up against this constant pressure, making it difficult to achieve relaxed, forward movement.

Instead of thinking about getting the horse "in front of the leg," try a different approach. The proper leg aid is less about a hard kick and more about a soft, pulsing impulse from a long, relaxed leg. Think of your leg as "breathing" alongside the horse's barrel, with a slight up-and-down movement of the calf. This allows for a much more subtle and effective communication.

Open for business after this Easter holiday! Anyone interested in learning to ride, wants to improve their skills or wants some help with a horse, send me a message or give me a call. Here or there, I have a nice arena or I will travel. If you don't have a horse, Pegasus is here.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

When riding, it’s easy to fixate on your horse’s head. After all, from the saddle, your horse's head and neck are right in front of you.

But instead of focusing on what you SEE, focus on what you FEEL through your seat, and shift your attention to your horse’s hind legs.

When the hind legs are working correctly, you’ll feel (through your seat) your horse lift his back and swing forward in a relaxed, regular rhythm. And when that happens, the front end will usually take care of itself.

❌ Focusing on your horse's head (what you SEE in front of you)
✅ Focusing on your horse's hind legs (what you FEEL through your seat)

Illustration created and copyrighted by HowToDressage

🐴 MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY!🐴 Equestrian biomechanics expert Stephany Fish Crossman explains how small position changes and body awareness can improve your dressage horse's performance.

Click on the link in the Comments below for her tips on how to perfect any weaker areas of your position. You might be surprised to discover a noticeable improvement in your horse's way of going!

Meet Pegasus

Last Friday Monet and I got our first ride in for the year. Monet expressed some minor spring fever but for the most part it was good, couldn't tell that we took 2 months off.