Different Times Equestrian Ventures

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If they can’t walk and steer, they can’t trot and steer.
If they can’t balance at the trot, they aren’t ready to canter.
If they can’t go catch their own horse, groom it, tack it up and take responsibility for it, how are they supposed to lead that horse from the saddle?

Going faster does not equal getting better. Strapping your kid to a horse and sending them into the arena isn’t making them better, it’s setting them up to get hurt.

You might think watching your kid walk circles isn’t exciting. You might think they should be cantering, jumping “doing more.”

But sometimes they’re simply not ready.

And respectfully — that’s why you hired an instructor. Because knowing how and when to progress a rider is our job.

We aren’t holding your kid back. We’re building the foundation that keeps them safe and makes them GOOD.

- Author Unknown

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If they can’t walk and steer, they can’t trot and steer.
If they can’t balance at the trot, they aren’t ready to canter.
If they can’t go catch their own horse, groom it, tack it up and take responsibility for it, how are they supposed to lead that horse from the saddle?

Going faster does not equal getting better. Strapping your kid to a horse and sending them into the arena isn’t making them better, it’s setting them up to get hurt.

You might think watching your kid walk circles isn’t exciting. You might think they should be cantering, jumping “doing more.”

But sometimes they’re simply not ready.

And respectfully — that’s why you hired an instructor. Because knowing how and when to progress a rider is our job.

We aren’t holding your kid back. We’re building the foundation that keeps them safe and makes them GOOD.

- Author Unknown

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Yep, this, all day long

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If your rider has found the rhythm of the posting trot, the next step is helping them post correctly.

One common mistake I often see is riders leading their post with their head and shoulders. They’re thinking about “jumping up” out of the saddle, instead of leading with their hips and following the natural movement of the horse’s back.

When riders lead from their shoulders, it:
❌ Undermines stability and balance in the pelvis.
❌ Puts them ahead of the horse’s motion.
❌ Makes it harder to stay soft and follow the horse’s stride.

✅ A correct post isn’t a straight “up and down” movement. Instead, it’s a gentle, arching swing of the pelvis—moving up and forward with the horse’s stride. This allows the rider to:

Balance from their seat.
Stay in harmony with the horse’s motion.
Engage their thighs softly without gripping.
Avoid tipping forward or landing heavily in the saddle.

👉 Try cueing your riders to “lead the post with your seat” rather than thinking about standing “up.”

For some riders, practicing at the halt can help them feel the difference between leading from their shoulders versus their pelvis before putting it back into motion.

Help your riders follow the horse’s movement from their seat, and you’ll see a big improvement in their balance, rhythm, and effectiveness!

Currently doing the unmounted session of today's biomechanics clinic with Bethany White. This has turned into an annual event, because it's just so darn helpful.

Make sure you're aware!!

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Education is key to protecting our horses and ensuring fair, consistent competition. Recent updates to the eventing whip rules provide greater clarity on when and how a whip may be used, reinforcing its role as an aid to encourage forward movement—not as a form of discipline. Read our latest Rule Refresher in the comments below to understand these changes.

Jacqui and her crew down in KY may be onto something..... 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Thanks again to Andrea at Centerline Farm and Bethany White for today's show-turned-clinic! All of our riders had a great time