5. Interactive Play

Once you have introduced your horse to a variety of things, it is important to try and give the objects a purpose or make them part of your play.

 

This is were you get to be creative and think of ways you can incorporate your ground and riding cues into challenging games that can test your communication, build confidence, and ultimately build a better…

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4. Encounter Wait, Revisit

Some horses are naturally braver than other, and some horses tend to be fairly skittish and flighty. Horses can become more confident when they are exposed to many different things – when they associate positive

experiences with the different objects/ environments.

Getting your horse to touch different objects is one way to build confidence. Provided the…

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Dear Julie,

My friends and I have a problem with our saddles rolling over to the side when we get on. My horse in particular has a flat, broad back with wide withers. Any suggestions? I know we are cinching…

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Choosing a Horse to Suit You



There are three main criteria for judging the suitability of a horse for you: confidence, dominance, and sensitivity.



Confidence



Confidence can sometimes be described as bravery. It’s largely a product of environment, but horses are all born with different amounts of confidence. Some horses can build confidence more easily than others, and… Continue

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Masters Dressage Freestyle Night--Drawing Inspiration From Music

The idea of the “perfect riding” music has been in my head since last Saturday night when I was fortunate enough to watch some of the best riders in the world compete in the

Masters Freestyle CDI*****. Eight riders competed, with no two rider’s

music even similar. How amazing and how fascinating. There were composed pieces, there was rock,

there was…

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How many times have you been driving down the road with the radio on when you've heard one of your favorite songs and thought, 'That would make a great dressage freestyle'? Or, how many videos have you seen of darling children on sweet ponies, in costume, riding a fun test to a catchy tune? I know I have done both, but then when you watch the extremely complex and polished Kurs… Continue

Music has well established psychological effects on moods and emotions.



Think about that.



We already know this if even subconsciously. If music did not have a physiological effect on our body and mind, marches would be played at bedtime and not at the half-time of football games. Lullabies would be heard at parades and Gregorian chant would bombard our ears at the grocery store.

Want to know more? Here is the scientific answer to how music affects our physiology and… Continue

Here is a question I get all the time about the riding your freestyle at home vs. riding your freestyle at a show. I thought you might all enjoy it! Ruth



Question:



I have ridden my freestyle a number of times in competition. I have ridden it time and time again perfectly at home and know my music very well.



This is my question. I ride my test perfectly at home but when I get to a venue... I am ALWAYS ahead of the music!!! It's not a big problem because I know… Continue

When the judges are listening to your music, what are they listening for?



One of the most frequently asked questions I get is, “How do the judges evaluate my music?”



I’m going to go over the guidelines that are given to the judges so you can be on the same page as they are. In last month’s newsletter, I did an audio clip on what the judges are looking for. But so many of you have asked me to put it in print so here it is.



There are four categories that the… Continue

Hey everyone... just letting you know that my Oct. News Letter is going out tonight! At midnight!! if you would like to receive this months news letter filled with tips to riding with music, tips from my favorite farrier, audio link about what the judges are looking (listening) for, and more, sign up on my web site...



www.ruthhoganpoulsen.com



I also would love to hear from you on a few topics... so write in and ask you question, or give me you thoughts!! Ruth…



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Does your horse come above the bit, toss his head or climb with his head and neck into every canter transition? If your answer is yes, you should ask yourself the following questions.

Picking up the canter on the bit is a big issue for a lot of riders. In this article, I'll give you some questions you should try to answer. You MAY find the ROOT of the problem!



There is a reason that your horse displays this behavior. Don’t look at the symptom. Get to the root of the problem. The… Continue

Ride your HORSE to MUSIC and solve training issues! Whether you are riding a dressage musical freestyle, or just riding your horse to music, there are TIPS you should know before you start. Over the years, you have told me that the most important thing to you is that you want the RIGHT MUSIC for your HORSE and you WANT TO HAVE FUN!!



You've also told me that:



You want help recognizing the rhythm of your horse's gaits.



You can't maintain a rhythm.…

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Friends have been talking about what an awesome experience the Shore to Shore Endurance Ride Week is so finally we bit the bullet in order to work on Bask N Coins' (Loosi's) ApHC Medallion.



On Sat drove to the beautiful town of Oscoda MI to the base camp for the first 2 days of competition. Having met most of the ride management (manager, head vet, timer) at the White River Ride we were made to feel like long lost friends.



We quickly set up camp and then headed back down… Continue

6 tips for picking out great music for your horse



1. Know your horses ideal BPM (beats per minute)

2. The average horse has BPM as follows.

Walk 90-106 BPM

Trot 138-160 BPM

Canter 96-108 BPM

3. Pick music that matches your horses BPM within 4-6 BPM range.

(For example if your horse has a canter of 104 BPM, choose music that is between 100 BPM and 108 BPM)

4. Choose music that has a very clear down beat. (The down beat is the beat that you… Continue