All Blog Posts Tagged 'training' (233)

Is Posting in Western Different than English? What about Diagonals?

Question: I am just learning to ride western. I have been riding english for 5 years. Will I need to learn how to post all over again? Is there a difference? I don’t want to look stupid. And how do I get diagonals?

Answer from April Reeves, Horseman's U.com: Posting the trot in Western is the same as English. Remember, horses cannot distinguish the difference in disciplines, only humans do. The movements of a single horse are the same regardless of a Western or English… Continue

Added by April Reeves on October 20, 2009 at 10:30pm — No Comments

Basic Groundwork and Saddle work for the Herd Bound Horse

By April Reeves, Horseman's U.com: I get this question all the time so I thought I would address it here. Herd bound horses can become dangerous if the problem is not nipped in the bud right away. However, it’s one of those problems that many people are unable to deal with as it takes a certain level of skill.

This article is for those who are baffled and need a solution that they can accomplish. It is the longest one I have written to date, and covers some very extensive… Continue

Added by April Reeves on October 20, 2009 at 10:30pm — No Comments

October News Letter Going Out Tonight!!

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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Added by Ruth Hogan Poulsen on October 1, 2009 at 7:29pm — 2 Comments

Vermont Horse Farm Showcases Dressage and Good Horsemanship.

Horse Farm in Vermont Showcases Dressage Training and Good Horsemanship

www.ruthhoganpoulsen.com

www.easthillfarm.org

Working together

East Hill Farm in Plainfield, Vermont showcases the best dressage training and horsemanship around. Founded in 1976, East Hill Farm is one of the oldest and well regarded equestrian… Continue

Added by Ruth Hogan Poulsen on September 28, 2009 at 5:00pm — No Comments

Ride Fit 1-2-3: Fitting up for Cross Country

Hi, I had an excellent question about suitable training schedules for getting fit for Eventing in my inbox in response to one of the recent Ride Fit blogs. The question and response are below.

Question:

Hi Heather

Thanks for responding to my blog post about neck stretches. As my neck and back have been causing me problems lately I've decided to start up my clinical pilates again which I'd let slide when life got busy. I'd be interested on your opinion about a couple… Continue

Added by Heather Sansom at Equifitt.com on September 5, 2009 at 9:30am — No Comments

Does your horse come above the bit when you make a canter transition?

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

Added by Ruth Hogan Poulsen on August 31, 2009 at 1:59pm — 2 Comments

4 more tips for picking out great music for your horse.

I have been getting so may questions about picking out great riding music, i though i would give you a few more pointers!! For more information, sign up for my free newsletter! Its easy, FREE and private!

www.ruthhoganpoulsen.com

1. Choose music that has dynamic changes. Dynamic changes are audible changes within the music (either volume or intensity) where you can make transitions. (for example, the music should FEEL or SOUND like there is a transition to an… Continue

Added by Ruth Hogan Poulsen on August 24, 2009 at 7:07am — No Comments

Ride your HORSE to MUSIC and solve training issues!!

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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Added by Ruth Hogan Poulsen on August 17, 2009 at 8:30pm — 2 Comments

IRIDE-Patience

I am good at compartmentalizing, and my patience is a perfect example of that. Let me explain.....

I have the patience of Job when it comes to training horses. I ask much, but accept any shred of correctness with lavish praise. But ask me to wait in line at the grocery store, and I seriously consider not eating dinner that night.

Explaining the minute details of what it means to be "in front of the leg" to a student may put me 'way behind in every other thing I have to do that day,… Continue

Added by Mary McGuire Smith on July 18, 2009 at 7:30pm — 3 Comments

Maintenance Massage for Your Horse

Most people will think of calling a massage therapist when their horse has a major problem. While massage is a wonderful treatment for many strains and injuries, what about the times in between when the horse appears fine? Your horse doesn't need to have an obvious existing problem in order to benefit from massage. In fact, the most effective use of…

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Added by Sharon McMaster on June 16, 2009 at 6:00am — 3 Comments

Ride Fit 1-2-3: More on soft hands and the 'training scale' for rider fitness

Hi,

I just had the privilege of auditing a clinic with Jane Savoie this weekend. Now I'm in a kind of overfed state of sleepy shock...a little like you feel after Thanksgiving dinner because last weekend I also worked at a clinic in Nova Scotia as co-clinician with Lisa Wilcox. I don't know if my poor brain can handle any more rich input for a few days at least!

From a fitness point of view, last weeks' blog entry on light hands and proper use of the back really came back to me… Continue

Added by Heather Sansom at Equifitt.com on June 7, 2009 at 11:30pm — 9 Comments

Ride Better 1-2-3: Fitness for Riders Week 12- Get a Better Back

Hi,

I love to get your comments and questions for this blog- so don't be shy! Attach them to the comments section of a fitness blog that interests you. I select one rider's question each week (if there is one- this week there wasn't) and provide some feedback and fitness tips.

We're officially into the swing of show season now. You still have time to do a little work to boost your stamina. By July, I see riders wilting in the heat, and by the end of season just plain… Continue

Added by Heather Sansom at Equifitt.com on May 20, 2009 at 12:30pm — 3 Comments

Ride Better 1-2-3: Online Rider Fitness Clinic Week 11 What to Do About Tight Upper Thighs/Hips

Hi, Welcome back to the rider fitness blog. We had a great question from a reader last week about tight hips, and tight inner thighs. The fact is, riding causes tightness in the hips and thighs which has to be undone to ride better. As is the case with many sports such as hockey, golf, soccer and the list goes on, practicing your sport uses your muscles within a particular range of motion, in repetition. Failure to bring the muscle out of that range results in a shortening of the muscle,… Continue

Added by Heather Sansom at Equifitt.com on May 12, 2009 at 10:00pm — 2 Comments