Laura Hunter's Blog (7)

Pay Attention!

I was in my arena today working with my new horse, Clementine. She is four years old and she is one of those truly great horses that come along so infrequently. She is sensitive, responsive and athletic, and riding her is a bit like driving a Ferrari. Most importantly she is sane, calm and intelligent. Her previous owner taught her to go fast and straight with her nose… Continue

Added by Laura Hunter on April 1, 2010 at 1:23pm — No Comments

Ride WIth Confidence: Part 10 - Celebrate Your Success and Have Fun!

It is important to celebrate every time you accomplish something with your horse. It is also important to stay motivated by taking the time to step back from all your hard work and have fun. Here are some suggestions:


Play games with your horse. Playing games is a great way to gain confidence while putting your new skills to practical use. In our arena we participate in obstacle courses, relay races, musical rides, and our new favourite activity, equine soccer. You can play…
Continue

Added by Laura Hunter on March 19, 2010 at 1:52pm — No Comments

Ride WIth Confidence: Part 9 - Finding the Right Support

For most of us riding is easier if we have a coach or instructor to support and help us. It is always good to have another set of eyes on the ground and someone to offer encouragement to help us get over the emotional bumps.


There are a great many good riders in the equestrian world who teach. Being a good rider though does not always make someone a good teacher. Riding and teaching are two completely different skill sets. The ability to get on an athletic, energetic horse…
Continue

Added by Laura Hunter on March 12, 2010 at 12:44pm — No Comments

Ride With Confidence: Part 8 - The Art of Staying in the Saddle

While we all know there is a huge psychological component to riding there is no denying that it is also very much a physical skill. Everyone needs to develop a balanced, stable secure seat on a horse. That requires improving your core strength and balance but there is a payoff for that effort. You will fee much more confident in the saddle if you know that you can stick there no matter what happens.


Your posture and balance also have a tremendous influence on your horse's…
Continue

Added by Laura Hunter on March 10, 2010 at 9:49am — 1 Comment

Riding With Confidence: Part 7 - Groundwork

I once heard Chris Irwin state in a clinic that the only real difference between groundwork and riding is that you are in a different location with respect to your horse. His point was that you can establish the relationship you want with your horse before getting into the saddle.

It is far easier to develop trust and respect and assert your leadership on the ground without your anxieties and less than perfect motor skills getting in the way. I know that without groundwork I would…
Continue

Added by Laura Hunter on March 8, 2010 at 3:00pm — 5 Comments

Ride With Confidence: Part 6 - Practice Makes Perfect

It is a given that the more you practice a skill the more successful you will be.


My students always ask, "How much practice is enough?" They worry their horse will get bored or sour. My answer is that you can never practice enough. The more you practice the better you get which changes things for your horse (hopefully for the better). You can also be creative and practice your skills in different situations to keep life interesting for your…
Continue

Added by Laura Hunter on March 5, 2010 at 10:12am — No Comments

Ride With Confidence: Part 5 - Motivation Through Success

"The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step." Lao Tzu


Sometimes the biggest step to success is the one we take through the arena door.


Right now I have a big personal goal - to ride my young, athletic, spooky horse out in the forest next summer in the annual charity ride.


Thinking about that goal is overwhelming. If I put that pressure on myself every time I walk to the arena I know I would easily…
Continue

Added by Laura Hunter on March 3, 2010 at 11:59am — 2 Comments

The Rider Marketplace

International Horse News

Click Here for Barnmice Horse News

© 2024   Created by Barnmice Admin.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service