When riding your horse, it's important to keep your hands forward in what I call the "work area".



The work area is just in front of the saddle above the horse’s withers. Put your hands in that position and draw an imaginary box around them. That box is your work area.



No matter what rein aids you're giving, keep your hands in the work area. If you bring your hands closer to your body, you steal power from the hind legs. If you put your outside hand forward, for…

Horseback riding is all about balance and staying centered. You always want to keep your horse in good balance for his stage of training no matter what your discipline.



It doesn't matter whether you're a dressage rider, a western pleasure rider, a trail rider, or an event rider. Correct balance is essential to effective riding because the center of your balance directly affects your horse’s balance.



Your goal should be to have an independent seat so you can…

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is, "Can you help me sit the trot better?"



So here are some quick tips to help you with this all too common challenge.



1. First and foremost, your horse needs to be on the bit. If his back is hollow, stiff, or tight, you’ll find it impossible to sit comfortably. (And, in turn, you'll make your horse uncomfortable too!)



To put him on the bit, review my blog post…

If you tend to grip with your legs, and lean forward when you canter your dressage horse, here's a simple exercise to help you sit up straight.



Sit in a chair and do the following exercise for muscle memory:



1. Sit up straight with shoulders over hips.



2. Lean back about 4-5 inches



3. Come back up to the vertical.



4. Do this in the rhythm/tempo of the canter.



5. Notice how as your upper body comes back, your hip angle…