It is possibly one of the first things you heard when you initially took up the reins. Yet, it is one of the most enduring struggles riders have in the saddle. And even when it is mastered on the flat, it seems to crop back up again when a jump is required! Heels down is one of the most important things to ‘do’ when riding a horse. There are a lot of reasons why mastering this seemingly simple thing is vital to developing as a rider. I say ‘seemingly’ because more...

Lorna

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Where should I start? Have you ever found yourself wondering about this with your horse? The beginning is the obvious answer. However, sometimes the beginning is not as simple to pin-point. This is especially true with it comes to your ex-racehorse or OTTB. Your retired racehorses beginning when he gets to you is not the same as the beginning with other horses. They have already ‘begun’. However, now we are asking them to perform a ‘re-do’. To re-start. At a new beginning… more...

Lorna

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Do you have an OTTB or ex-racehorse that has just made the transition from the racetrack? Or maybe your thoroughbred has been with you for a while, but you’re just struggling to make progress and move forwards in your training together… Ex-racehorses or thoroughbreds are wonderful horses. They are so versatile, intelligent and sensitive. They can literally turn their hooves to almost anything equestrian related. However, often those same qualities more...

Lorna

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Some days does it feel like a mammoth task just to get your horse to put one foot in front of the other? He has no motivation whatsoever to do anything with any hint of enthusiasm or energy… But first, I want to be clear; the term ‘lazy’ is not one that I enjoy using when it comes to horses. I believe that there are horses out there who are just more laid back than others. Lazy always sounds so derogatory. And often, those ‘lazy’ horses are actually wonderful trusty steeds. more...

Happy Riding, Lorna

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The opportunity to work with a young or green horse comes with great responsibility. You have the potential to place a lasting imprint on this horses riding career; and his opinion of being ridden in general. In order to produce a well rounded riding horse, there are a few basic principles that you should pay attention to. Things that, when your horse understands and develops in each element, will lay a solid foundation for him going forwards more...

Happy Riding, Lorna

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Do you have an OTTB or ex-racehorse that has just made the transition from the racetrack? Or maybe your thoroughbred has been with you for a while, but you're just struggling to make progress and move forwards in your training together. more...

Happy Riding, Lorna

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Have you ever considered how, in order to be a good rider, you must be a good actor? Don't worry too much if you haven't, you're not alone... Many riders fail to see the connection between these two things. more...

Happy Riding, Lorna

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What this episode is all about and how it can help you:-

• Realise what true balance is when riding
• See that both you and your horse are responsible for balance
• Begin working on establishing balance
• See how maintaining balance is a long term goal

It is a pretty important element of riding; if only from a 'staying on' point of view. However, as you well know, balance is so much more than keeping the horse between yourself and the ground. more...

Happy Riding, Lorna

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What this episode is all about and how it can help you:-

• Get clear on what an independent aid isn't!
• Understand what an independent aid is...
• Get started developing your independent seat
• Realise that it will take time to achieve

Your independent seat. Are you, like so many other riders around the world, trying to achieve yours right now? If so, understanding what is really required to develop it will make it much easier for you to successfully work towards it. more...

Happy Riding, Lorna

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• Realise that contact is a result of other things
• Understand what 'forwardness' is and why it is so important
• See the role you play in the forward and the contact
• See how it should be present in every element of the ride, even halt

Becoming a trainer.  It can feel uncomfortable to think of yourself as this for your horse.  Yet, if you are expecting your horse to do what you are asking him to do, well this is essentially what you are. The discomfort often stems from the realisation that being a 'trainer' comes with a lot of responsibility.  You are now responsible for how well you communicate your wishes to your horse more...

Happy Riding, Lorna

Improve your riding today by joinng us here http://stridesforsuccess/join/