You have two choices when riding; plan your transitions or ride reacting to what is happening. Planning your transitions when riding involves the mental transition as well as the physical transition. Mental transition: "I will begin there" Physical transition: change of gait, change of bend, etc.

Planning may sound tedious or boring, but the benefits include:

• planning increases your awareness of your habits
• planning increases your awareness of your horse's habits
• planning will smooth out your transition

Listen to learn how increasing your focus in this area can help you create your training plan and advance your riding.