This week’s Growing and Developing With Your Horse Q and A was a really special one, as my mom JoElyn stepped in to host it. She shared so much wisdom from her own riding journey, from choosing horses to developing bend, setting goals, and learning to truly love the horse you have at every stage.

Why bend matters

JoElyn spent time explaining why bend is so foundational. Bend supports safety, helps the horse stay attentive, and allows the inside hind leg to step under and strengthen the body. True bend comes from the rib cage, not just the neck, and you can see it when the head and tail stay on the same line of the circle.

Your body influences the bend

She reminded us that rider position plays a big role. If we collapse or tip, it becomes harder for the horse to bend around the inside leg. Thinking about your alignment and allowing your body to guide the bend can make your aids much clearer and more effective.

Groundwork and patterns

Groundwork is a powerful way to improve bend. Asking for more bend on the ground helps it show up more easily under saddle, and riding clear patterns helps keep both horse and rider organized and balanced.

Goals and long term development

There was a thoughtful discussion about goals, from big long term dreams to small daily steps. Breaking goals down and focusing on rider position, learning, visualization, and consistency helps you make progress even when saddle time is limited.

Loving the horse you have

One of the most touching parts of this conversation was the reminder that loving your horse matters, regardless of the level. Horses can continue to grow, improve, and connect with us deeply, even as their bodies change with age.

Thank you for being part of this community and for bringing so much care and thoughtfulness to your horses and your riding.

Happy riding,

Amelia

PS Bootcamp is coming up soon. If you have not signed up yet, be sure to do that so you do not miss the daily lives, exercises, and motivation to head into the new year feeling focused and inspired. RSVP here for bootcamp.