Ride iQ Free Lesson of the Week

Move Freely. Sit Taller. Connect with Softness.
20 min walk · 0 trot · 0 canter

A FULL LESSON FROM THE RIDING FLOW PROGRAM, FREE

What you're about to ride is one complete lesson from Riding Flow, Callie King's new course for building a riding position that finally feels like second nature. Instead of drilling "heels down, shoulders back," Riding Flow rebuilds your position from the inside out (through body awareness, alignment, breathing, and releasing tension) so a balanced seat becomes something you feel, not something you force.

Riding Flow is open for enrollment now, and everyone who joins by Friday, July 31 gets the full launch bundle: 3 live Q&A calls with Callie and 3 months of Ride iQ — over $200 in bonuses, free. After Friday, they're gone. 👉 https://ride-iq.com/riding-flow

HOW TO USE THIS LESSON

This lesson comes in two parts. First, watch the short pre-ride video where Callie demonstrates the concepts off the horse: https://youtu.be/bYGgsXP-36w. Then press play on this audio and ride along. Watch first, ride second.

OVERVIEW

A stable upper body doesn't come from holding yourself rigid — it comes from having the mobility to move with your horse while staying balanced. You'll learn why pulling your shoulders back isn't the answer, and how creating freedom through the upper body lets you sit taller, breathe more deeply, and develop softer, more consistent contact.

This ride-along adapts to wherever you are: horse standing, at the walk, in rising trot, or unmounted — a great warm-up before you ride or a reset partway through. Through gentle mobility work for the shoulders, arms, rib cage, and sternum, you'll build a balanced, upright posture that feels stable without being stiff, supporting quieter hands, easier breathing, and a more elastic connection with your horse.

SUITABILITY

Ideal for riders of all disciplines and levels, and for horses comfortable at the walk or standing quietly. Exercises can also be done unmounted, before riding or as an off-horse mobility routine. You'll want a safe enclosed area with room to work at the walk.

RIDE-ALONG BREAKDOWN

1:00 — Walking on a loose rein as Callie introduces the lesson.
3:30 — Reins in one hand: draw figure-eights with your free arm, reverse, grow the movement, then switch sides for shoulder and rib cage mobility.
6:20 — Free hand on your helmet, moving your elbow forward and back; repeat on the other side.
7:30 — Free arm out as if carrying a tray, rotating your palm up and down for softer, more elastic contact.
9:40 — Slower gait or halt for a brief reset.
10:40 — Free hand on your sternum, moving it gently forward and back to feel how it influences posture and balance.
14:00 — Reach one arm up and over your head to lengthen your side and mobilize the rib cage; repeat.
16:00 — Loose rein, both hands, reconnecting with your sternum moving forward. Sway slowly to find a balanced, upright position without tension.
20:00 — Finish by noticing how your posture, breathing, and stability have shifted, then carry it into your ride.

This is Lesson 6 of Riding Flow. The full course covers your whole position - balance, alignment, releasing tension, seat, legs, and a ride plan you'll come back to for good.

Enroll by Friday, July 31 to lock in the bonuses. 👉 https://ride-iq.com/riding-flow (after that, they won't be available again)

In this dressage test playbook, world-renowned dressage judge Peter Gray goes movement-by-movement through the test. He describes how to execute the most accurate test and avoid common mistakes to get the best scores possible.

Meet Your Coach: Peter Gray Peter was a judge at the 2022 FEI World Championships for Eventing in Pratoni, Italy. He is a Grand Prix dressage rider and coach. He has both ridden in and coached at the Olympics in the sport of eventing.

Start your 14-day free trial and get full access to hundreds of lessons and podcast episodes at ⁠Ride-iQ.com⁠

For just $29.99/month, Ride iQ membership includes:

👉 Unlimited on-demand audio lessons: Access to the Ride iQ mobile app and the complete library of 400+ audio lessons with new lessons added every Tuesday
👉 In-app private podcasts: Ride iQ private podcasts are both entertaining and educational, including interviews with your favorite top riders and experts
👉 Weekly live virtual Ask An Expert events: Members have direct access to a Ride iQ coach or guest expert every week and can ask any questions they have
👉 Access to the private FB community: The camaraderie and sense of community within this group is really something! In addition to awesome riders from all over the country and world, you’ll find Ride iQ coaches and founders here, too!
👉 Invitations to Ride iQ events: These include sponsored course walks, competition parties, and special virtual events. Yeah, you’re a VIP.

For full access, start your 2-week free trial today at ⁠Ride-iQ.com⁠.

This is a preview of Biomechanics for Every Rider: 10 lessons for a stronger, more balanced position with Suzanne Galdun. For access to the full program with Suzanne and hundreds of other audio lessons, start your free trial at ⁠Ride-iQ.com⁠.

In this lesson, riders learn to balance their torso weight over their legs by rotating the femurs inward, turning the upper leg into a weight-bearing surface and taking weight out of the feet. You'll work on leg alignment, the correct mechanics of the leg aid, and holding these changes through transitions and on straight and bending lines. Accessible for all levels and disciplines.
● Arena Size / Specifications  
20m x 60m arena 
● Before You Ride 
Watch this pre-ride video

● Horse / Rider Experience Level 
This is a useful exercise for horses and riders that are comfortable with trotting. 
● Pony Club Certification 
This lesson is well-suited for horse/rider pairs at D-3 level or above. 
● Horse Temperament 
This is a great exercise for all horse types.  
● Lesson Preview 
1:00: Walking around while Suzanne explains the lesson 
7:15: Halt, stand up in the stirrups, walk on 
11:15: Walking, around the arena, 20m circle, in both directions 
17:20: Halt, stand up in the stirrups, walk on 
21:15: Trotting, around the arena, in both directions 
28:20: Walking, around the arena, in both directions 
34:00: Trotting, shallow loop, 20m circle, in both directions 
39:30: Walk and pat your horse!

This is a full length preview of a Dressage Test Playbook by Bill McMullin.

For access to all the other USEF Test Playbooks by Bill, start your free trial at ⁠Ride-iQ.com⁠. [Use code BILL for 20% off for the lifetime of your membership. This offer expires soon.]

In this Dressage Test Playbook, USEF 'S' dressage judge Bill McMullin gives you movement-by-movement tips for the 2023 USEF Training Level Test 1 (this is the test that's currently in-use).

Download the 2023 Training Level Test 1

This is a full length preview of a Dressage Test Playbook by Bill McMullin.

For access to all the other USEF Test Playbooks by Bill, start your free trial at ⁠Ride-iQ.com⁠. [Use code BILL for 20% off for the lifetime of your membership. This offer expires soon.]

In this Dressage Test Playbook, USEF 'S' dressage judge Bill McMullin gives an overview of training level. He will discuss the purpose of the level, the training scale, the collective marks, and more. This overview will be referenced in the specific Training Level Playbooks.

This is a preview of Cavaletti Bootcamp: 10 lessons for a fitter, more focused horse with Lisa Hellmer. For access to the full program with Lisa and hundreds of other audio lessons, start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com. [Use code LISA for 20% off for the lifetime of your membership]

Cavaletti on a Circle | Balance, Suppleness & Tempo
9 min walk | 9 min trot | 6 min canter

In this lesson, Lisa Hellmer works to develop balance, suppleness, and a consistent tempo using four cavaletti set on a circle. The exercise progresses from walk to trot to canter while maintaining rhythm and balance through the turns and over the poles. By riding over selected poles, all four poles, and adding circles to the inside or outside after each cavaletti, the exercise encourages better bend, coordination, and adjustability while helping the horse stay relaxed and organized in each gait.

Pre-Ride Video
Watch the demo video before you ride through the lesson.

Exercise Setup
Set four cavaletti evenly spaced on a circle.

Diagram
Setup 
Exercise 1 
Exercise 2 
Exercise 3Exercise 4 

Horse & Rider Suitability
Ideal for riders and horses comfortable working over cavaletti at the walk, trot, and canter.

Arena Size / Specifications
20m x 60m arena

Lesson Breakdown
1:00: Walking around while Lisa explains the lesson

4:30: Walking, ride over the poles on bending lines, both directions

7:30: Trotting, stretchy trot; pick two poles to ride over, both directions

10:00: Cantering, around the poles, one direction

10:30: Trotting, ride over all four poles in working trot

12:00: Cantering, around the poles, same direction

12:30: Trotting, change directions and pick up the canter

13:15: Trotting, ride over all four poles in working trot

14:00: Cantering, around the poles, other direction

14:30: Walking, take a short break

16:30: Trotting, after each pole ride a circle to the inside or outside; alternate circles if desired, one direction

18:00: Cantering, ride over all four poles, same direction

19:00: Trotting, repeat the circle exercise after each pole, other direction

20:00: Cantering, ride over all four poles, same direction

23:00: Trotting, allow the horse to stretch forward and downward on a circle

24:00: Walk and pat your horse!

If you’re bringing along a young horse or looking for a simple, effective way to loosen and supple a more experienced onem, this ride is for you.

By the end of the ride, your horse should feel more attentive, looser through the body, and comfortably moving forward in a steady rhythm.

✅ This lesson is great for…

👉 Young horses learning the basics of flatwork and balance.

👉 Horses that benefit from simple, repeatable exercises to improve suppleness

👉 Riders looking for a structured but low-stress flatwork ride.

👉 Pairs comfortable cantering on a 20m circle.

✅ What to expect:

👉 Clear, straightforward flatwork focused on rhythm and relaxation.

👉 Circles and straight lines in walk, trot, and canter.

👉 Walk–trot transitions to maintain responsiveness and attention.

👉 Short walk breaks to keep the horse mentally and physically fresh.

✅ Where to ride:Jon rides in a standard 20m x 60m arena. Adjust the size of circles or duration of work as needed to suit your horse and space.

✅ Lesson plan:

• 1:00 – Walking: Jon introduces the focus of the ride while walking around the arena.

• 3:30 – Trotting: Ride around the arena, incorporating 20m circles and trot–walk–trot transitions in both directions.

• 11:00 – Walking: Short break; take your feet out of the stirrups and let the horse relax.

• 14:15 – Cantering: Canter around the arena and on a 20m circle in one direction.

• 17:00 – Walking: Short walk break.

• 18:00 – Cantering: Canter around the arena and on a 20m circle in the other direction.

• 20:00 – Walk, pat your horse, and finish on a positive note.

✅ Time spent in each gait:• Walk: 8 minutes• Trot: 8 minutes• Canter: 5 minutes

✅ Meet Your Coach: Jon Holling (Eventing)Jon Holling is a US 5* event rider and coach, ICP Level IV certified, and the US National Safety Officer to the FEI. As a coach, he's easygoing and candid, while delivering clear, thorough coaching that helps riders build confidence and understanding in every ride.

✅ Ready for more?Ride iQ members get unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride lessons, expert Q&As, and a community of riders and top coaches at their fingertips.

✨ Start your 14-day free trial at ⁠⁠Ride-IQ.com⁠⁠ and discover your personal best. ✨

✅ Ride iQ membership includes:
👉 Unlimited on-demand audio lessons: Access to 450+ lessons, with new lessons added every Tuesday.
👉 In-app private podcasts: Entertaining and educational interviews with top riders and experts.
👉 Weekly live virtual Ask An Expert events: Ask questions directly and learn in real time.
👉 Access to the private FB community: A supportive, engaged group with Ride iQ coaches and founders.

Release of Liability:In consideration of my use of this audio lesson provided by Ride iQ, I expressly agree and contract that Ride iQ and its insurers, employees, officers, directors, and associates, shall not be liable for any damages arising from personal injuries (including death) sustained by me or my horse as a result of the use of the audio lesson, regardless of whether such injuries result, in whole or in part, from the negligence of Ride iQ. By using this audio lesson, I accept and assume full responsibility for any and all injuries, damages (both economic and non-economic), and losses of any type, which may occur to me or my horse, and I hereby fully and forever release and discharge Ride iQ, its insurers, employees, officers, directors, and associates, from any and all claims, demands, damages, rights of action, or causes of action, present or future, whether the same be known or unknown, anticipated, or unanticipated, resulting from or arising as a result of the use of said audio lesson. I understand and acknowledge that activities with horses, including the use of this audio lesson, involve risk of serious injury, including permanent disability and death.

✨15-minute lesson preview. To listen to the full lesson and get access to hundreds of other listen-while-you-ride audio lessons with Kyle and other great coaches, just head to Ride-iQ.com to start your 2-week free trial. We'd love to have you!✨

If your horse feels a bit dull to the aids or disconnected after time off, this ride will help sharpen responsiveness and reestablish clarity in your communication. Your coach, Kyle Carter, focuses on leg-yields and stride-length adjustments in both trot and canter to encourage acceptance of the aids, straightness, and balance. You’ll work through thoughtful, repeatable exercises that keep the horse in front of the leg while staying soft in the connection. By the end of the ride, your horse should feel more adjustable, aligned, and tuned in to your aids.

✅ This lesson is great for…
👉 Horses coming back into work after a few days off.
👉 Horses that need clearer acceptance of the leg and connection.
👉 Riders working on straightness, balance, and adjustability.
👉 Pairs comfortable lengthening and shortening the stride in trot and canter.

✅ What to expect:
👉 Clear, systematic flatwork focused on rideability.
👉 Leg-yields used in small doses to improve alignment and responsiveness.
👉 Stride-length adjustments to sharpen the horse’s reaction to the aids.
👉 Regular walk breaks to keep the horse fresh and focused.

✅ Where to ride:
Kyle works in a 20m x 60m arena. Adjust the exercises as needed for your space, making sure you have enough room for leg-yields, circles, and stride adjustments.

✅ Lesson plan:
• Before you start – Walk or hack for 15 minutes to properly warm up.
• 1:00 – Walking: Kyle introduces the focus of the ride and what he’s looking for after a few days off.
• 7:30 – Trotting: Ride around the arena, adding leg-yields a few steps at a time and 20m circles in both directions.
• 14:50 – Walking: Short break while continuing light leg-yields.
• 18:20 – Cantering: Leg-yield toward the rail and work on shortening and lengthening the stride in both directions.
• 25:00 – Walking: Short mental and physical break.
• 30:50 – Trotting: 20m circles with stride-length adjustments in both directions.
• 35:40 – Cantering: Continue stride-length adjustments in both directions.
• 39:00 – Walk, pat your horse, and finish on a positive note.

✅ Time spent in each gait:
• Walk: 16 minutes.
• Trot: 13 minutes.
• Canter: 10 minutes.

✅ Meet Your Coach: Kyle Carter (Eventing)
Kyle Carter is an accomplished international event rider and Olympian known for his humor, candidness, and effective instruction. His training emphasizes clear communication, rideability, and producing horses that are adjustable, balanced, and confident in their work.

✅ Ready for more?
Ride iQ members get unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride lessons, expert Q&As, and a vibrant rider community—all for $29.99/month or $299.99/year.

✨ Start your 14-day free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ride-iQ.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and discover your personal best. ✨

✅ Ride iQ membership includes:
👉 Unlimited Audio Lessons: 450+ lessons with new lessons every Tuesday.
👉 Private Podcasts: Exclusive interviews with top riders and experts.
👉 Weekly Live Ask-An-Expert Events: Get answers from pros every week.
👉 Supportive FB Community: Connect with riders and coaches in an uplifting group.

Please remember to prioritize safety while enjoying your ride. By using this audio lesson, you agree to assume responsibility for any risks associated with riding activities.

In this dressage test playbook, world-renowned dressage judge Peter Gray goes movement-by-movement through the test. He describes how to execute the most accurate test and avoid common mistakes to get the best scores possible.

Meet Your Coach: Peter Gray
Peter was a judge at the 2022 FEI World Championships for Eventing in Pratoni, Italy. He is a Grand Prix dressage rider and coach. He has both ridden in and coached at the Olympics in the sport of eventing.

✨Start your 14-day free trial and get full access to hundreds of lessons and podcast episodes at Ride-iQ.com✨

For just $29.99/month, Ride iQ membership includes:

👉 Unlimited on-demand audio lessons: Access to the Ride iQ mobile app and the complete library of 400+ audio lessons with new lessons added every Tuesday
👉 In-app private podcasts: Ride iQ private podcasts are both entertaining and educational, including interviews with your favorite top riders and experts
👉 Weekly live virtual Ask An Expert events: Members have direct access to a Ride iQ coach or guest expert every week and can ask any questions they have
👉 Access to the private FB community: The camaraderie and sense of community within this group is really something! In addition to awesome riders from all over the country and world, you’ll find Ride iQ coaches and founders here, too!
👉 Invitations to Ride iQ events: These include sponsored course walks, competition parties, and special virtual events. Yeah, you’re a VIP.

For full access, start your 2-week free trial today at Ride-iQ.com.

In this dressage test playbook, world-renowned dressage judge Peter Gray goes movement-by-movement through the test. He describes how to execute the most accurate test and avoid common mistakes to get the best scores possible.

Meet Your Coach: Peter Gray
Peter was a judge at the 2022 FEI World Championships for Eventing in Pratoni, Italy. He is a Grand Prix dressage rider and coach. He has both ridden in and coached at the Olympics in the sport of eventing.

✨Start your 14-day free trial and get full access to hundreds of lessons and podcast episodes at Ride-iQ.com✨

For just $29.99/month, Ride iQ membership includes:

👉 Unlimited on-demand audio lessons: Access to the Ride iQ mobile app and the complete library of 400+ audio lessons with new lessons added every Tuesday
👉 In-app private podcasts: Ride iQ private podcasts are both entertaining and educational, including interviews with your favorite top riders and experts
👉 Weekly live virtual Ask An Expert events: Members have direct access to a Ride iQ coach or guest expert every week and can ask any questions they have
👉 Access to the private FB community: The camaraderie and sense of community within this group is really something! In addition to awesome riders from all over the country and world, you’ll find Ride iQ coaches and founders here, too!
👉 Invitations to Ride iQ events: These include sponsored course walks, competition parties, and special virtual events. Yeah, you’re a VIP.

For full access, start your 2-week free trial today at Ride-iQ.com.