Every equestrian values a calm, trustworthy, and safe horse. In riding schools, competition arenas, and everyday livery yards, horses that stand quietly, tolerate noisy environments, and never react to pressure are often praised as “bombproof” or “so good.” However, not all quiet horses are relaxed. There is a critical psychological distinction between a horse that …
Read more “Calm or Compliant? Learned Helplessness in Horses”
We’ve all heard the “old school” riding advice. Perhaps you were even one of the many riders taught to ride while imagining – or literally holding – tennis balls between your knees and the saddle. The logic was simple: if you grip hard enough, you won’t fall off. However, as our understanding of rider biomechanics …
Read more “Beyond the Tennis Ball: Why Gripping with Your Knees is Blocking Your Progress”
When I learned to ride – long, long ago – I had a few lessons in a field (there was no formal arena at the stables I went to). I wore welly boots, borrowed a hat, and wore ordinary trousers and t-shirts, although I did also have a bodywarmer that I loved and thought looked …
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being in sync with your horse, a true partnership where unspoken conversations flow effortlessly. But achieving that harmony isn’t always straightforward. Effective communication, both in and out of the saddle, is the cornerstone of a successful and happy partnership. It’s about speaking their language, not confusing them with …