Understanding how a trot works helps us ride it better! A trot is a two-beat gait, meaning the horse’s hooves hit the ground at two distinct points. In this video, I break it down so you can see these different phases of the trot. Many English riders “post” a trot. Posting means rising up out of the saddle for one beat of the trot and sitting for the next. You can see me does this movement with Noah in the video. A “diagonal,” something that confuses many beginners, simply refers to which front leg of the horse you are following. For example, if you are posting on the right diagonal, you will come out of the saddle when the horse’s front right leg is moving forward. On the left, you rise with the left front leg. The “correct” diagonal is to rise and fall with the leg on the wall!
Watch the video to see in detail everything I’m talking about here. Enjoy!
This video is a start for beginners in understanding basic upward transitions. An upward transition is from a slower gait to a faster one, like walk to trot or trot to canter.
Aids are how we communicate a riding request to our horses. This video introduces the basic concept, and the first fundamental aids.
Today we have the lovely Patty to show us how to put on a western saddle (I learned a lot filming this video!) Enjoy ;)
Your horse has a weird mark on him, and you call up the vet to ask about it. “It’s a big red spot on that part of his leg below the knobby joint. You know, the short part of the leg.” Just not going to work, is it? That’s why it’s very helpful to know all the parts of your horse! This video walks you through the names for all the common parts of the horse. Enjoy :D
-Ali
In this video, I show you how to properly measure a horse, explain what “hands” are, and what the difference is between a horse and a pony!
A dressage whip is a very useful artificial aid, but it can be a bit unwieldy to switch it from hand to hand. This video shows you how to smoothly change hands with you dressage whip!
In this video, I show you how to properly lunge a horse. Lunging is a great way to exercise a horse, as well as work on communication.
Equipment needed:
- lunge line
- bridle
- watch for timing workout
- saddle if desired
- side reins if desired
- make sure you’re properly dressed too!
Remember, small circles can be tough on a horse’s joints, so you really shouldn’t lunge for more that about 30 minutes.
Reins aids aren’t just a matter of pulling–HOW you pull is very important. The goal is to apply pressure straight back on the bit, rather than push down or yank up. By keeping the bit, your wrists and elbows all in a straight line, you maintain the most control over your rein aid and also engage the biggest and strongest muscles (your back muscles) rather than trying to rely on your biceps/arm muscles.
I’ve had a lot of questions on how to correctly do a half-halt; this video shows you how to properly so all rein aids, including half halts.
Now, don’t be afraid to practice this motion a lot in the mirror to begin with, or have someone video you practicing in the saddle. Seeing myself in this video and where I get my arms or back out of alignment is really helping me improve ;)
Happy trails!
This video shows you how to figure eight a bridle, or wrap it up so all the loose ends are tied up. Thank you to the reader who suggested I make this video! Great idea ;)
