How Can the Way You Ride Help Your Horse Relax?

The way you ride can influence how your horse moves and responds.

Rhythm, breathing, posture and the feel of the horse underneath you can tell you a lot. Your horse is responding to your balance, position and the way you prepare, as well as the aid itself.

Where are you looking? Has your balance changed? Do you notice any tension in your seat?

Your horse may already be responding before you give the aid.

Try this when you ride

Choose something familiar to you and your horse, perhaps a circle or a series of transitions .

As you prepare, notice your focus, position and intention before you give the aid.

Is your horse listening to you, or are they focused on their surroundings?

Can you ask them a question to restart the conversation?

How does your horse respond?

Continue with Rider Know How

What else might your horse be responding to before you give an aid?

Week Two of Rider Know How looks more closely at influence and energy: your focus, position and intention, and how these can influence the way your horse responds.

There are practical coaching sessions and exercises to try with your horse.

Continue with Week Two of Rider Know How