Spurs, worn in pairs, are worn on riding boots and used to help direct a horse’s movement forward and laterally. Although common lore makes everyone think that spurs are used to gouge a horse’s side to make him run like the wind, they should actually be used to refine your leg cues. They are for… Read More Spurs Described
A saddle pad is used to protect a horse’s back during riding. It is usually thicker than a “saddle blanket” and often made of layers of wool, felt, sheepskin, or synthetic materials including gels. A saddle pad is designed to absorb shock, eliminate pressure points, and minimize your horse’s back fatigue. Equally as important, it… Read More The Western Saddle: Saddle Pad
Balance: It is important to understand that to achieve a comfortable and secure seat, the classical rider position is a must. If seated properly, a vertical line can pass down through the rider’s ear, shoulder, hip, and ankle. Your inner ear balance system will tell you that this is a comfortable and secure alignment. Additionally,… Read More The Western Saddle: Seat
Bitless Bridle “Less pain means more brain” The bitless bridle is slowly becoming popular – particularly among natural horse trainers and western riders. However, it is not yet accepted by all disciplines (much like barefoot horses). The world of horse training is very slow to change, and many, many riders equate the bit with absolute… Read More Bitless Bridle
Simple Considerations for Choosing a Horse Bit Before you choose a bit, consider 1. Your horse’s age and dentition: Most beginning trainers think that a horse works his way from a “gentle” bit to a “severe” bit as he gets older and better trained. Actually that is the opposite of what is true. A simple… Read More Choosing a Bit
Proper head and neck position is essential to have the horse ride in a position called self-carriage and collection. Collection is a particular posture adopted by horses which is not only beautiful to look at but one that helps the horses move while bearing weight on their back. (This definitiion comes from a comment by… Read More Training Exercises: Collection
In order for your horse to understand his bit cues or his leg and seat cues he has to be able to feel them. Contact is the amount of surface area where your body or your signal can be felt and the quantitative value of the pressure there. Horses ridden in most English riding activities… Read More Training Theory: Contact