A horse that bolts in the warm-up ring can turn an ordinary competition day into a serious test of judgment. The first few strides may look like fresh energy,…
Posts
How to Handle a Horse That Bolts in the Warm-Up
The quiet magic of a perfect dressage halt
A dressage halt lasts only a few seconds, yet it can hold the entire story of a test. The horse steps forward from the final movement, the rider gathers the…
Why I Always Carry a Spare Set of Reins
There are plenty of things I remember packing before a horse trial: boots polished the night before, safety vest, medical armband, snacks that will probably…
What The Placing Judge Sees That I Don’t
From the saddle, an eventing round feels like a series of immediate problems. Is my horse listening? Did I prepare the turn? Are we going to make the distance?…
The art of giving your horse a quiet night before a big day
The evening before a horse trial can feel strangely important. The entries are checked, the tack is cleaned, the route has been studied, and the alarm is set…
Rebuilding Your Confidence After A Spooky Fence
A spooky fence can occupy far more space in a rider’s mind than it does in the arena. The actual moment may last only a few seconds: your horse sees something…
Why I keep a “good ride” list on my phone
My phone contains the usual collection of photos, messages, weather screenshots, and half-finished notes. It also contains a running list with a deliberately…
What a quiet water bucket taught me after cross-country
The horse had just finished a fast, demanding cross-country run, and every part of him suggested that water should be the first thing on his mind. His coat was…
A better stretch for your back, in and out of the saddle
Riding can make the back look strong and composed while asking it to do a surprising amount of work. A horse’s movement travels through the rider’s seat,…
How to Teach Your Horse to Wait at the Start Box
The start box can make a calm horse feel suddenly electric. The atmosphere is different from home: speakers crackle, numbers are called, spectators gather near…