A close up image of the letter B of the dressage arena while the sun sets

ASKHQ: COUNTER-CANTER

Q: What is counter-canter and why is it worth practising? Counter-canter is when a horse deliberately canters on the outside lead. For example, the horse canters on the left lead on a right-hand circle, or the right lead on a left-hand loop. In ordinary canter work, the horse’s leading leg matches the direction of travel;…

BylizzieDecember 13, 20250Comments

Horse Training

CIRCLES

The wonders of circles Dressage is all about suppleness. Without consistent bend throughout your horse’s body lots of exercises become difficult and you’ll struggle to get a respectable dressage score. Here we give you two simple exercises that you can work on that will ultimately help to improve your circles: Spice it up: Circles are…

BylizzieOctober 23, 20250Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: DIFFERENT SADDLES

Q: What are the differences between jumping, dressage and general purpose (GP) saddles? A: Here's an overview of the key differences between these three types of saddle: Jumping saddles Purpose: Jumping saddles are designed for showjumping or cross-country, where the rider needs to maintain a secure and balanced seat while navigating jumps. Key features: Flatter seat: Jumping…

BylizzieJuly 7, 20250Comments

Horse Health

CRACKING HOOVES – THEY’RE NO JOKE

Hoof cracks are a common but often overlooked issue in our equine companions. Many of us are guilty of trivialising these issues, with ‘It’ll grow out’ or ‘It’s just because of the nails’, but we need to remember that the hooves are vital living tissues that must be taken care of. As the old and oft-repeated…

BylizzieMarch 13, 20250Comments

Ask HQ Horse Breed Horse Channel Horse Training

ASKHQ: THE TROT-UP

Q: How do you trot up a horse correctly? A: A veterinary inspection commonly involves leading a horse in a walk and a trot, so that the vet can check for any lameness issues. A trot up is a common part of the vetting for a horse; is required if your horse goes lame for any…

BylizzieFebruary 19, 20210Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Training

ASKHQ: MOTIVATION WITH YOUNG HORSES

Q: How can I stay motivated when working with young horses? A: Working with young or green horses can be an incredibly challenging experience and it is easy to become demotivated or despondent. Personally, I love working with the youngsters – I see them as a clean slate; a blank canvas ready to be painted! However,…

BylizzieFebruary 14, 20210Comments

Ask HQ Horse Health Horse Training

ASKHQ: SEPARATION ANXIETY

Q: My horse won’t walk away from the barn to work, as he doesn’t want to leave his friends behind. How can I manage this? A: This is most likely a case of separation anxiety, which is common and natural. No matter how much we domesticate or even isolate horses, they are inherently herd animals. It…

BylizzieFebruary 13, 20210Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel

ASKHQ: STRETCH IT OUT

Q: What is the best way to shorten my reins after allowing my horse to stretch? Asked by Kath Harrison A stretch is often a surprisingly difficult movement for a horse to perform. In order to stretch and regather well, a horse must be truly in balance. If your horse struggles to balance or accept the bit…

BylizzieOctober 12, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Training

ASKHQ: STRETCHING OUT

Q: My horse tosses his head when he comes up from a stretch? Why is this? Asked by Kath Harrison A: A stretch is often a surprisingly different movement for a horse to perform. In order to stretch and regather well, a horse must be truly in balance. If your horse struggles to balance or accept the…

BylizzieMay 14, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel

ASKHQ: WEIGHT AIDS

Q: What are the weight aids? My instructor often asks me to use my weight as an aid, and I am unsure exactly what this means. I feel very unbalanced if I try to lean to one side or the other. A: The weight aids are a large part of your seat aids and the seat…

BylizzieApril 11, 20200Comments

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