THE FINE ART OF CONTACT

Understanding the biomechanics behind connection Contact is often described as a soft, elastic feel on the reins, but in practice, it’s the visible reflection of what’s happening through the horse’s whole body. True connection doesn’t begin in the hands; it starts in the hindquarters and travels forward through the spine, back, neck, and poll before…

BylizzieDecember 15, 20250Comments

Horse Training

TRAINING SHORTS – STRETCHING

Stretching is often a neglected aspect of flatwork, but really is a great way to end off a session. A quality stretch A quality stretch has your horse’s body in a convex shape with his poll the lowest point, his back lifted, and withers raised. A quality stretch does take time to achieve and usually involves…

BylizzieMay 27, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

DRESSAGE FOR THE SHOWJUMPING HORSE

Text: Shari Michaelis While showjumping might seem like a ‘point and shoot’ discipline to some spectators, a good showjumping round requires much more from the horse than just clearing the jumps. Showjumping demands that the horse is adjustable, flexible, in balance, has straightness in his body and has a good and powerful canter. Working the horse…

BylizzieMay 1, 20210Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

BACK TO BASICS 2

By Charlotte Bastiaanse Contact and connection The m ajority of well-schooled horses ‘accept a contact’ , but what does that actually mean? A misconception as old as time is that if the horse has his head down and nose at the vertical, then he’s accepting the contact . I t’s important to…

BylizzieJune 3, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Training

ASKHQ: WARM-UP

Q: What are the key checkpoints to look out for during the warm-up? A: The key things to establish during your warm-up are as follows: Contact During the warm-up the contact should gradually be taken up by the rider and accepted by the horse. When taking up the contact, you should always strive for a smooth connection…

BylizzieApril 12, 20200Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

ASKHQ: WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT A HORSE IS RESISTING THE CONTACT?

The most obvious sign that a horse has not accepted the contact is resistance. This can be displayed through snatching, falling behind, grabbing and hollowing. Snatching Horses usually snatch at the reins when you grip them too tightly. This can usually be fixed by gently sponging to encourage softness and suppleness. Don’t confuse this with sawing (pulling…

BylizzieDecember 21, 20170Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

WHEN IS A HORSE CONSIDERED ON THE BIT?

The frame in front should reflect the engagement and thoroughness from behind. [dropcap]R[/dropcap]iders in today’s age have lost sight of what it means for a horse to be ‘on the bit’. The expression has become associated with submission and obedience of the horse, and the aesthetic look of the horse with his head down and ‘in…

BylizzieDecember 18, 20170Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training Know How

CREATING CONNECTIONS: WHAT TRUE CONTACT SHOULD FEEL LIKE?

Contact should be seen as a symptom of what is happening behind [dropcap]R[/dropcap]iding can sometimes be an overwhelming minefield of both terminology and analogy, leaving the rider not entirely sure of what they are meant to be striving for. Here we demystify one of the most basic and yet complex concepts: the contact. We discuss what it…

BylizzieNovember 27, 20170Comments

Horse Channel Know How

Choosing the right bit

Pick up the February issue of HQ to see 23 different bitting options [dropcap]T[/dropcap]he bit is seen as the rider’s line of communication to the horse. There is great variety when it comes to bitting options, and we are often left overwhelmed by all the choices. It’s important that we as riders are able to make…

BylizzieJanuary 31, 20170Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

How correct is your contact?

[dropcap]Y[/dropcap]our contact is an essential line of communication to your horse, and for that reason, absolutely essential to get right. A common error from the rider’s side is dropping of the contact and therefore dropping of the communication. One minute you’re providing your horse with information and guiding him, and the next minute you’re not.…

BylizzieMay 31, 20160Comments

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