What really happens when a horse ‘engages’ Ask ten riders to define collection, and you may hear ten different answers: “The horse carries more weight behind,” “He lifts his shoulders,” “She sits more,” or “It’s self-carriage.” While these phrases capture aspects of the concept, true collection is rooted in biomechanics — and understanding what actually…
The core in a horse is just as important as it is in humans. Yet, relative to the emphasis most gym goers place on these muscle groups, most horse owners spend comparatively little time focusing on the horse's core. Unfortunately, this often leads to our horses moving incorrectly and using unhealthy movement patterns to compensate…
Q: I just can't sit the sitting trot. How can I improve this? Answered by Elena Jankowitz A: The sitting trot is challenging for everyone and there are numerous factors that can make it difficult to sit. The important point to remember is that the trot has a moment of suspension when none of the hooves are…
Q: I have a tendency to tilt forwards and arch my back when I ride. How can I learn to sit up straighter, with a straighter back? A: Tilting forwards and arching the back can be related issues. Arching of the back can cause a rider to tilt forwards and make it easier for your…
Your workouts out of the saddle should include cardio and core training [dropcap]W[/dropcap]hile we tirelessly put hours into training and maintaining our horses, we seldom remember to look after ourselves. Our horses are athletes – there’s no doubt about it – and riders work hard to make sure that they are trained correctly, fed a careful…
