ASKHQ: HOW TO STOP REPLAYING WHAT WENT WRONG

Q: How do I stop replaying my mistakes after a show? I obsess over everything I did wrong. A: Post-show rumination is incredibly common and generally unhelpful. Yes, you should review your performance to identify learning points, but there's a difference between productive analysis and destructive obsessing. Productive review follows a structure: What went well? What…

BylizzieMarch 10, 20260Comments

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ASKHQ: CAN YOU LEARN TO BE CONFIDENT?

Q: My trainer says I need to 'just be confident,' but I don't know how to make myself feel confident. Can confidence be learned? A: Absolutely, confidence can be developed systematically. While 'just be confident' isn't helpful advice, understanding that confidence comes from competence, preparation, and experience gives you a roadmap. Build competence: Genuine confidence comes…

BylizzieMarch 4, 20260Comments

Horse Channel

ASKHQ: ANXIOUS TO RETURN TO A SHOW AFTER A BAD EXPERIENCE

Q: I had a bad experience at a show, and now I'm terrified to go back. How do I rebuild confidence? A: Recovering from a negative experience requires patience and a graduated approach. Your brain has learned 'shows equal danger,' and you need to carefully teach it otherwise. Pushing too hard too fast can reinforce…

BylizzieMarch 3, 20260Comments

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ASKHQ: MY NERVES MAKE ME HOLD MY BREATH WHEN I RIDE

Q: My nerves make me breathe shallowly and hold my breath. How do I remember to breathe properly while riding? A: Breath holding under stress is incredibly common and significantly impacts performance. When you hold your breath, you tense your core, stiffen your seat, and restrict your horse's movement. Your brain also receives less oxygen,…

BylizzieMarch 1, 20260Comments

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ASKHQ: STRENGTHENING THE LOWER LEG

Q: How can I go about strengthening my lower leg? A: Many of us have issues with our lower leg when riding. It might be that we struggle to keep our heels down, or our lower leg slips back when jumping or even that we regularly lose our stirrups. The four exercises outlined here are…

BylizzieJuly 28, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: RIDING FREQUENCY

Q: I only ride three times a week. Can I still make progress? A: Yes — consistency matters more than frequency. Three focused, thoughtful rides a week can bring about real progress if you set clear goals. Use one day for fitness (e.g. hacking or polework), one for schooling (flat or jumping), and one for…

BylizzieJuly 24, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: IMPROVING CANTER TRANSITIONS

Q: What’s the best way to improve my horse’s canter transitions? A: Quality trot creates a quality transition so focus on straightness, impulsion, and rhythm in the trot before you ask for the canter. No horse can canter easily from a disorganised and messy trot. Use exercises like trot–walk–trot to sharpen responsiveness, and try for…

BylizzieJuly 24, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: FORWARD WHILE HACKING, BEHIND THE LEG IN THE ARENA

Q: My horse is really forward out hacking, but behind the leg in the arena. Why is that? A: It’s likely about mental engagement, not just energy levels. Out hacking, your horse has changing scenery, new footing, and a natural forward draw — they’re alert and interested. In the arena, especially when the work is…

BylizzieJuly 23, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: HILL WORK

Q: How can I safely introduce hill work into my training routine? A: Hill work is an excellent way to build topline, strengthen hindquarters, and improve overall balance, but it must be introduced thoughtfully. Start with walking up gentle slopes, focusing on straightness and rhythm. Avoid trotting or cantering hills until the horse develops the strength…

BylizzieJune 16, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: DENTAL ISSUES LEADING TO RIDING PROBLEMS

Q: Is it true that dental issues can cause riding problems? A: Absolutely. Dental discomfort is a common but often overlooked cause of resistance, contact issues, head tossing, and even performance drops. Sharp enamel points, hooks, or uneven wear can interfere with bit acceptance and create pain when pressure is applied. Horses with dental issues may also…

BylizzieJune 16, 20250Comments

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