FLATWORK FOUNDATIONS – BUILDING BETTER TRANSITIONS

Smooth, balanced transitions are the hallmark of a well-trained horse and rider partnership. Whether you're preparing for your first dressage test or refining your technique for advanced competition, mastering the art of transitioning between gaits is fundamental to good riding. Yet for many riders (us included!), transitions remain one of the most challenging aspects of…

BylizzieApril 9, 20260Comments

Horse Channel

HEARD AT HQ – SIMON COCOZZA INTERVIEW

In this episode of Heard at HQ, we’re joined by Simon Cocozza, expert equine conditioning specialist and founder of Core Conditioning for Horses, to explore how strength, balance, and body awareness shape better performance, and healthier horses. Simon breaks down what true conditioning actually means, why it’s not just 'exercise,' and how developing a horse’s core,…

BylizzieFebruary 6, 20260Comments

Horse Health Horse Training

TECHNOLOGY IN THE TACK ROOM

What’s worth it, what’s not The equestrian world has entered the digital age, and not just in the show office. From rein tension sensors to girth pressure monitors, heart rate trackers, arena cameras, and motion analysis software, the modern tack room is starting to look more like a laboratory. But for every welfare-driven breakthrough, there’s…

BylizzieSeptember 9, 20250Comments

Horse Channel

HQ GUIDE TO BRIDLE TYPES

Choosing the right fit for comfort and function Not all bridles are created equal, and not every horse benefits from the same design. Here’s a breakdown of the most common bridle types used in modern sporthorse disciplines, along with their key features, intended use, and welfare considerations. 1. Cavesson bridle Description: The most traditional English bridle consists…

BylizzieAugust 18, 20250Comments

Ask HQ

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

Horse Channel

ARE YOU WHERE YOU THOUGHT YOU’D BE?

Resetting training goals By mid-year, it’s easy to feel like you’ve fallen behind. That competition you hoped to enter hasn’t happened. The lateral work you planned to master still feels elusive. Your horse had time off. You had time off. And now, as winter settles in, it’s tempting to believe the year has slipped away. But…

BylizzieJuly 18, 20250Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: WINTER WARM-UP

Q: My horse is stiff to warm up in winter—should I be concerned? A: Mild stiffness during cold weather is common, particularly in older horses or those with underlying joint issues. Cold temperatures can affect joint fluid viscosity and muscle flexibility, making the warm-up phase even more critical. Begin with a longer walk period, incorporating gentle lateral…

BylizzieJune 16, 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

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: MIRRORS FOR FLATWORK

Q: How do I use mirrors to improve my flatwork? A: Mirrors are handy and can act like your eyes on the ground to not only see what your horse is doing but also to correct yourself. You can use them in so many different ways, and they can help you to see what you are…

BylizzieFebruary 22, 20250Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: STRUGGLING WITH MY HORSE’S TRAINING

Q: I’m really struggling with my horse’s training. I’m too embarrassed to admit to anyone that I’m having trouble, but I can tell the other liveries at our yard judge me when my horse plays up. I don’t know what to do and feel like giving up. Do you have any suggestions? A: We’re sorry to…

BylizzieFebruary 21, 20250Comments

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