BRIDLES, BITS AND BIOMECHANICS

Rethinking what’s ‘normal’ The sight of a horse moving in a bridle, poll flexed, lips gently closed, has long been seen as the mark of advanced schooling and correct work. However, new research into bridle and bit pressure, nerve pathways, and facial anatomy is challenging that assumption, suggesting that many horses perform despite discomfort, rather…

BylizzieAugust 13, 20250Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: TWIST IN THE WRIST

Q: My right wrist twists slightly when I’m riding. How can I train myself to stop this, and how will it affect my horse? A: Many people struggle with uneven hands, so you’re not alone in this. When riding, twisting your wrist can cause problems ranging from heaviness of contact for the horse to avoidance…

BylizzieJune 1, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Training

FLATWORK FEBRUARY #20: GIVE AND RETAKE

As well as being a required movement in many dressage tests, this exercise is a very good test of your horse's self-carriage. In this exercise start by giving your inside rein, then swap to your outside rein and finally give both together. This builds the ask gradually and sets your horse up for success. Once you are…

BylizzieApril 25, 20240Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Training

ASKHQ: STRAIGHT APPROACH

Q: How can I keep my horse straight over fences? Are there any exercises that help with this? A: A straight approach to a fence is very important and the training for this begins on the flat. Until your horse moves evenly into both hands and pushes fairly equally with both hind legs, you’ll struggle to…

BylizzieFebruary 23, 20210Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Training Know How

ASKHQ: WHAT IS A HACKAMORE?

Q: What is a hackamore? A: Many horsemen the world over opt to use a hackamore, particularly when starting a young horse. This is, importantly, not be confused with a mechanical hackamore. The hackamore provides a way of teaching the young horse to respond to the rider’s hands without risk of dulling a sensitive mouth. The…

BylizzieNovember 5, 20200Comments

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

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: 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 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

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Training Know How

ASKHQ: WHAT IS ‘SOFT FEEL’ IN COWBOY DRESSAGE®?

Q: What is 'Soft Feel' in Cowboy Dressage? A: 'Soft Feel' (or 'Fresh Rein') is the guiding principle of Cowboy Dressage® World. It is the wordless, intimate and, for some, spiritual communication between horse and rider. 'Soft Feel' is not only sending a message, but having the sensitivity and awareness to feel and receive the message the…

BylizzieDecember 13, 20190Comments

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