Q: My horse is generally very forward-going and happy to jump. However, the second you introduce any type of filler she is a nervous wreck. How can I help her with this? A: With these kinds of issues, the best advice is to go back to basics. The first thing to do is revisit simple poles on…
Q: How do you jump a dogleg? A: A dogleg is a curved line from one fence to another to test your control and reactions. They are particularly challenging when they are incorporated into a shorter related distance. By looking towards the second fence in the dogleg when jumping the first, you position your shoulders in…
Horses can carry between 12% and 20% of their body weight, but body weight is not the only factor that decides if it is justified to carry a certain amount of weight. You have to look at the muscles, build and breed of the horse in order to make a safe observation and conclusion. Is the…
Concentrate on keeping the horse uphill before any upward or downward transition [dropcap]U[/dropcap]nless you’re a competitive dressage rider, riding perfect transitions are probably not top of mind. It may not seem like such a big deal if your horse is slightly delayed off the leg or a bit heavy in your hand, but these are subtle…
[dropcap]O[/dropcap]ne of the most irritating things that riders hear is, “You just sit there and the horse does all the hard work.” We may not climb off our horses dripping as though we’ve just run 10km, but undeniably, riding is a form of exercise. Riding involves a lot of core and muscular strength, which should…
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he saying, “A change is as good as a holiday,” is very relevant to the way we work our horses. Including regular outrides in the training schedule provides a mental and physical tonic for horses, and benefits them in numerous ways. Mental benefits “Two consecutive days of training in the arena is as much as most…
Is your horse ready to take the plunge? [dropcap]H[/dropcap]ave you ever wondered why some horses fear water? Eventers and some showjumpers can have a hard time convincing their horses to go through water complexes or over water jumps. A young horse naturally fears puddles, because the position of his eyes on the sides of his head…
The Dutch equestrian sport is known for its expertise. Dutch riders, carriage drivers, breeders, trainers and horses are dominating the world stage. Over the years, the Dutch have gained the knowledge and expertise in training, veterinary care, nutrition, breeding and equestrian management to perform successfully at world-class level. How did they get where they are right now?…
Can arena surface affect the biomechanics of your horse's legs? [dropcap]P[/dropcap]rofessionals are all choosing to install or only work over synthetic mix surfaces – but do these arenas actually make a difference to the horse and your schooling? This month, HQ talks to Peter Morrison, who heads Martin Collins South Africa – equine facility specialists –…
Adele Jooste on Eros Van Hetgestel [dropcap]A [/dropcap]Pole Work and Show-Jumping Clinic was held at Herbie’s Haven Stables, Ruretse, over the weekend of 23rd, 24th, 25thJanuary, 2016 and was kindly hosted by Mrs Bridget O’Neill. The visiting instructor was Tossy Raynor who was accommodated at Bridget’s home. Bridget also collected her and returned her to the…
