Learn what western pleasure judges are looking for and see some of the common faults of gait that you should avoid with your western pleasure horse.
Watch more horse videos...
The canter’s rocking-horse, three-beat rhythm presents a problem for novice riders trying to master their position at this gait. In trot, the rider’s body position remains stable since the horse’s head and neck don’t move in this two-beat gait....
Q: I am working with a Thoroughbred hunter/jumper prospect. When we jump crossrails, he’s fine. But when we try small verticals he bolts to the jumps and then kicks his heels in the air. How can I help him...
It can be tempting to saddle up your horse on the first warm day of spring and go for a long ride. However, assuming your horse has been out of work all winter, he’s not only lost muscle tone,...
Shifting the shoulders at the trot to correct a horse that overbends at the neck
Ellen demonstrates how to get better control of your outside rein and stop pulling on the inside rein by turning the horse’s shoulders. She moves...
Here, Ellen rides Tvauri forward and sideways in approximately equal measures, while keeping his body parallel to the long sides of the arena; his forehand is correctly slightly in advance of his hindquarters.The aids to leg-yield from left to...
Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Reese Koffler-Stanfield instructs student Ellen Wall on her Dutch Warmblood gelding, Tvauri. Reese has Ellen start with a light aid to ask Tvauri to move forward; if he doesn’t respond instantly, Ellen must...
First-time reining event contestants are eager to compete and eager to learn how to perform better. Reining competitions can be stressful, however, for even the seasoned competitor. To better prepare newcomers as they get ready for their first reining...
Q: My mare is forward and willing when we’re jumping, but on the flat she’s developed a bad attitude. Much of the time she ignores my leg, so I carry a crop. But if I use it, she bucks....
Saddle seat riders are drawn to flashy, energetic horses that love to show off in the ring. But over time, a repetitive training regimen can drain some of that excitement. Incorporate the following techniques in your riding sessions to...
