Shutting down is a self preservation method in prey animals. They aren’t learning. They are complying to survive.

Ride a downward transition on an exhale.

when the horse isn’t happy in the mouth, it affects the movement of the entire body creating compensation.

You have to give to get. If your horse is leaning on the rein, taking more rein is not the answer. This is a working sport.

You don’t have to canter everyday to train a good canter. You do have to ride excellent upward and downward transitions in all gaits

My phone. I know this wasn’t what you were expecting. But let me point out a few things. The slow motion video function! It is such a great tool to see if your horse is moving evenly in all limbs, landing heel first, reaching from its hind leg. You can use aps such as coaches eye, measures, pic stitch to instantly check angles and compare images. You can get robot cameras that use your phone and monitor your riding. Videos and pictures are easier to get. Less set up and prep

Reactive is not the same as responsive A reactive horse is one that is stuck in survival mode. They are in a constant state of anxiety. They don’t trust their rider/handler to make good decision on their behalf. The horse doesn’t have a good leader and feels the need to react in the name of self preservation. A responsive horse is a secure animal that is easily adjustable and ready to execute the request of the rider/handler. These horses have found a trusted herd leader and

Don’t underestimate the power of just practicing standing tied. During all this wet weather in Texas it has been hard to get horses worked. But having them stand tied while you groom, feed, clean or sit and read a book has many positive effects for your horse. A horse that can stand tied patiently is easier to haul, doctor, and groom. So don’t let the wet weather stop you from working on some basics.

Bonsai Trimmers

This is what an improvement in diet, exercise, feet and pain relief can do in 7 weeks. Even at 24yrs old.

Patience makes progress. Rushing anything only gets you to the wrong destination more quickly. Your horse did not learn bad habits overnight. You did not learn bad habits overnight. You can’t fix either in a day, a week, a month. You need to set your goals with a long term mindset....“In a year from now I would like to be better at x.” Then you work to improve 1% each ride. Figure out what puzzle pieces need to be developed to achieve your goal. Be patient. Each piece take

Support the horse from the hoof up. Learn about the horse from the inside out. Ride the horse from the hind leg forward.

Sidepass. In a perfect world your horse is bent the direction they are traveling. They have their shoulders slightly leading. Their legs are crossing deeply under their body.

DQ’s are learning opportunities! Education isn’t free.

I am so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to learn from Ida Hammer I’m a closet hoof nerd.

Do not forget to get your questions or topics to me by June 1st!

“Lessons in Lightness“ by Mark Russell. Contributions by Jillian Kreinbring.

Here is a slow motion video of canter. See if you can see the three beats and the suspension phase.

Let’s learn footfall sequence of canter

Big hides bad. Big is easier.