FDTH Virtual Clinic Blogazine

LLM: Lateral Leg Yielding: Liberty part 1

2012-02-08T09:24:00.000-05:00

In case you are wondering what LLM is, It stands for Liberty, Line, Mounted. This next few post will be about using that progression to introduce Lateral work and Leg Yield from the Liberty exercises, to On Line (or In Hand) to Mounted. It's a really fun and flowing way to introduce any new communication to a horse and it make for an often lively conversation! The first video addresses Liberty warm up for this of movement.
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Lots of stuff!

2012-01-28T19:04:00.000-05:00

I wanted to let everyone know some of the current and upcoming events in the coming months. First off all, The St. Vincent's Caribbean Clinic is coming up February 28th. This is an amazing clinic with Stina Herberg and Myself is paradise with her horses! It is magical! We work with Carolyn Resnick's Waterhole Rituals, Yoga and Meditation for riding and transitioning to riding from Liberty work. This clinic is especially good for fearful or traumatized riders. I can't express what an amazing experience it is. We are offering an early bird sign up with a savings of 10% on this already great value. Go here to sign up and get detailed info http://fdhorsetraining.com/Showschedule.html check out a video from the last one http://youtu.be/UbRt-d23b4w

In other news, I am now able to offer playshop intensives at Back Acres Farm in MA. There is accomodation available for you and your horse on site or near by. You can come and work with me for 1-3 days in small groups. You do not need to have a horse. You can lease one if needed. These are arranged by request and demand so If you would like more info about this Contact me here.

Also keep and ear out for clinics in CT as it gets warmer. So far I will be tentively scheduled to do clinics in the UK, Washington, New Zealand and Australia for 2012. Contact me for more info or to find out about having a clinic in your area.

I have currenty available The New Zealand Clinic video and the Going Bitless class video for sale here http://fdhorsetraining.com/FDTIinstruction.html
It's a great way to experience the clinic or classes if you couldn't make them.

Last but not least keep an eye out for the new website launch and the on Demand Video Library coming soon! It will feature exercises in my Liberty-Line-Mounted progression with and emphasis on building Connection-Communication-Calm Leadership. Hope to see you soon in the virtual world or the real one!

http://fdhorsetraining.com/

Goal Setting and Visualization

2012-01-12T21:59:00.000-05:00

FDTH in New Zealand...Cool!

Here is the first exercise of the New Year. Every year at this time I like to evaluate where I've been and where I'd like to go in the coming year.

It's been an amazing year for me with lots of travel and meeting incredible horses and their people.

Mercury and I have had our usual fun and adventures with a year of careful rehabbing and training us back to full fitness again. He had a year off previously due to injury. We did our first Demo together and he was the Star of the show as he likes to be always.

As I look to the year ahead, I see Mercury and I going back to the show ring and exploring deeper connection and partnership as always. Making up new fun games and my goal of Dancing with horses even more! Whether it be at Liberty or Riding.There is also more travel in the year ahead to new places, people, and horses. I have a deep sense of gratitude to be able to do all the things I do.

The exercise is to write down what you did in the last year with your horse or otherwise, how far you've come and what you are thankful for. Acknowledge your successes and write what you might carry on to the next year as a work in progress. Once you've done that, write any new goals that you would like to achieve with your riding, liberty or connection (or otherwise). Keep that paper or file so you can look at it next year in January and see what happens. That's it! Happy New year! You will reach your goals....

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Announcing: Going Bitless online class info

2011-12-27T21:13:00.000-05:00

Yes you too could own this sexy Zebra bitless
bridle for your horse!

The Next Going Bitless online class will start January 1st running through January 30th with the first videos to be released for personal practice followed by a Skype Q&A session a week. This class is suitable for beginner (horses and riders) as well as the addition of intermediate exercises in this class for those who have done the class or are further ahead. It is suitable for all disciplines as well.
You will have the week to get signed up and review and practice the first exercises. Additional video exercises will be sent out each week with call recordings for the people who could not attend or to review info. The Skype Q&A answer session will be held Mondays at 7pm EST. If you have not downloaded Skype click here to get it. Otherwise, if you cannot make the calls or can't get Skype, You may post questions to the Blog or Email them through my Website. If you have a Youtube channel, you can send me links to your uploaded videos from your channel for evaluation. If you have another video host you use, that is fine too. I only need to be able to view them through the links to share with me for evaluation. If you need more help with this or have more questions contact me. The cost of the online clinic will be of $150.00 payable through my site (click here to sign up and pay). If you would prefer to audit the class it is $100.00. This offers you access to all videos exercises and Skype call replays as well as email in questions to be answered on the calls.
To Purchase my Side Pull Bitless bridle click here.

Here is how the class will work:
1. Sign up by paying through Paypal. (click here to sign up and pay)
2. Add me through your Skype contacts search Farah.Dejohnette or Farah DeJohnette Horsemanship
3. Once you have signed up and I have your email, You will receive the links to the weeks video lessons.
4. Speak to me on the weekly Skype call to have questions answered and get feedback on videos.
5. Post questions on the blog or email them to me here if you don't or can't access Skype.

http://fdhorsetraining.com/
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Liberty-Line-Mounted exercise: Turn on the Forehand

2011-11-26T20:19:00.001-05:00

Here is another exercise that will easily flow applying my Liberty-Line-Mounted progression.

Turn on the Forehand (or Yield the hindquarters) is a movement that has a variety of applications.

It is a Suppling exercise, A strengthening exercise, a way to learn how to request the hind legs of the horse one at a time. It is also a very basic way to present the idea of moving sideways as opposed to forward (off of a "Touch Cue") or what is otherwise known a a Leg Yield.

As always, Introducing a Language, Concept or Exercise at Liberty is always a great way to improve your Connection, Body language, trust, and learn how to read your horses responses and natural ability, fitness and strength level. I prefer to see a horse try a movement when he is unencumbered with tack or a rider to see what his true level, natural movement and flexibility is. Then I can go on to the Line or In-Hand work departing from this place and not push the horse beyond his comfort level. After that, on to Mounted if it is appropriate.

A Turn on the Forehand is when a horse keeps his front feet in one spot and cross steps his hind legs around in a circle 90, 180, or 360 degrees.

There are two ways approach this at Liberty. The first is simply to use Eye Contact to draw to horse around 360 degrees on the spot he stands. If you have worked on your horse keeping his eye on you when you move this will be easy. You would start by standing directly in front of your horse and going to the left or right in a circle around his body working toward his tail a safe distance away. You make a circle around your horse slowly. Clucking sometimes helps if they wont look or moving them a step or two and starting again. Done correctly, the horse will pivot on the spot crossing his hind legs creating a Turn on the Forehand in his effort to keep his Eye(s) on you.

If your horse has not learned to yet keep an eye on you, then another way to do this at Liberty is to stand close to your horse while he is free and place your hand on bridge of his nose. For example, If you were on your horses left, you would take your Left hand on their nose and step around toward their hip. You can then add a touch of the hip or flank (you may not even need to). I actually like to touch where my leg will go with my hand to make an "Association exercise" The horse will learn to associate that touch where the leg will go later with my leg when I am mounted.

Once you and your horse have a good understanding of this at Liberty, you can put your bridle or halter on and go through the same sequence with a feel on and off the rein or line. If my horse is on a line, I can apply the Eye Contact exercise again while keeping a long slack in the line so the horse can move on the pivot freely.

If I want to use a hand on the rein (which would be similar to hand on the bridge of the nose), I would stand in that same position on the left side of the horse with my left hand on the left rein instead of the nose and touch where my leg would go or the hip/flank (if necessary and add a cluck). Remember to release the signal as soon as the horse tries or responds. Go to the other side when ready and remember one side is always a little more difficult than the other and this is a good way to see that and help your horse become more strong and flexible in a gentle way.

If you are doing so well with this you feel ready to do it mounted, go ahead and give it a try. At this point your horse will feel confident in the exercise and will understand your Ground Touch and the feel of a rein or Line. Once you are on and ready to try it. Touch you horses side a little further then behind the cinch or girth with you leg and cluck if necessary. (you can also turn your body in the direction left if you are using left leg or vice versa) One step over is plenty to reward and build up from there.

Remember to go slow and go back to easier levels if it is getting too difficult. Have fun and patience!

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FDTH Online Bitless video class update

2011-11-11T09:24:00.001-05:00

I am really pleased with how this first class is going! Here is a sample of the Intro to Going Bitless online Virtual Clinic class on starting or transitioning to Bitless riding. I will be offering this class again as well as an Intermediate, and Advanced class. I will keep you posted on this. This video will be available for sale soon if you just want to work at your own leisure and pace.

Link to video

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Announcing: Going Bitless class info

2011-10-26T00:09:00.000-04:00

The Introduction to Going Bitless online class will start November 1st running through November 28th with the first videos to be released for personal practice followed by a Skype Q&Asession a week. You will have the week to get signed up and review and practice the first exercises. The Skype Q&A answer session will be held at a time to be determined. Sunday or Monday AM or PM times are available by popular choice so let me know in the comments section what time of those two days may work best. If you have not downloaded Skype click here to get it. Otherwise, if you cannot make the calls or can't get Skype, You may post questions to the Blog or Email them through my Website. If you have a Youtube channel, you can send me links to your uploaded videos from your channel for evaluation. If you have another video host you use, that is fine too. I only need to be able to view them through the links to share with me for evaluation. If you need more help with this or have more questions contact me. The cost of the online clinic will be an Introductory rate of $150.00 payable through my site (click here to sign up and pay). To Purchase my Side Pull Bitless bridle click here.

Here is how the class will work:
1. Sign up by paying through Paypal. (click here to sign up and pay)
2. Add me through your Skype contacts search Farah.Dejohnette or Farah DeJohnette Horsemanship
3. Once you have signed up and I have your email, You will receive the links to the weeks video lessons.
4. Speak to me on the weekly Skype call to have questions answered and get feedback on videos.
5. Post questions on the blog or email them to me here if you don't or can't access Skype.

http://fdhorsetraining.com/
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New! Upcoming class: Going Bitless

2011-09-30T21:05:00.000-04:00

I'm too sexy in my Zebra Bitless Bridle!

After getting an inspired thought from a fellow horse lover, I am offering an online Bitless Bridle Class in the next few weeks. This class will introduce exercises and concepts for not just starting and transitioning to a Bitless Bridle but also improving your communication with any equipment. A good prerequisite would be Carolyn Resnick's Waterhole Rituals but it is not a necessity. It would also be beneficial if you have purchased one of my Buckaroo Bitless Side pulls. This is what I will be using in the classes for the feel I prefer. If you have one you and your horse already like, by all means keep using it. The lessons will apply to all types and configurations of Bitless bridles. I do most of my training, ground and mounted bitless, if not with my Liberty Rein used in conjunction.

Going Bitless is a personal choice and should be made because it feels right for you and your horse. I often train horses that go in bits in competition, Bitless until we have to compete. It is a nice way to keep the horses light and responsive in the bridle. I have found horses that will not accept a bit due to mouth issues or facial pain that a Bitless bridle is suitable for. Some horses just plain can't or wont accept a bit. Bitless is often the best option for these horses.

It is my personal belief that most if not all horses can go Bitless with time, patience and proper training as well as any discipline of horse. English or Western. I also believe that higher and advanced levels of riding can be done with a bitless bridle.

There are many Bitless options out there. I chose to work with Buckaroo Leather on a customized version on their existing Side Pull design after seeing the already nice line of Side Pulls they had. I had something in mind for many years and Buckaroo was able to help that design come to fruition (who else could make me Leopard and Zebra Bridles :D!). I never could find a bitless bridle that gave me a feel and communication that my horses and I both liked until now. Buckaroo offers many fun styles with bling and silver too so there is a style for everyone! Not many other Bitless bridles come in as many style options.

As for particulars of the class, I would like to offer this on Skype with video instruction if this is agreeable to most people. Skype is free and has a video option which you don't have to use if you don't want to but is nice for more live face to face interaction. If you don't have Skype it is simple and free to get and use for anyone anywhere in the world. Get Skype here I will update with more details on this upcoming class after I get back from the UK Clinics! Look for more announcements and details after October 17th. In the mean time here is my Bitless Bridle video Playlist to tide you over! : )
http://www.youtube.com/user/FDHorsetraining#grid/user/0A3C2341E9EBA6FB

Here is a link to a past post I wrote on Bitless riding for those interested.
http://fdhorsetraining.blogspot.com/2010/08/bitless-why-i-do-it.html

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Half circle pattern

2011-09-16T22:30:00.000-04:00

Here is a nice pattern to work on balance, bend and transitions with your horse. Your circle can be from 15-20 meters (45-60ish ft). At each half (use the same spot each time to do the transitions, cones or dressage letters are helpful) you are going to do a transition. A transition can be a halt to walk, walk to trot, trot to canter, to halt, to trot etc. or any combination there of. Your goal is to change in the same spots each time and keep your horses' body on and as close to the shape of the circle. You are also trying to keep your circle as consistent is shape and size as possible. This is good for Energetic and low energy horses alike. If your horse goes way off the circle, leg yield him back to it or if he can't do that yet, guide him back to the circle until he understands the pattern. A nice progression to start with is energetic walk-halt-walk until it's easy. Then trot to walk to trot until easy and so on. If you have a very energetic horse you can use quarter circle transitions. Move on to canter when you feel the others a easy. More advanced riders can do lengthen stride to collected stride or trot or canters to halt. Have fun and let me know how it goes!
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Pole stride length exercise

2011-09-01T23:45:00.001-04:00

This weeks exercise is for learning how to feel your horses' stride length at the walk, trot and eventually canter.

You can do this at Liberty, in hand, and mounted. First you will set up two poles on a straight line 20, 30, or 40 feet apart. Establish a good walk rhythm and then walk over both the poles three times and count how many strides are BETWEEN the two poles. Start counting the number of steps ONLY after you are completely over the first pole and STOP counting BEFORE you go over the second pole. This is important and takes practice.

You want to count 3 times because you want to get an average number of strides for your working gait. Once you have established that number you can set about lengthening your horses stride around the arena by asking with your legs and allowing the energy you create to come through your hips. Get what you think is a longer stride before you go through the poles and then go through them and count the same way as you did before. What you will find is, the number of stride will go down as the stride lengthens. For example if your working walk gave you ten strides in between the poles on average, when you successfully lengthen the stride, It would go down to 9 or possibly 8. The same would go for collecting or shortening the strides between the poles but the opposite. The number will go up ie. 11-12 strides because you can fit more in between the poles.

The role of the poles is to give you instant feedback about the whether the stride actually changed or not. If you keep getting the same number of strides make a bigger change as you go around your ring and experiment. Don't worry if your horse breaks gait. You may be at their maximum ability for now. Try to get the longer stride 3 times in a row, but if it is too difficult, work up to it. It will get better with practice. At Liberty, you can practice this in Companion movement. On line, you can walk or trot with your horse next to you. Once you have it at the walk, try it at the trot and when it is easy try it at the canter. Try to get it smooth and rhythmic as possible by the end. Don't worry if it's a bit inconsistent at first. Practice and repetitions will help you and your horse get comfortable with the exercise. Let me know how it goes in the comment section!

How to introduce Lateral movement and why

2011-08-18T20:09:00.000-04:00

Some of you may be saying "Lateral what?" and some of you will recognize this Horsemanship vocabulary word. Lateral Movement is simply sideways or sideways and forward movement combined ie. Leg yielding, Turn on the Forehand, Side or Full pass, Turn on the Haunches, Shoulder in and Half pass are all examples of Lateral movement.

Lateral exercises embody and resemble Yoga for horses done correctly and with attention to what is appropriate to the horses level, fitness and ability.
Performed correctly, Lateral movements improve symetrical hind end strength, balance, flexibility, and bending. They are a cornerstone of many more advanced maneuvers.

I introduce it at Liberty first in Eye Contact exercises where there is no actual contact with the horse. The horse, by merely keeping his eye on me will perform a simple Turn on the Forehand. I refine it from there up. That's the first exercise you can play with if you have good Eye Contact from you horse. This can also be turned into Liberty Roll Backs for you western riders or if you just want to have fun and try different things with your horse. Remember a Roll Back is also a Turn on the Haunches sped up a bit. Reining maneuvers are rooted quite firmly in Dressage fundamentals and are merely performed at higher speeds. There really isn't a Discipline that doesn't utilize Dressage Principles in some way shape or form.

If you want to Introduce Lateral work in hand (Bridle or halter). Follow these steps. As a rule I teach everything on the ground first, Liberty first if possible then In Hand. To introduce the concept (and it is a hard concept for a horse) we are going to differentiate the difference between what one leg and two legs means. On the ground this can be applied in a non touch or direct touch method. I am going to deal with how I introduce the Leg cue and the movement to the horse.

I will stand on the side of my horse with either my hand on the bridge of the nose or on my line or reins. I will touch my horses side with my hand where my leg would go with the feel I would like him to respond to. I will then Cluck. One of a few things will happen. The horse may go forward which you will halt and then ask again. The horse may go backwards which you will wait through until you horse offers even the slightest sideways step and then release. You will always release on a tiny effort to the right idea. The horse may not move at all which is actually and impulsion problem. Ask them to step forward one step and then ask again releasing as soon as they "think" the right thought. One other response is that the horse pushes toward you. Just quietly resist until the horse offers to move the other way and praise them and release. Be generous with verbal praise and scratches. You can build up to bigger movements and more steps from there. Be the boss you'd want to show up to work for. Let me know how it goes in the comments section or if you have any questions.
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Position Exercises: Mirroring in the saddle Part 2

2011-08-06T20:47:00.000-04:00

The Second part of this Position Mirroring exercise is to ride straight lines. You can go down a long side of your arena, the quarter lines, or the center lines. You can also do this in a reasonably flat field. The Quarter and center lines are good because they are open on both sides and it's easier to feel if you and your horse drift a bit as well as become aware of yours and your horses' Shoulder and Hips. First just ride straight and notice things. The drifts left and right. Is it more one way then the other? Don't try to fix just gather information. Ride the lines about 3 times. The next three times I want you to become aware of your hips and shoulders and them staying absolutely parallel the whole way down the line. What did you discover? What did your horse tell you? Keep playing with it and you can progress to trot and canter as you feel comfortable at each gait. If you have tried this exercise, I'd love to hear from you!
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Position exercise: Mirroring in the saddle part 1

2011-07-27T21:14:00.002-04:00

Have you ever asked your horse to give you riding and position lessons? Well they're the greatest teachers so why not? Here's how you can do it.

First at a stand still with your reins in hand, and your hips and body balanced and tall (tall from lifting your core) on the center of your horse. Develop a muscle memory for what your middle balance is. You can always stop and go back there if you lose it. Practice turning extremely to the right and left without losing you center of balance and holding the reins with a somewhat slack feel. While you are doing this notice what your horse does and make a note. Once you've done this at the halt, I want you to start walking and do the same thing at the walk and notice what your horse does again. Remember to keep you balance equal and in the middle, lifting from you core while turning extremely to the right and left alternating. Do it slow and pause in the center position straight before switching to the other side. Notice if when you turn to each side you keep your hips equal and you keep you balance in the middle. What does you horse do when you take these positions? The answer to this exercise is in listening to what your horse tells you while you do this without judgement. Let me know what you discover in the comments section.
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The Final Element of the Training Scale: Collection

2011-07-14T22:32:00.001-04:00

The last element of the Training Scale is Collection. So in theory if all your ducks are in a row, Rhythm, Suppleness, Contact, Impulsion, Straightness, then collection can be achieved.
Lets clarify Collection first. I believe there is some confusion in the term for some people. Connection, Balance and Collection are often mixed up.

First of all, Connection (in the physical sense) is when the horses hind end is Connected to the front end. Or United. Some people say a horse in Disunited when this is not happening. The horse has the appearance of the hind end trailing behind. The first four elements of the Training Scale foster connection. Some people think this feels like or call this Collection.

Balance is when Connection is present and the horse is NOT on the forehand. This also feels like collection to some because is is pleasant, rhythmic, and comfortable feeling to the rider. The gaits feel consistent, the horse feels light in the reins or self carrying, and in feels easy to sit.

Collection is when the frame of the horse is actually elevated and compressed liked an accordion being pushed in. The actual ground covered each stride is less though the energy in the gait (impulsion) is not diminished. This is a common mistake to let the energy diminish. In fact the energy is what creates the collection. What you do with the energy tells the horse whether he should cover more ground or less (collect).

If you and your horse are working well in the other areas of the Training Scale you can add some natural collecting patterns. An easy one is a diminishing circle from 20 meters down to 15 or 10 depending on how capable your horse is at maintaining his Impulsion on the smaller circles. Once you are on the small circle, leg yield out to the 20 meters and then repeat diminishing and enlarging until it gets fairly consistent and relaxed. So here again is way to use the Scale to problem solve and progress. This pattern can easily be introduced at Liberty and on line to get comfortable with before trying mounted. If you start your Diminishing circle and monitor the Rhythm, Suppleness, Contact, Impulsion, and Straightness, you will notice your horse will tell you when he can no longer maintain any one of these elements and it is up to you to listen and adjust until he can get to 15 or 10 meters without drastically losing anyone element. This is much easier said then done and is the very essence of Dressage at all levels. Also remember Dressage is Yoga and Pilates for your horse so it should always be done with and eye for what they are capable of at the time and gradually increased in difficulty when appropriate. Your Comments and feedback are always welcome!
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Training Scale: Straightness

2011-06-29T23:16:00.000-04:00

Straightness comes after Impulsion in the Training Scale and refers to Straightness in the body of the horse and not just going on a Straight line.

Straightness is confusing sometimes because it is about geometry and how the horses' geometry matches the shape you are riding. For example, If you are riding an actual straight line, the horse is literally straight from nose to tail. He is not looking left or right, and his shoulders and hips are parallel. This gets tricky when we want the same thing on a curve, circle or corner. Often on curves, horses shoulders or hips will be to the side of the shape you are riding. Try riding some straight lines and circles and see if you can notice this. A lot of riding is first learning how to feel and notice things and the figuring out how to visualize and ride the right thing.

If you have worked well in the Previous Training Scale elements, You should have a substantially straighter moving horse. Not perfect, but better. Remember as we add elements we continually dance back and forth with all of them until we can get them fairly consistent. There are lots of straightening exercises but as always I like to keep them simple and straight forward (no pun intended!). Riding pefectly straight lines is a great way to practice straightness and then graduate to curves which I think is harder. Best to get a feel for it on the straight line first.

Once you've found a spot to practice straight lines, pick a visual point to focus on like a dressage letter, cone, fence post, tree, husband, friend, etc. Start by riding toward it and just notice how straight or wiggly your horse feels. Keep riding the same line and gradually become aware of the your own body becoming straighter. Your shoulders stay parallel, and your hips stay parallel. Notice some more passes on the lines. What are you observing? As you improve your straightness, add some halts as this is a good way to learn square halts and practice stopping and starting straight on the same line. Here is a video of the exercise with a clip. Let me know how it goes in the comment section : ).
See clip at link below:
http://fdhorsetraining.com/Dressage.html
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Next on the Training Scale is...Impulsion

2011-06-16T22:32:00.000-04:00

Impulsion is after Contact in the Training Scale. It is suggesting that the best time to add Impulsion is when the first three Rhythm (Relaxation), Suppleness, Contact are fairly consistent. That said this is merely a guideline and there are times when you need to be outside the box with certain horses. It is always best to listen to your horse when applying any principle or idea to your program.

There are some horses that are so backed up in there energy and movement that forward, high energy exercises may be prioritized before other areas. I find Liberty work especially helpful with these types. It builds the bond and Connection while simultaneously working on the technical aspects of the Training Scale and Natural Impulsion. I find this preferable to using a lot of artificial aids and force which can have the reverse effect of shutting a horse down and sending them introverted. And worse breaking the horses' desire and enjoyment of the interaction of riding.

Impulsion and being in front of the leg also go hand in hand. I want to put my leg on and feel a surge of energy no matter what. I have to feel a change in energy on some kind. If there is a problem here I will work within the Scale on the ground and mounted to help the horse and I overcome it together.

True Connection (the physical kind), Straightness, Roundness, and Collection, cannot be achieved with out a good gas pedal and the understanding of how to balance the energy coming from behind so we are not just pushing the horse faster and faster and more on the forehand. A feel for the horses natural fitness is important also as you can ask for more than they are truly capable of and wind up creating other problems here instead of getting more quality. The photos show two horses moving nicely forward with the first 4 elements of the Scale being applied. Remember breaking each element down will allow you to bring them all together with experimentation and different patterns. The last pattern I posted of circle to straight line of 6 or more strides to another circle and so on is also a suitable pattern for working on impulsion. Sometimes as a horse moves with more Impulsion on a straight away, they lose their balance, rhythm and suppleness. Going back to the circle and staying there will help get those elements (Rhythm, suppleness, contact) back at which point you can go back on the straight line and work on Impulsion. That's where the problem solving value comes in. You keep working on all the pieces until they all come together. Don't hesitate to ask questions or comments below!
FDT
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With Rhythm, Relaxation and Suppleness comes...

2011-06-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

See several examples or different outlines at Liberty, Bitted, and Bitless

Contact, The Frame, or a good Outline. So following this line of thinking, Each area needs to be fairly consistent to have the other. So they are all connected to the whole end product or resulting picture.

It is a sometimes back and forth dance in the training scale because as you work with one thing, you can lose another. So here is where the problem solving value of the Training scale is.

If we have Gotten to "Contact" on the Scale, it implies that we have the first 3 elements fairly intact. Rhythm, Relaxation, Suppleness equals Contact in theory. As the Contact gains quality, We can start to add "Impulsion" which is the 5th element on the Training Scale.

The problem solving starts when we lose something when we start asking for more of something else. For Example: As I start to add Impulsion, I lose Suppleness and therefore Contact or Outline. I would go back to working on Suppleness to regain the Contact and then if I felt it appropriate, I would try to add Impulsion again.

Another example of problem solving with the Training Scale would be. I have a good Rhythm, and when I go to Supple further, I lose the Rhythm or the Tempo changes. So I have to go back to settling the Rhythm to where I want it before I go back to Suppling again and trying to work toward Contact.

All of this can take Minutes, days, weeks, or months to achieve consistency so don't just think this will all come together in one ride. You just stick to a program and you'll know when it is appropriate to add the level of difficulty. My rule is, we have to be fairly consistent at each element before going to the next and be prepared to back up the whichever is necessary to maintain the foundation components. Basically that is what the Training Scale is. The foundation of all training and if there are cracks in the foundation, they'll be problems in your training.

What does good Contact look and feel like? Well it is a result of what the horses whole body is doing that produces a good, soft, outline. It is often thought to be fixed at the mouth or poll but this is not really true. The poll plays a small role but it is something that the horse OFFERS when their body and back are relaxed, supple, and moving in a good rhythm. The correct head and neck position are a by product of a good work program. Also this can be achieved at Liberty, Online and under saddle. As always, I like to start a concept at Liberty, Carry it through online, and then under saddle. The transition is so easy for the horse then, that is fun and simple. How training should always be!

Remember, all conformations, fitness levels, and disciplines seek different carriages (Outlines). At Liberty it is easiest to see what the horse is most naturally capable of and then build up from there over time. Some horses will be naturally heavier in the Contact , and some are naturally lighter as well as softer vs. stiffer. Work with what your horses' natural tendencies are and you will see improvement over time. More videos soon!
http://fdhorsetraining.com/

Mounted Relaxation and Suppleness exercise examples

2011-05-25T22:21:00.000-04:00

In riding and ground training, the best exercises allow for minimal interference from the rider and allow the horse to fully understand, participate offer his interpretation of what you have requested. You then can fine tune the pattern as the horse understands and raise the level of difficulty when it is appropriate. This would be when the horse is pretty consistent and relaxed in the exercise. You can then add the next element of difficulty which could be speed (change of gait), smaller circles, more impulsion etc.

Here are a couple of basic super simple Rhythm, relaxation and suppling patterns to try:

1. A simple Circle of 20 meters (aprox 65 ft): A circle ridden in a reasonably correct shape will naturally encourage the horse to settle into a relaxed, Balanced, and Rhythmic gait. For faster horses trying going 1-5 meters smaller. For less energetic horses, work with a large circle to encourage forwardness (energy). Change directions once you start to feel some consistency or if you have a greener horse who is taking a longer time.

2. When the above exercise is easy, you can add 6 strides straight ahead then circle, then 6 strides straight ahead, then circle and repeat until the whole pattern is as consistent as possible on the horses easy side first. Now go to the harder direction. Again here if you have a forward going horse you can reduce the circle 1-5 meters, And keep it nice and larger for the lower energy guys and even increase the number of straight ahead strides to 8-12. You can also keep switching directions back and forth.

As always, I would like to hear feedback on what you discovered with these exercises, any problems or successes in the comments section.

Video: Example of working with the Training Scale at Liberty

2011-05-03T20:56:00.001-04:00

This video shows how you can use Liberty work to "Ride" from the ground. Using a blend of body languages that are natural to the horse, you can prompt natural responses to Find Rhythm, Become more Supple, offer a Natural outline, and offer Natural Collection. We even touch on High School concepts. This is just the early stages. Mercury is young and offers a lot so we "play" with it in a fun way that is interesting to both of us.

Last post was talking about Relaxation and Suppleness in the Training Scale. In this video you see me working Long and low in walk and trot to stretch the Topline. As we get more into the circles for Rhythm and Suppleness, you will see me start to request more Lateral movements of Shoulder Fore and Shoulder In. I also use different sizes of circles to work with more Collection or more Engagement. I am in the beginning stages of working with Mercury on Liberty Half Steps and Piaffe/Passage. You can see the seeds being planted here as well. This work is by far the most fun and is a fantastic warm up of riding. Especially if you have a fresh horse it is far more connecting and bonding then mindless Lunging or Pen work. Anyone been trying this out with their horses? I want to hear about it!
http://fdhorsetraining.com/

Training Scale Continued: Relaxation and Suppleness

2011-04-21T20:49:00.000-04:00

Working on Suppling in hand...

Sorry I haven't posted in some time, but in case you didn't know I was in St. Vincents doing an amazing Clinic with Stina Herberg. It's on my other Blog if you want to see the highlights.

So I'm sticking to this thought on the Training scale series because I meant to finish it a long time ago so here is the second stage of the Training Scale which varies in interpretation by various schools. It is essentially the same concept though no matter the small differences.

Relaxation and Suppleness are the next step in the scale and some Scales or Pyramids do not include relaxation or it is a foregone assumption that the relaxation is there. I like to include it because it is essential to have relaxation in order to have true Suppleness and Throughness. A horse can be manually suppled by sawing, pulling and kicking but I doubt he will be relaxed! That is forced suppling and we can hardly even call it suppling at that. It is more like jamming the horse into a position.

I like to think about Suppling like a Yoga exercise for a horse. If you go to a Yoga class the instructor does not say to a beginner "ok put your feet behind your ears" on the first day of class. You start with very gentle and basic moves that gradually build strength and flexibility until one day you can do more advanced stretches or poses.

Suppling should be the same with a horse. We have to take into account the age, conformation, fitness level, training level, one sidedness and mind of the horse to gradually improve suppleness. I generally start my Training Scale exercises at Liberty because I want the horse to show me what is comfortable and natural to him without a rider, line, side reins, or head restriction. I can then see how to proceed with specific exercises at Liberty, on line, in hand, and or under saddle. I will choose exercises that will target weaknesses but work within what the horse offers at Liberty.

I can work with all stages of the Training scale (Rhythm, Relaxation, Suppleness, Contact, Straightness, Collection) at Liberty which is a gentle, fun and creative way to learn and work with it and your horse.

Getting back to the mind of the horse being relaxed as well as the body. Say you have a very high strung nervous horse, It would be a priority to relax this horse mentally if you were to have any hope of relaxing and suppling his body. Rhythm and balance exercises are a good place to work on Relaxation and open the door to the horse being able to accept suppling exercises.

I will have some video in the coming weeks showing some examples of me working on the Training Scale and at Liberty, On line, and under saddle. For this weeks exercise to try, I want you to turn your horse loose in the ring, round pen, or small paddock and work on Rhythm, Relaxation, and Natural Suppleness. Meaning what your horses' baseline is when moving unencumbered or manipulated. It doesn't matter if he goes in a circle or large in the arena. Notice if he prefers one direction or the other, Notice if his natural rhythm is slow, fast or perfect (if he is fresh, wait until he settles in his gaits to evaluate), Once you have established a relaxed, walk, and trot Rhythm, you can try a canter (again don't worry about freshness, just let them play and settle in when they're ready). Notice if your horse travels looking out the circle and how they end up when you are near the end of your session. Does their topline soften? Do they stretch long and low naturally better in one direction once they have relaxed? Do they stay inverted and braced the whole time? Make mental notes and remember them.

As always I'd like to hear your experiences in the comments area. I'll post some patterns and exercises in the coming weeks.

http://fdhorsetraining.com/

Training scale exercise for Rhythm

2011-03-30T22:50:00.000-04:00

Some of you may know about the Training Scale and some of you may not. The Training scale is a technical blue print for all training progression in all disciplines. With understanding and application in can be an amazingly helpful guide and problem solving tool. It is a guide because it moves in a logical progression and a problem solving guide because if you have a problem in a certain area, it is easy to look at the scale and say the problem is here.

The Training Scale goes something like this with some variations depending on the school. Rhythm (Balance), Relaxation, Suppleness, Contact (Frame, outline), Impulsion, Straightness, Collection. So generally and I say generally because I prefer not to have fixed ideas anywhere with horses, Just guidelines, Rhythm comes first. Rhythm means you and your horse have a consistent combination of Tempo and Rhythm. I like to figure out what my horses' natural walk, trot, and canter, tendency is and work from there. If my horses tempo is a little on the slow side but has a consistent Rhythm, I may just want to add a bit of energy to the gait to improve the quality. I will only do this if the horses topline is fairly relaxed otherwise you will wind up getting shorter, braced steps instead of longer, energetic, flowing stepsIf my horse has a naturally quick or fast tempo, I may use circles and bending figures to help bring the tempo down and more relaxed. Some horses have great natural rhythm and we just need to get out of their way and let them do their thing!

What I like to do with my horses to get them mentally engaged in training is to make request for them to carry out and then see that they understand and then set about seeing how long they will do it without me having to request again. The horse will quickly learn what their responsibility is in your partnership and you will have to ride less which they will appreciate.

So for example if I ride around an area (doesn't matter if is an arena, trail or field), I will see what walk rhythm my horse wants to take naturally. I will let them settle into this pace and relax a bit as I decide if it's too energetic, not energetic enough, or just right. Once I have decided what adjustments I want to make, I will start making requests for more energy in the too slow horse and use curved figures or various shapes for the fast horse until there is a consistent Rhythm and Tempo. Once I have that, I will start counting how many steps my horse maintained the Rhythm before I had to do something to get it back to where I wanted it. Don't judge if it's only a few strides at first. this is about starting somewhere and building up from there. Even if the next time you try it, it feels like you are starting from square one (believe me I have trained these types too so I understand!). Your goal is to get to a point where the horse will hold your requested Rhythm without much guidance from you for as many laps or the distance you request.

A good change to look for and reward in your horse is when you feel them start to realize what it is you are looking for and they give you that little bit more of their own offer. That is huge and should be rewarded immediately with a rest or a verbal praise and rub. So what that would look like to me would be, I was riding around at a certain gait and the horse may go a bit further then expected or increase from a quarter circle to a half etc. on his own. It is the moment I see the horses mind say "yes I understand the exercise...you want this and I will offer it to you" The next question your horse will have for you is....Was that enough? This is VERY important and is up to the individual to say yes or no I would like a bit more strides or energy etc. Or that is awesome I am so pleased with that effort! I work from a less is more place mostly so I would err on that side.
Below are a couple of videos that talk about and demonstrate Rhythm a bit further. As always any questions and comments on what you found while trying this out are great!

http://fdhorsetraining.com/

Stride counting exercise

2011-03-18T21:51:00.000-04:00

Here's a simple little exercise which can easily be incorporated into any pattern shape like a circle, serpentine, figure eight or on the rail. It is also applicable to any discipline, English or Western.

I want you to pick 4, 6, or 8 strides to work with and stick with that same number the whole time you do this in both directions. So if you pick 6, use only six. Also use the higher number if your horse is greener and work your way down to the lower ones as you master the exercise at each number. So when you have it good at 8, go down to 6 and so on.

The first stage is to work on walk to halt at the stride number you have selected. So from halt you would count 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 halt again and repeat on whatever pattern you have chosen to ride. I'm not going to tell you what this will do because I want you to discover it and report back in the comments what you found. All I will say is to do it until it is relaxed and as effortless as possible. Make mental notes of how it feels in the beginning attempts, and then notice changes until it's easy and relaxed. Make sure and stay in the halt on a slack but not loose rein for at least 5 seconds and that the horse will maintain the halt on the slack rein. If he doesn't, remind him of your request patiently until he does.

The number up repetitions is not as important as the moment you get relaxation and the feeling of little or no effort. When you get that, Let the horse stand and relax on a loose rein or free walk on a loose rein for at least 30 seconds before resuming and or changing directions. This can be progressed to trot to walk when it is good in walk to halt. This exercise can also be introduced at liberty and online first and I encourage this whenever introducing a new exercise or pattern before doing it mounted.

Pay attention to little changes good or bad leading up to it being good. If your horse is stopping crooked or sideways from where you planned to halt, Guide them calmly back to the spot you meant to stop. Let me know what you discovered in the comments!

http://fdhorsetraining.com/

Waterhole Rituals, fear issues and Bitless Sidepull Dressage riding

2011-02-23T11:15:00.000-05:00

Here is a video of another one of my students kind enough to share their lesson work with their horse working on building trust around spooking with Carolyn Resnick's Waterhole Rituals. Then moving into Liberty Warm up for Dressage and Mounted work in a my Buckaroo Leather Bitless Side Pull.
Purchase a Side Pull at http://fdhorsetraining.com/Bridleshop...

SidePull Headstalls

http://fdhorsetraining.com/

My Uberstreichen playlist

2011-02-09T22:05:00.000-05:00

I just thought I repost this set of videos of me practicing Carolyn Resnick's Uberstreichen exercises on a few very different horses. Some video shows my own variations, modifications and interpretations of these exercises. Exercises 1 through 3 are shown.
http://www.youtube.com/user/FDHorsetraining#grid/user/B77EEB460B164CFB

http://fdhorsetraining.com/

Part 2: Another lesson with the Waterhole Rituals (natural horsemanship)

2011-01-30T21:03:00.000-05:00

Here is another video that my student was kind enough to share in Carolyn Resnick's Waterhole Rituals. We continue building on the connection and bond.
http://fdhorsetraining.com/

Part 1: Another lesson with the Waterhole Rituals

2011-01-11T21:20:00.000-05:00

Here is another video that my student was kind enough to share in Carolyn Resnick's Waterhole Rituals. We continue building on the connection and bond.
http://fdhorsetraining.com/

Part three: Waterhole Rituals Session with my student (natural horsemanship)

2010-12-29T18:39:00.000-05:00

Part three of a video of a Lesson on Carolyn Resnick's Waterhole Rituals with a student kind enough to allow me to share her learning.
http://fdhorsetraining.com/
http://fdtvirtualclinic.blogspot.com/

Part two: Waterhole Rituals Session with my student

2010-11-29T18:02:00.000-05:00

Part one of a video of a Session on Carolyn Resnick's Waterhole Rituals with a student kind enough to allow me to share her learning.
http://fdhorsetraining.com/

Part one: Waterhole Rituals Session with my student

2010-11-17T22:04:00.000-05:00

Part one of a video of a Session on Carolyn Resnick's Waterhole Rituals with a student kind enough to allow me to share her learning.
http://fdhorsetraining.com/

This week's FDT I instructor Virtual Clinic: Walking Jump distances and courses

2010-11-08T14:11:00.000-05:00

This week's exercise is the first steps to learning how to walk distances between obstacles for setting up Gymnastics (or grids), and Courses. It is also applicable to Course walking and figuring out striding between two related distances in a line. It gives you the basic formula for stride number distances. It is a must know for Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation, Eventing, or just plain schooling at home. I often see jump lines set up with wrong spacing for the proper strides. It is important for the horses' learning and rhythm to understand how to measure accurately. See the clip for this exercise below. See more like it and purchase at FDT I Instructor http://fdhorsetraining.com/Jumping.html.
FDT
http://fdhorsetraining.com

Part 3 Integrative Horsemanship Demo (Natural Horsemanship)

2010-11-01T20:17:00.000-04:00

Part 3 of a recent demo on Integrative Horsemanship and problem solving for common issues. This series covers nervous horses and riders, Calm leadership, and standing and mounting. See more like this at http://fdhorsetraining.com/FDTIinstruction.html
http://fdhorsetraining.com/

Part two: Integrative Horsemanship Demo (Natural Horsemanship)

2010-10-22T21:38:00.000-04:00

Part two of a recent demo on Integrative Horsemanship and problem solving for common issues. This series covers nervous horses and riders, Calm leadership, and standing and mounting.

Integrative Horsemanship Demo (Natural Horsemanship)

2010-10-13T19:42:00.000-04:00

Here's Part one of a recent demo on Integrative Horsemanship and problem solving for common issues. This series covers nervous horses and riders, Calm leadership, and standing and mounting. I'll be posting part 2 and 3 in the following weeks.

New Virtual Clinic Video! FDT Natural Horsemanship Demo

2010-10-05T19:38:00.000-04:00

Here is a clip of a recent demo you can purchase in it's entirety at FDT I Instructor for only $9.99!
It shows working with a participant and her horse for the first time using Natural Horsemanship inspired by Carolyn Resnick's Waterhole Rituals for more info on Carolyn's work go to http://www.carolynresnickblog.com/

Holistic Vet Finder

2010-09-17T20:06:00.001-04:00

As a huge proponent and user of Complementary human and Veterinary medicine, I thought it would be helpful to share a Website that helps you find Holistic vets in your region. I get asked about how to locate these vets all the time and this site sorts them by area and specialties. Chiropractic and Acupuncture are two of the my most go to modalities. Homeopathy offers a lot of alternative cures to common ailments that steroids and NSAIDS are used for as well as injuries and trauma. There are also vets that practice herbs, aromatherapy and more. So check out this link to find an AHVMA vet in your area!
Go to American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Website

This weeks FDT I Instructor weekly Exercise: Intro to Natural Lunging

2010-08-30T11:28:00.000-04:00

This weeks exercise revolves around how I introduce several concepts for successful Natural Lunging. I use a Liberty foundation, body language, some verbal, and if needed a stick or long whip. This is the first step in learning how you can build riding foundation basics by "Riding" Your horse from the ground. Lunging can be used for so many things when done with clear communication and understanding of what your goals are. I use it to work on Leadership or Mounted concepts as well as advanced things such as Lateral work and Collection. I can work on elements of the Training Scale (Rhythm, Suppleness, Balance, Contact, Impulsion, Straightness, Collection) all without the need for training gadgets. I like to think of my line as a long rein which is useful for introducing horses to the feel of rein contact and how to follow it. Buy this video bundle and see more like it at FDT I Instructor. See a clip below.

New contest: Win a Virtual Coach call with MP3!

2010-08-23T21:39:00.000-04:00

I am offering a new contest to win a *Virtual Coach call with MP3 recording to refer to over and over again! I offer this tech teaching method so I can help people all over the world with their horses. This is also for people who may not have access to the type of instruction that they seek locally.
Enter the contest by posting a comment on my blog about you and your horse and what you need help with. You may also add comments on Facebook to enter if you see the blog post there. Add to your comment that you wish to enter the contest. I will select a winner from all the comments on 9/20/10. We will work out an appointment time then. Don't miss out on this chance to get help with your horsemanship from yours truly!
*Phone charges may apply for call
FDT

This weeks FDT I Instructor exercise: More Neck Strap work: Feel and online work

2010-08-13T20:26:00.000-04:00

This weeks video bundle is a nice set for going from very simple feel and suppleness exercises to on line and beginning Lateral work with the Neck Strap (Cordero). I LOVE working with neck strap for a number of reasons. It gives the horse freedom of the Neck and head to move and balance where they want to be naturally for their level or conformation. You'd be amazed to see that a horse can and will set his own head, relax his back, and bend worked correctly with no influence at all to the head. It allows me to work on diagonal and front to back (Longitudinal) balance. It allows me to focus precisely on the horses front, middle, or hind end of the body and work with suppleness and collection without the horse having to worry about being pulled off balance from pressure on the face. It is excellent preparation for bridle-less riding* There are 4 videos in this set starting with simple Halts all the way to beginnings of Lateral work on line. To purchase this bundle for $11.99 and see more like it go to FDT Instructor click the link below to buy and see a short clip.
*Farah DeJohnette Training does not promote or recommend bridle-less riding

This weeks FDT I Instructor exercise: Side Pass (Full Pass) Mounted

2010-08-05T09:10:00.001-04:00

This weeks exercise is the mounted version and continuation of a previous ground exercise that I posted recently about teaching side steps to your horse. This exercise has suppleing, balancing and strengthening benefits. It will help your horse understand bending on curves and using their body in a more athletic way than just straight forward riding. The criss crossing action of the legs and the degree to which your horse gets better at it, improves flexibilty, agility and balance over time. This is also useful for maneuvering around obstacles and other situations where sideways may be necessary to negotiate something from the ground or the saddle. Think about when your horse is tied and you need him to move over. This is also a use for side ways movement.
I have also learned in my travels that horses that tend to rear are often bracing against yielding their body in this way. They will block through their shoulder and go up instead of softening and yielding. I don't recommend trying this if you are above your skill level with a horse that rears, but I do recommend seeking professional help to work through it safely.
This is truly another Equine Yogalates exercise but remember to always start on the ground and move on to mounted when you are both calm and confident. This exercise can be quite difficult for horses to learn at first so go slowly. Horses also have a less flexible strong side like us and can have more difficulty to one direction so be patient with that. Remember you can purchase this Ground to Mounted set and more like it at FDT I Instructor or click on the convenient link below to see a clip and purchase. Click here to see the blog post on teaching this on the ground.

This weeks FDT I Instructor exercise: Working with Eye Contact and why...

2010-07-24T21:51:00.000-04:00

This weeks exercise and video clip is about working with Eye Contact with your horse. Some people believe that Eye contact is a bad thing and horses don't like it but it not true in my experience and opinion. In fact it is quite helpful for a number of things. A horse that will look a you with both eyes is more focused on you, is more ready to follow your lead, and may be more willing to show respect and follow your requests. It is also beneficial for horses that can be distracted, nervous or distrustful.
In Liberty work and Ground Training, Eye contact can help you influence Turns Circles, Lateral Work, and Collected movements. This video clip and bundle of two videos shows how you can start to work on Eye Contact in these two basic exercises. To purchase this video bundle in it's entirety click the clip below or go to FDT I Instructor and see more like it.

FDT weekly exercise: Working with a Neck Strap Basics (Cordero)

2010-07-12T10:44:00.000-04:00

This weeks exercise focuses on Ground suppling work using a Neck Strap or Cordero. I am working on a Turn on the Forehand with Mercury to loosen and his hips and strengthen his muscles. It is also a warm up for our Bridless work. I find neck strap work is fun and allows the horse to focus on his balance and natural athleticism without the use of a bridle or similar. If you have a firm Liberty foundation on your horse, Neck strap work should be a simple, easy transition. Horses enjoy it and it is a fun nice variation to work into your practices. This clip and more like it is part a bundle of 2 videos you can get in it's entirety at FDT I Instructor for only $5.99!

This week's FDT I Instructor exercise: Ground Exercise-Sideways

2010-07-03T21:58:00.001-04:00

This weeks clip and exercise is a very important tool for suppling,introducing language for bending and lateral work under saddle, Balance and warming up. It is another horse yoga exercise to add to your program. All the work I do is initiated on the ground first until my horse is confident with it and then attempted under saddle. If need be I take it back to the ground if it's too hard for my horse. You will learn which side your horse is less agile and flexible on and be able to help stretch and loosen him gradually. I do extensive ground work with my horses. Probably more then I ride because it is such a good way to present new concepts to a horse. It lets them figure out things without struggling with the added weight of the rider and the possibility of your communication while mounted being confusing. It is also more gentle conditioning if your horse is not strong or fit enough to do certain movements under saddle. Enjoy the clip and remember this video and more like it can be purchased in their entirety at FDT I Instructor for as little as $1.99!

This weeks FDT I Instructor exercise: Working over Raised Poles

2010-06-22T21:04:00.002-04:00

This weeks I Instructor exercise is a versatile one using poles and some type of stand. You don't have to have Jump standards. You can use Blocks, other poles, Carved logs or wood. This is a useful exercise for all disciplines as it helps with Balance, Agility, Focus, Rhythm, and Strength. Who doesn't want that from their horse! I particularly like this for Jumpers, Dressage horses, and horses who need strengthening of their Limbs. It is also helpful for horses who are a bit unaware of there feet.
Your horse should be comfortable with 4 un-raised poles before you go to raised ones and you should start with only one raised gradually adding more as your horse gets comfortable and more fit. Don't over due this exercise as it is taxing. Listen to your horse. As a rule, I do it maybe 3 times to start building up from there and working up to the trot. You can also work in your half seat for an added benefit to your balance and position. Check out the clip below and purchase the video in it's entirety for only $2.99!
FDT

This week's FDT Instructor exercise: Yield the Hindquarters

2010-06-06T21:26:00.001-04:00

This weeks exercise is a ground movement that is applicable to many areas with our horses. Yielding the hindquarters of your horse is a very important ground skill for a number of reasons. It is a safety skill and it can help with teaching a horse to stay with you on lead. It is an introduction to a pivot or Turn on the forehand which is found in Western and English riding. This movement carries into trail obstacles and opening and closing of gates from a mounted position. This is a suppling exercise or one of many horse "yoga" ground exercises if you will. So check out this clip. This bundle includes beginning and advanced Yielding the Hindquarters in a set of 2 videos so once you have mastered the basic idea with you horse, You can go on the the more finished movement. Purchase this video bundle for just $3.99 and see more on a variety of topics at FDT I Instructor.

Liberty Clipping part 5

2010-05-19T21:09:00.000-04:00

Here is part 5 in the Liberty Clipping series with my horse Mercury. This horse used to rear and strike at the clippers. I have done extensive work with Carolyn Resnick's Waterhole Rituals and Liberty work. I am also using food association and reward to positively reinforce the experience. It is allowing us to gradually over come the fear and dislike of the clippers without restraint or force. I have been working with him here and there over the course of about 6 months. We have made great progress!

The Hybrid Sidepull Bridle

2010-05-11T19:50:00.000-04:00

Here is a video description of the unique hybrid design Side Pull from Buckaroo leather. I talk about why you might choose it and how it works.
To purchase this bridle and see more bitless options go to http://fdhorsetraining.com/Bridleshop...

This weeks FDT ground exercise: Following a feel

2010-05-04T21:38:00.000-04:00

This weeks ground exercise focuses on how you horse responds to different feels put on a line attached to the halter or Side Pull. A feel can mean a lot of different things but what it means to me is when I ask for something through the line or rope, that the horse responds to it softly and easily and it eventually can be taken through their body and feet if need be.
First I have to ask my horse something and see what it means to him. So that means if I pull the line and the horse throws their head up and stiffens, That means the horse thinks that's what he should do when he "feels" that. So then I have to set about helping him figure out how it could mean something else like relax and move toward me. There are all kinds of ways to ask for things but I like to see what my horses natural response is to something and then ask him that way.
If I have a good Liberty foundation on my horse, Many things flow easily. My horse has learned to follow my lead literally and figuratively. If I walk backward while picking up on the line and my horse knows what Draw is, There's a good chance he's going to walk toward me with a very soft feel. Then the equipment has just become an extension on my body language and it makes sense to my horse. Here a clip of this weeks video exercise from FDT I Intstructor. You can purchase the complete exercise video and more like it for only $2.99 at FDT I Instructor.

Introduce yourselves!

2010-04-24T20:28:00.000-04:00

First of all, I want to thank all of the people who subscribe to my blogs and follow me on twitter, FB and all the other online places I have made friend and followers.

For this weeks blog post I have a request. I would like you to introduce yourselves and tell me a little bit about you and your horses and or other animals companions. I know there are a lot people following the blogs so leave a comment so I can get to know you better. Even ask a question or offer a topic idea for a future blog. Even if I know you already, just say hi or give me an update on your equine activities. I can't wait to hear from you!

FDT

NHN Radio show tomorrow the 19th!

2010-04-18T20:55:00.000-04:00

Join me and DC tomorrow at 7pm EST for another fun informative show on Bitless bridles and options.

This Weeks FDT Riding exercise: Riding for Straightness

2010-04-16T22:13:00.001-04:00

This weeks exercise focuses on working on straightness with your horse. This is important for accurate lines, bends, and jumping. It is very important in all performance disciplines including Western Pleasure, Dressage, Jumping, Reining, etc. It is also important for helping horses stay symmetrical in their movement and posture. This is how good bio mechanics is achieved which leads to better overall soundness, strength and longevity of your horse. It is also a necessity for collection.
I don't expect a young green horse to move particularly straight but as training and fitness progresses, I will put more emphasis on it.
For a nice little exercise to practice feeling for and improving straightness, check out this clip from my FDT I Instructor video series. Videos start at as little as $1.99 and are downloadable for instant viewing and import to your personal device. So you can take me the barn on you smart phone or Ipod!

FDT I Instructor weekly exercise: Basic Riding Position

2010-04-07T21:33:00.000-04:00

This weeks exercise is geared toward basic riding position for all disciplines. If you ride English or Western, there is no general difference in the basic balanced seat. Small style points to consider are length of stirrup and type of saddle you ride in. Remember ill fitted or unbalanced tack will only cause you to fight for your position which will create unnecessary tension, gripping, and effort so start with a good fitting saddle. If you are unsure about fit, consult with a professional fitter.
As a nice easy guideline sit on your horse in a way which allows you to naturally balance and relax. Align your ear with your shoulder, your shoulder with your hip, and your hip with your ankle or heel depending how your leg falls naturally.
Stirrup length will also dictate correct leg position so as a rule set your stirrup at your ankle bone for general riding and one to two holes lower for dressage or western. These are just guidelines your height may dictate a different variation if you are very tall or short. I have added a great audio MP3 you can purchase for download or your digital device here if you want to take it to the barn and listen while riding. Just $2.99 for a personal lesson! See more like this at FDT I Instructor also see my position video.

Working with Uberstreichen exercises 4 and 5

2010-03-26T21:41:00.002-04:00

This is part of the Uberstreichen series from Carolyn Resnick. They will help with suppleness and your horses understanding of half halts. In this video, you see me working with Uberstreichen exercises 4 and 5. This is great for Mercury as he is rehabbing from an injury and it gives us a nice diversion from just hand walking and I feel it engages his mind as well. The 4th exercise is working on clarifying the halt and stepping softly into the halt by stretching all the way down and holding this position on a slack rope for 7 seconds. The fifth one is teaching Mercury about contact and moving forward into it. These exercises are great for so many different reasons for different types of horses.

Recording from the FDT Tele Class March 20th

2010-03-20T19:38:00.000-04:00

Here's a recording on the Intro class from March 20th in case you missed it. Topics covered were my training philosophy, different approaches for different types of horses, Side Pulls and Bitless bridles and even Homeopathy. I will be doing more of these so I'll keep everyone posted on upcoming ones. I'd love to here your comments and suggestions of what classes you'd like to participate in. Also for those of you who don't know about my other blog, check it out and subscribe at FDHorsetraining blog

Tele class 1 Intro to FDT

FDT Tips: Introducing a Side Pull Bitless Bridle Part 2

2010-03-15T20:57:00.000-04:00

As a big believer is setting yourself up for success and not failure, I like to take clear small steps with my horses before moving on to bigger more challenging things. This starts with ground working in my Side Pull to help the horse get accustomed to where and what the communication will feel like. At this point I will be able to evaluate how my horse responds, good or bad, from the relative safety of the ground. Then possibly work with them until we both feel confident. If it works well, and I decide to mount up and try it, I do so in a round pen or arena enclosure.
I always practice the same things I do in any other equipment to make sure my horse and I are in sync. Then if I feel good about that, I will go out in fields or trails depending on the individual horse and our readiness.
I alway ask myself, honestly how confident I feel about going to the next step. Whatever that step may be. And of course never to be in a hurry to get there.
In Part 2 of the Transitioning to a Side Pull video, I attach reins and continue to do some more ground exercises to get my horse and I communicating well before I ride in my Side Pull.

To purchase a Side Pull Bitless bridle go to My Bridle Shop

FDT tip: Transitioning to a Side Pull or Bitless Bridle

2010-03-08T21:24:00.002-05:00

In this video, you will see some simple ground exercises to help you and your horse get comfortable with a Side Pull or Bitless Bridle. As always I will recommend a firm Liberty foundation between you and your horse before doing any exercises.
For more info or to purchase the Buckaroo leather Side Pull I use go to MY Bridle Shop

FDT weekly exercise: Working with a Neck Strap Basics

2010-03-05T23:36:00.002-05:00

This weeks exercise is for you if you are interested in working with A Neck Strap or Cordero. If you are not sure why you would do this, It is great for working at liberty on more precise exercises such as dressage and collection, lateral movements or just for fun and a change of pace! If you have a desire to eventually ride Bridle less, than this work will help you to prepare to have a way of communicating more advanced movements for bridleless collection and lateral work.

If you have done your liberty foundation work, This should be a piece of cake! If your horse will walk and halt with you at Liberty then you are just adding the neck strap as an extension of that work and for a little bit of refinement. You will also use this as a precursor to a Half halt which you will need your horse to understand in order to practice more advanced Dressage movements.
Start with a liberty warm up of getting your horse mirroring your walk and halt transitions. It doesn't have to be on a circle, but I like to work on lines and circles to develop natural straightness and bending.
Once your horse is doing the transitions well, you will put your hand on the neck strap passively meaning your not signaling to the horse at all just holding it and walking and halting. You will only lift the strap up if your horse gets a little ahead of you or keeps walking in the halt. A reminder lift on the strap. As soon as he understands and stops, Immediately release the lift but keep your hand on the strap in a passive feel. Once you have that going smoothly and relaxed, Try backing up. Start by halting, Clearly and slowly shifting your body back and as you do lift the strap if you need to encourage the horse to follow your body language. If he does well, immediately release the feel on the strap. That's it! you can play with figures and lines and be creative. I use old martingale straps or I tie my lines around my horses' neck. You can buy Corderos as well. You can also braid one out of a strong material. It should be big enough to lay just on the shoulders not tight at all but also not too loose to hang down too much. In my video, Mine is a bit smaller then I would like for Mercury but it still works ok. Have fun with it. Until the next one...
To purchase the complete video for only $2.99 click the above player for more info!

FDT

This weeks FDT exercise: Natural Jumpers Distance exercise

2010-02-24T21:17:00.000-05:00

The What: This is for all my Natural Jumpers out there! This exercise will help you allow your horse to learn how to find his own distances or take off spots at the jumps.

The Why: It is good for horses that tend to rush and get crooked in jump lines. It teaches patience relaxation and calmness in both you and your horse. For the rider it will allow you to feel ok about letting the horse make a choice about the spot good or bad. You will learn to relax and let him learn from his own mistakes and find the spot which is optimal to him. You will learn to stay more passive in your position up to the jumps and only ride when you absolutely need to. As your horse learns to jump more accurately, you will learn to relax and trust each other more. This will lead to more rhythmic relaxed partnership in your jumping rounds in the future.

How: You set up this exercise to start with a simple ground pole between 2 standards the long way of your arena. Always start a new exercise with a ground pole. If you don't have a fenced area, simply mark with jump stands or cones a point to ride toward in both directions on the same straight line that is aligned with the center of your ground pole you are going over. You need to know where you are going to stop straight on each side of the obstacle and that's what you marking.

Once you have your obstacle set up, Start facing the pole at a halt until your horse is calm. Walk in half seat over the pole straight to the other side to the same distance and halt straight. Pause until your horse is calm and turn around and repeat going the other way. If your horse drifts sideways from the center of the obstacle or in the halt. Calmly ask him to move back to the the center line or back to the halt spot you wanted. Always start by facing the obstacle at the halt each time.

When you can do this easily, Trot the pole in half seat, halt come back the other way halt. Repeat until calm and easy. You can do the canter as well if you're doing well. Then add a small cross rail or vertical and do the same. Always go back to something easier if it gets too hard or your horse get too excited.

How I fit a Side Pull Bitless Bridle

2010-02-22T21:06:00.000-05:00

Here's a video showing how I fit a side Pull. I am using my Buckaroo Leather wide leather nose version on my Dutch Warmblood. See all the fine Buckaroo Leather Side Pulls I have to offer in my new Equipment Shop!

FDT Virtual Riding Lesson: Steering Exercise

2010-02-13T19:44:00.000-05:00

This exercise is a really nice and simple warm up for you and your horse to do at the beginning of your ride to get relaxation, team work and harmony.

At the halt, sit balanced on your seat in the middle of your saddle and weight distributed 50/50 on each hip and stirrup. I usually do this with a long rein but if you aren't comfortable doing it that way, ride on a length you are comfortable with. The point of the exercise is to use your reins as a last resort.
You are going to not steer anywhere in particular, just practice making left and right turns at the walk starting by first thinking "I want to go this way" then looking that way, then turning your upper body in the direction you want to go. If your horse does not turn after you have given him a fair time to try, use your leg to push him in the direction you meant him to go and if that doesn't work use you rein to suggest he go that way. Keep repeating until you get a nice relaxed flow going. be careful to keep your weight 50/50 when you are turning. Also be prepared for your horse to have a more resistant side and that side to turn slower and take longer to get good. Enjoy the practice, have patience, and your horse will enjoy it too. Don't worry if it is not perfect right away. Training is a journey everyday. To watch a clip of this exercise and purchase the on demand downloadable video for only $2.99 see below. Let me know any feed back you have!

Zig Zag jumping exercise in side pull bitless bridle (hunter,jumpers, eventing, equitation)

2010-02-05T22:08:00.000-05:00

Uberstreichen ground exercise 3 with Mercury

2010-01-29T12:42:00.001-05:00

Here is Mercury and I working on Carolyn Resnick’s 3rd UE. If I could critique myself, my body language could have been more showing the movement to him. For example, When I want him to lower his head, I should show the same posture.

2nd Uberstreichen exercise with Phoenix

2010-01-19T10:13:00.000-05:00

This is the 2nd stage of Carolyn Resnick's Uberstreichen exercises. Here we progress to gradually doing the neck release on a circle at the halt.

First Uberstreichen exercise with Mercury

2010-01-15T09:47:00.000-05:00

This video shows working with the first Uberstreichen exercise with another horse. This is Mercury my 6 year old dutch warmblood. It is good to see it with different horses and I feel that it is useful for very different reasons on each horse. This work is helping the horse to release neck and topline muscles. It is also designed to help mentally prepare them for collection abd half halts under saddle so they understand it and what muscles to use.

Working with Ubersteichen exercises

2010-01-14T09:55:00.000-05:00

Part 1 and 2 of working with Carolyn Resnick's Uberstreichen exercises with a percheron. These exercises are designed to help a horse understand how to release his neck and topline muscles. It is a ground preperation exercise for dressage, half halts, and eventually collection under saddle. I am also simultaneously working on standing and halting straight. A Liberty work foundation is strongly recommended before trying this.

Working on Uberstreichen exercises with Phoenix

2010-01-06T08:37:00.000-05:00

Here is a video of Phoenix and I working on the beginning stages of the UE's She is doing really well! Considering she prefers not to stand still and hold her head still! These evercises are based on Carolyn Resnick's work and are a ground exercise for teaching a horse to understand connection and throughness which will eventually help the horse understand collection under saddle.

Find more videos like this on Waterhole Rituals Insider Circle Club

New Video: Highlights from our Liberty Demo

2009-11-08T10:21:00.000-05:00

Here is a small glimpse of the demo we did at BackAcresFarm.com a full DVD of the 2 days is available Click here to contact me

New Video: Liberty Clipping Part 4

2009-10-06T22:46:00.000-04:00

In the Liberty Clipping part 3 video, you see the bay mare saying "No" to me repeatedly while the chestnut filly is saying "do me!" "do me"! Trying to show her mom up! This video shows what listening to your horses wishes can get you. The actual time lapse of the 3 videos was about 45 minutes.

New Video! Liberty Clipping part 3

2009-10-04T22:36:00.000-04:00

In this video you will see me working on the body more. Still using "approach retreat" and making the game about letting me touch them with the clippers. It still has to be their idea. They can leave any time. And they are allowed to say no. This builds confidence and trust because they know I will respect their space and choices.

New Video: Liberty Clipper Training part 2

2009-10-02T22:38:00.000-04:00

Part 2 of Clipper Training without restraint. Here is another pair of horses, a mare and a yearling who has not had any experience with the clippers. Here I play off the "Monkey see Monkey do" effect that is strong in horses. This video shows how I get my horses to be comfortable with clipping without restraint. The foundation of this work is The Waterhole Rituals. This work is done before I introduce anything to the horse they may not like. It encourages trust and confidence. It is the horses idea to engage with me and therefore his opinion of whatever I bring is more curious then afraid. I don't recommend trying this without having the Waterhole Rituals firmly on your horse and if you do not enough experience. Be safe!

FDT

New Video! Liberty Clipper Training

2009-09-30T08:53:00.001-04:00

This video is on working with a horse with clippers without restraint. I want to cause the horse to choose to be clipped. I am using Waterhole based methods here.

New Video: Crest Releases Part 2 (Hunters, Jumpers, Eventing)

2009-09-03T07:30:00.000-04:00

This video shows a ridden demonstration of the 3 Crest releases over a small vertical with my green Warmblood jumper.

New Video: Crest Releases Part 1

2009-08-14T21:08:00.000-04:00

Half Seat Video Part 1 (Jumping, Hunter/Jumper, Eventing)

2009-08-02T21:36:00.000-04:00

New Video! The Training Scale part 2: Rhythm

2009-06-16T22:04:00.000-04:00

Here is part 2 of the Training scale video series:

New Video! The Training Pyramid part 1: Rhythm

2009-06-11T10:50:00.000-04:00

Here it the first video in my series The Training Scale:

Don't miss tonight's NHN Radio show!

2009-03-31T09:22:00.000-04:00

Join DC and I tonight at NHN Radio for Natural First Aid and Medicine kits...click the player to listen or sign in to chat live and ask questions during the broadcast.

Leading the Difficult horse part 2

2009-03-19T00:25:00.000-04:00

Leading the Difficult horse part 1

2009-03-17T23:38:00.001-04:00

Training a young horse to jump a Gymnastic Grid

2009-03-05T22:28:00.000-05:00

3 Basic Seats part 1

2009-03-04T09:09:00.000-05:00

Getting your horse to respond soft signals part 2

2009-03-01T14:37:00.000-05:00

Getting your horse to respond to soft signals

2009-03-01T14:36:00.000-05:00

Don't forget tonight NHN Radio show on Flower Essences!

2009-02-16T12:17:00.000-05:00

Go and register to login now so you can call in or chat live with me about Flower Essences for horses,people and other pets! See you there!

Horsenality 3 behavioral mix and Phoenix...

2009-01-21T23:18:00.001-05:00

As I announced recently, I introduced my Horsenality flower essence Mixes. I have been using my Horsenality 3 mix on my mare Phoenix who I would call a Right brain Extrovert. It has helped her immensely! She is so much more focused, relaxed and mentally balanced I can't believe it. It just supports the Natural Horsemanship work so harmoniously. I have also been using them on my Left Brain Extrovert and he is very nicely balanced too. I'm very pleased with the results on these. If you'd like to check them out go to Behavior Mixes.

Bitless Bridle options

2009-01-05T15:06:00.000-05:00

A bitless bridle or Hackamore can be a fine choice for riding your horse if he's properly trained and given a chance to get used it. The photos here depict different types of bitless bridles. I will describe these in order. The first is a Bosal and is used in western disciplines and is a nice effective bitless bridle and fairly gentle.
The next one is a called a "Bitless Bridle" which is specially designed to have different pressure points then some others. I am not a fan of these but I know some people like them. Better for direct reining (or riding with 2 hands). It's not really designed for traditional neck reining though.
The next photo (3rd) is a Mechanical Hackamore. These are used in english and western and can be quite severe depending on the design and the riders hands despite having no bit. They are probably the easiest of the bitless bridles to neck rein having a long shank traditionally used in curb/shank bits.
The 4th photo shows pretty much a rope halter with Mecate reins which is perfectly fine if your horse is suitably trained and safe to ride in it.
The 5th photo is called a Side Pull and is my personal favorite. It is a western training device and a I actually ride dressage and jump in it as well. I like it on my young horses and sometimes for trail riding on a reliable horse. All horses can be taught to ride in any sort of bitless bridle but it can take time and patience. Some horses would not be safe to ride until some lengthy re-schooling if ever. Always use common sense when thinking about trying something different with you horse. Know you limitations and keep yours and your horses safety first! Try to consult with a trainer if possible. Happy Riding!
FDT

Virtual Clinic Dog Training Question from Hedy Nelson

2008-10-23T18:36:00.000-04:00

Chili and Buddha say help is on the way!

Why Not? I've added Virtual Dog training Clinic Questions, Photos, and Videos. The first is a question from Hedy Nelson she writes:

"I have a question regarding my five year old Miniature Pinscher, Gunny. I got her from a family who said she'd been in several homes. She's a great dog, and I love her very much. She has two issues though, that I have been trying to work through since I got her two years ago. She is VERY aggressive around other dogs. She puts up a huge fuss on the leash, barking, growling, trying to charge, snapping, even at the sight of another dog. She is spayed and as far as I am concerned has had no incident with any animals. We have another MinPin and they get along great. There are a select few dogs she will tolerate around her, but the second they show any interest in her or try to engage her in play, she becomes hostile and aggressive. Also, when I go to put her leash on her to take her outside, she takes up the submissive, fearful position, squats down, and urinates. She has never been hit as far as I know, but like I mentioned previously, she has had several homes before me. Any advice would be very helpful. Thanks for your time."

Here is my answer:

"It sounds like she has some serious socialization issues do to a lot of inconsistency in her life. Very fixable but starts with respect on the the leash getting her to walk calmly next to you on a short slack leash. never Allowing her to be out in front of you (NO Retracto leashes!) You being in charge of all situations and "telling" her how she is to behave. Not waiting to "see" how she will behave. The second you see any undesirable behavior brewing (look for small early signs) not "too late" big signs, step in and interrupt the behavior pattern and replace it with a more productive behavior like sitting or lying down. Don't shout or yell no. Always work calmly and be in charge. hope this helps."

FDT

Horsenalities

2008-09-20T20:30:00.000-04:00

I have been encouraging people to look at their horses "Horsenality" to better facilitate their training, understanding, and relationship with their horses. I am posting a link to Parelli's charts which help you to see where your horse falls and then choose a positive training path with them. What I was most struck by on this chart was the horses in the past I had known that would fall into the "dangerous" and "crazy" category. Also the possible euthanizing cases. They are covered on the chart and it makes you understand that these horses, though not for the timid or inexperienced handler, could become productive, fun partners for the right person. I know some of his horses were branded "killers" and "untrainable" and are now a part of his horse family and his demonstrations.
Horsenality Chart
Horsenality Interactive Chart (click on chart)

Virtual Clinic video Evaluation of Livestoride part 1

2008-05-30T23:24:00.000-04:00

Video Submission
Horse: Nikki Owner:Livestoride
Livestoride sent this video submission in of her horse Nikki. We discussed several issues but I am going to comment directly on what I see in the video. She was concerned with the fact that Nikki carries her nose to the outside of the circle(counter bent) and carries her hind end to the inside of the circle. Which means her front end and back end are on different paths on the circle. She travels at an angle or a bit diagonally. What it comes down to is, Nikki's body geometry does not match the shape of the circle. She is moving crooked and stiff. I saw the horses rhythm get erratic at one point and she said she was kissing to Nikki to get her to move faster so she wouldn't walk. We had talked about rhythm being a problem with this mare at the lope and jog/trot. Livestoride felt that she had to constantly correct her to stop her from speeding up.

FDT Evaluation:
The Good: In what I could see in this short clip, I actually liked this mare's natural rhythm until Livestoride increased her speed by kissing.The Issues: This mare's posture (yes horses' have postures too) is laterally (left /right) stiff and longitudinally (top and length of body, nose to tail) stiff. I saw this increase when she was encouraged to go faster. Remember speed tends to magnify issues. I suspect this to be more of a right sided issue, but I only have video of the one direction. It is the habit of horses to bring there hind end in to one side when travelling. It shows up particularly at speed and sometimes severely in the canter.What to work on: I want her to let the mare make the "mistake" of walking (or trotting in the canter) before she corrects her. Her mare will learn what her responsibility is in this task (lunging). All ground work carries into under saddle work. This mare will understand she is not to break/change gait until she is asked. Make the correction this way until you see Nikki start to try and fix herself. This is one of my favorite moments in working with a horse! This is when I see my horse start to think, participate and understand what the goal is. You will see her possibly hesitate and then keep trotting or walk briefly and trot again. OBSERVE what she does before you correct. This will help you learn "feel" and "timing". It will give your horse space to learn/think. Eventually she will settle into a steady rhythm. Don't worry if it's slower than you like or the stride is shorter than you want. That's a different issue for another time. Remember to work on one thing at a time. I want my horse to show me they understand their responsibility to our team. The horse is no longer being mindlessly lunged, nagged or having orders barked at them constantly. When we wait for our horse to offer his ideas then we have interaction and conversation. It is human nature to micro manage sometimes. It takes practice and self discipline to change the habit. We forget to have patience while they are searching for answers to our questions. When Nikki learns to be responsible for her own rhythm, By default she will find softness and relaxation in her posture and gaits (even better balance). She should start to drop her head (softening the topline=top of her body/back) and possibly start to bring her head into the circle (if she doesn't have too severe of a stiffness issue). Sometimes they will turn into you during these exercises. Just simply start them again. Try this in the canter as well. Livetoride needs to ask herself allowing her horse to make mistakes BEFORE she corrects her in other areas as well. I suspect her horses "try" and understanding will improve a lot.
FDT

Virtual Clinic Submission: Lashea and Cloudy

2008-05-30T23:20:00.000-04:00

I'm pleased to say this is a basically correct pair. The points to consider are highlighted in red and yellow so you can see them clearly. The red lines indicate where a correction is needed. Lashea needs to pick her chin up so her ear will come in alignment with that yellow line. She has a very nice shoulder, hip, heel alignment, but this small displacement of her head will pull her forward and off her seat bones. This will also make it difficult to see where you are going next whether jumping or riding accurate dressage figures. This is a common fault and even I am guilty once in a while. I have also red lined Clouds profile for being slightly behind the vertical, Although he looks very nicely connected to the bit. You can see that she has a basically straight line from elbow to bit. I would like to see her hands more upright so her thumbs are at the top of her hands. This creates a better connection to the bit. Sometimes horses will get behind the vertical during a half halt which is totally acceptable because after you ride forward they usually come up and out in their head carriage. Also, some horses want to ride slightly behind in their frame by nature and conformation or due to lack of fitness. Very nice!
FDT

Announcing the FDT Virtual Clinic Blog!

2008-05-30T21:18:00.000-04:00

Here you will find Evaluations of peoples photos and videos. Just like a mini Clinic. You may also find it helpful to read other
peoples feedback. Now new Audio Evaluations. Look at the video or photo and then listen to what I have to say about your
submissions.
FDT