New contest: Win a Virtual Coach call with MP3!

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

Liberty Clipping part 5

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

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...

Introduce yourselves!

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!

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

FDT I Instructor weekly exercise: Basic Riding Position

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. Happy Riding!
http://fdhorsetraining.com/

Working with Uberstreichen exercises 4 and 5

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.