Exercises

Credit: Richard Malgrem
Instruction

3 Exercises to Improve Transitions Into and Out of Canter Lengthenings

Joy Congdon explains how to maintain control over a horse who likes to run in canter lengthenings.

gerhard politz by charles mann
Theory

Create Dressage Students Who Think and Feel

Gerhard Politz explains how correct rider assessment and the appropriate use of praise are key elements to effective instruction.

Cross-training is good for all athletes, including horses, and there are numerous options available to add variety and reap rewards of improved flexibility, endurance and strength. Here Grand Prix rider Nicholas Fyffe rides Fiero HGF, a P.R.E. stallion.
Instruction

Nicholas Fyffe: Cross-Training for Horse and Rider

A Grand Prix trainer explains how cross-training for the horse and rider can improve performance.

Credit: Mary McKenna Always keep your goal in mind: to create harmony between two individual body-movement systems. Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel rides Florenz, a 9-year-old Bavarian Warmblood owned by Sandra Smith.
Instruction

Improve Your Dressage Seat with Isabelle von Neumann-Cosel: Part 2

Now that you have a better understanding of your specific body proportions, find the right exercises to help you progress.

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Theory

The Importance of Riding in a Stretching Position

Uta Gräf of Germany explains that this exercise is an important part of training not just for young horses or dressage horses, but for all horses.

Joanna Allmeling and Avril, owned by Karen Klemt, compete at Hohnstorf in Lauenburg Elbe, Germany.
Instruction

Warm-Up Strategies for Show-Ring Success

Rider and Trainer Endel Ots shares his tips for preparing to ride a dressage test.

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Rider Fitness

Learn the CrossFit Squat to Help Your Dressage Training

Dressage trainer Stacey Hastings explains the value of this cross-training exercise.

Credit: Amy Dragoo Scott Hassler with Harmony’s Diamo Gold (left), an 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding, and Harmony’s Star Agent, a 9-year-old Oldenburg gelding, both owned by Harmony Sporthorses
Instruction

Scott Hassler: Coach Your Horse for Success

One of America’s top trainers talks about how to improve your horse’s performance by being an ideal coach for him.

Credit: Courtesy of Trafalgar Square Books The first goal during the early schooling phase is to reestablish the natural rhythm of the horse in each basic gait. Mandy Zimmer trains with German Olympian Klaus Balkenhol.
Instruction

The Fundamentals of Rhythm in Dressage Work

Eckart Meyners explains how to establish the young horse’s natural rhythm under the weight of the rider.

Credit: Beth Baumert The dressage stance off the horse
Instruction

Ride with a 'Library-Quiet' Position

Jeremy Steinberg explains exercises to help you improve your dressage position and ride with invisible aids.

Credit: Corinne Foxley Harmony between horse and rider depends on a good seat. Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel rides Morgenstern, owned by Jayne Nessif.
Instruction

Improve Your Dressage Seat with Isabelle von Neumann-Cosel: Part 1

Learn how to understand your own body in order to address your specific position challenges.

Credit: Amy Dragoo In counter canter, the horse not only must be in front of the inside leg (left in this left-lead canter), but he must also respond correctly to the outside (right) leg. That is, he should go straight forward from the outside leg instead of swinging his haunches to the inside (away from the outside leg).
Instruction

Exercises to Develop Your Horse’s Straightness and Collection with George Williams

George Williams explains the importance of the counter canter

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Theory

Riding in a Bitless Bridle for Desensitization

David De Wispelaere weighs in on whether or not riding bitless can help to desensitize a reactive horse.

Credit: © Von Schonertagen - Fotolia.com The peroneals on the lateral side of the lower leg and the tibial muscles on the front and back of the lower leg are better known as the stirrup muscles, as they provide support and stability during activities such as horseback riding. If you have pain in this area, it’s best to see a physical therapist before starting any exercises on your own.
Rider Wellness

Rider Exercises to Prevent Ankle Pain in Posting Trot

Why ankle pain happens and how to prevent it

Credit: Barbara Bella Photography
Instruction

How Do I Encourage My Andalusian to Stretch?

Are there exercises that work particularly well for Iberian breeds?

Lauren Sprieser and Ellegria, a 10-year-old Westfalen mare trained to Grand Prix. | SusanJStickle.com
Instruction

Dressage Training Exercises to Calm Your Hot Horse

Tips and dressage training exercises to help you manage a hot horse