Riding is not just a matter of feel and technique; it also involves how our nervous system controls the many subtle movements performed in the saddle. Neuro-athletics in equestrian sports is a new form of training that can make a small yet significant difference in riding. This training focuses on how the brain controls movements and how to improve this…
Cross-training for riders plays an important role in maintaining long-term health, performance and comfort in equestrian sport. Compromise and even pain in the locomotor system, especially backpain, have already become the world’s most common health complaint – with a clear worsening trend. A sedentary lifestyle, repetitive motion or strain at work or during sports can result in these types of…
We consider leg yields the introduction to lateral work. Technically, however, the leg yield is by definition not a lateral movement as it’s supposed to be ridden with flexion but not bend. Classical lateral work requires both flexion and bend. But during training, there are certain situations in which it can be helpful to ride leg yields with a bit…
Acknowledging these two facts when considering how to deal with setbacks is crucial: Firstly, all of us – no matter how successful, smart, and self-confident – experience setbacks. Secondly, setbacks are not automatically bad. The idea is not to avoid setbacks but to deal with them skillfully. The first important step is to accept the setback and deal with it…
An unridden horse is naturally in balance. When he is asked to carry a saddle and rider, however, throughout his training, he needs to learn to balance himself with the rider in different situations, over varying terrain, in various movement patterns, exercises, over jumps, and even at the halt. The rider is supporting this by following the motto: Ride your…
Riders need a stable core – Jessica von Bredow-Werndl sums up why in one sentence: “We need a strong center so that we can sit quietly and straight.” That means: Anyone who has strength and stability in their core can absorb, hold, and flow with every movement of the horse. The core is the rider’s center. “It is decisive for…
The training of a horse is guided by the training scale which can be divided into two principal elements: the development of pushing power (thrust) and the development of carrying power. The horse’s back is the key to success here. The thoracic spine has 18 vertebrae, eight of which are connected to the sternum via the ribs. It forms the…
Whether in everyday life or when riding, everyone experiences challenging situations every now and then. Things that trigger us emotionally or things that can’t be solved straight away. It these moments, we have learned to check in with ourselves first instead of just looking for answers on the outside. Reflecting on your own thoughts, feelings and actions brings clarity and…
Nothing kills the spark of motivation more than repeating the same training routine every day. This is not only true for us riders, but also – or especially for horses. Working on the same dressage movements every day in the way and the same surroundings will probably get your horse bored and reduce the performance of both horse and rider…
The canter transition may only be a small part of a training session, but it is however a crucial and important moment. It influences the quality of the canter and prepares the horse for other movements. However, many riders fail to tap into the full potential of riding a correct transition and mistakes can happen easily. Why a Correct Rider’s…
