Dr. Moller now asks for the mare to sit be rounder and sit more in the canter and describes how to use one hand more if needed.  They then add the challenge of the counter canter to the flying change.  The connection gets better and better and the mare becomes less and less fussy.  He next asks f...

Green Rider on Upper Level School Horse - Rafael Soto

Green Rider on Upper Level School Horse - Rafael Soto

Green Rider on Upper Level School Horse - Rafael Soto

Part 2: Sandy explains the importance of improving the young mare's balance so she can then come more through and forward, without relying on the riders hand for support. She has the rider work on rein back, and notes the mare is reining back on her mouth and her shoulder. instead of pulling back...

Getting the horse to listen to the aids

Getting the horse to listen to the aids

Getting the horse to listen to the aids

Getting the horse to listen to the aids

Getting the horse lighter in the contact - Jody Hartstone

Getting the horse lighter in the contact - Jody Hartstone

Getting the horse lighter in the contact - Jody Hartstone

Chrissa Hoffmann rides Faustus in this new video. We saw him last year in the video entitled Developing the Changes. She is now showing him in the Prix St. Georges s Developing classes. He is struggling a bit in the pirouettes, but scored 8's on his changes! They begin to warm up in a lovely, ...

Chrissa explains the way she uses her body to perform the shoulder in, haunches in and half pass without holding him. As she does the half pass to the rail, she waits to do the change until she can give on the right rein with a soft neck. She rides multiple changes with soft contact and then go...

Laura watches this pair warm up and encourages them to stretch while keeping the same tempo. In the canter she encourages the rider to follow the motion of the gait with her elbows.  Laura gives a great explanation of what the difference is between contact and connection.

When they go to the canter Laura asks them for counter canter and he offers changes instead.  They patiently continue on the circle in the counter canter while asking for changes in the flexion from left to right.  Laura explains the necessity of rideability and being able to move the shoulders, ...

They next work on the trot with Laura helping her find a trot that is taking the rider forward without being quick.  They work on half pass and  passage, making sure the hind end remains active.

Focus on equitation, work on achieving proper bend with Alex Gerding.

focus on equitation, work on achieving proper bend with Alex Gerding

Focus on equitation, work on achieving proper bend with Alex Gerding.

Felicitas asks this rider to use her horse's energy and find the cadence. She instructs her to take her time to find the rhythm and feel how the horse's front feet hit the ground. "Quicker is not always better," she says. "Forward is energy off the ground rather than just rushing."

Isabelle works with this Training Level rider who has trouble keeping her right leg steady. Isabelle works to help this rider feel her seat and uses exercises that allow her to gently play with where she sits in the saddle.

When this pair gets to the canter in their warm up, Debbie has her adjust the balance when the horse falls to the forehand by asking her to carry more weight on the hindquarters. On the long sides they ask for haunches in while keeping the shoulders on the rail, and on center line a little shou...

Colleen Kelly begins her Level 2 clinic by explaining the term Engagement.  She explains that it needs to start with extension, and has the riders demonstrate how she counts head nods to check for regularity in the step. She talks about the difference between rhythm and tempo.