Jane Savoie's Blog – April 2009 Archive (4)

Program yourself to improve your riding!

Hi Guys,

Do you want to know how to become a better rider without taking tons more lessons? Do what I did. By putting the same amount (or more!) of effort into mental training as into skill development, I was able to realize my dream of representing the United States in international competition.

Here's how it worked for me. Back in 1980 I picked up a book called, Psycho cybernetics, by Maxwell Maltz. This book literally changed my life. I had always wanted to compete… Continue

Added by Jane Savoie on April 24, 2009 at 11:00am — 6 Comments

Pick up the correct canter lead every time!

Hi Guys!

It's not uncommon for riders to struggle getting their horses to pick up one of their canter leads. The following are some simple exercises to help you pick up the right lead everytime!

The first exercise is done completely in the walk. You will practice positioning your horse alternately for the left lead and then switch to the right lead after a few strides.

Let’s say you decided to pick up left lead:

--Put your weight on your left seat… Continue

Added by Jane Savoie on April 17, 2009 at 9:30am — 3 Comments

Learn to ride with soft hands

Hi Guys,

Riding with soft hands is an awesome goal, and your horse will thank you for it. In this training tip, I'm going to give you both some simple physical exercises and also some fun mental exercises to help you achieve this goal.

Here are 2 physical exercises.

1. Tie two reins or ropes or even two pieces of baling twine to a sturdy fence. Hold the ropes as if they are reins. Take up a contact of at least 10 pounds in each hand. Then, adjust the weight of… Continue

Added by Jane Savoie on April 10, 2009 at 10:30am — 1 Comment

Changing the Software in your Mental Computer

Hi Guys,

One of the biggest mistakes riders make when we're trying to overcome horseback riding fears is that we direct our efforts toward the conscious mind. You know--willpower, iron-jawed determination. The problem with that strategy is that you can only make short-term, temporary changes when you direct your efforts to your conscious mind. To make permanent changes, direct your efforts to the part of your brain that truly determines your actions--your subconscious… Continue

Added by Jane Savoie on April 3, 2009 at 10:00pm — 1 Comment