Jane Savoie's Blog – December 2009 Archive (6)

Motivation from Moshi

The first "installment" of: Motivation from Moshi with a side dish of Inspiration from Indy comes out this Tuesday. Make sure you're signed up for the free newsletter at www.janesavoie.com so you'll be sure to see it!

Added by Jane Savoie on December 28, 2009 at 7:23am — No Comments

Keep Your Hands Forward in the “Work Area” When Riding Your Horse

When riding your horse, it’s important to keep your hands forward in what I call the “work area”.

The work area is just in front of the saddle above the horse’s withers. Put your hands in that position and draw an imaginary box around them. That box is your work area.

No matter what rein aids you’re giving, keep your hands in the work area. If you bring your hands closer to your body, you steal power from the hind legs. If you put your outside hand forward, for example,… Continue

Added by Jane Savoie on December 25, 2009 at 5:29pm — 1 Comment

Motivation from Moshi

My free newsletter has a new feature called: Motivation from Moshi...with a sidedish of Inspiration from Indy!

I'm sure words of wisdom from my horse and dog will keep your attitude right and your motivation high!

You can sign up at www.janesavoie.com

Added by Jane Savoie on December 19, 2009 at 9:31pm — No Comments

Sit Centered and Balanced for Effective Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is all about balance and staying centered. You always want to keep your horse in good balance for his stage of training no matter what your discipline.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a dressage rider, a western pleasure rider, a trail rider, or an event rider. Correct balance is essential to effective riding because the center of your balance directly affects… Continue

Added by Jane Savoie on December 18, 2009 at 9:00am — No Comments

9 Tips to Help You Sit the Trot

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is, “Can you help me sit the trot better?”

So here are some quick tips to help you with this all too common challenge.

1. First and foremost, your horse needs to be on the bit. If his back is hollow, stiff, or tight, you’ll find it impossible to sit comfortably. (And, in turn, you’ll make your horse uncomfortable too!)

To put him on the bit, review my blog post… Continue

Added by Jane Savoie on December 11, 2009 at 10:37am — No Comments

Sit Up Straight When You Canter Your Dressage Horse

If you tend to grip with your legs, and lean forward when you canter your dressage horse, here’s a simple exercise to help you sit up straight.

Sit in a chair and do the following exercise for muscle memory:

1. Sit up straight with shoulders over hips.

2. Lean back about 4-5 inches

3. Come back up to the vertical.

4. Do this in the… Continue

Added by Jane Savoie on December 4, 2009 at 9:30am — No Comments