Julie Goodnight's Blog – January 2010 Archive (2)

Improving Your Position

What's the best way to improve my riding position?

We have talked in previous posts about the importance of a balanced position with ear-shoulder-hip-heel alignment and open and relaxed joints that allow the rhythm of the horse to flow through the rider. Proper position unites the balance of horse and rider, giving the picture of a team moving as one. If I were to guess at the single most common equitation error I see, what immediately springs to mind is the rider that is… Continue

Added by Julie Goodnight on January 22, 2010 at 8:00am — 2 Comments

How To Properly Use Spurs

Dear Julie,

My understanding is that spurs are to be used to back up a request if the horse is not responding or to make a cue more clear as in lateral work. It is hard for me to picture how to not have the spur contact the horse, especially in the most forward position when cueing with one's leg. In general, should leg cues be given with the inside of the calf to avoid hitting the horse with the spur rather than turning the heel inward?

Thanks,

Casey

Mariposa… Continue

Added by Julie Goodnight on January 8, 2010 at 10:37am — 2 Comments