In our mini-course, "Developing Feel for the Rider's Hands," we delve into one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of horsemanship: establishing a soft, steady connection with your horse's mouth. This delicate balance is the hallmark of skilled riders, allowing for clear communication with the lightest touch.

This week, we're excited to share a practical tip you can incorporate into your daily rides to enhance your feel and improve your riding experience. This tip builds on the principles we explore in our courses.

Carry the Tray Exercise

For a horse that is cantering with it's neck going too much up and down, imagine it had to carry a tray on it's head. To help balance the top line, you might have to raise your hands and push them forward towards the horse's ears. Important is not to get stuck pulling back on the down of the stride, but feel like you are supporting the height of the stride.

In this mini-course, you’ll learn practical tips to refine your riding skills, focusing on your hands and arms. Pair this course with "Finding a steady connection through stabilizing the arms" to enhance your understanding of a soft, steady connection.

To effectively follow your horse’s mouth and maintain a consistent connection, you must master the art of core engagement. This course will guide you in achieving stability without rigidity, using simple exercises that can be done both on and off the horse.