Flow Riders Equestrian - Music Clinics

22/12/2024

Looking forward to the last few working days before 2025. My Christmas riding playlist is a bit light this year. 🎵
Any additions for riding to that you use? Playlist link in comments 🤶

01/12/2024

Beautifully explained.

Correct use of Thighs...

Internally rotated thighs.
If there is one change I make to the majority of riders that has a profound impact on their ability to sit the trot and feel more stable and hence safe in the saddle, it is finding the internal rotation in their thighs.

This can easily be done yourself in the saddle. Put your reins into one hand and reach your other hand deep under the back of your thigh and lift the muscle and tissue outward and away from the thigh bone (femur). Switch reins into your other hand and do the same to your opposite thigh. Notice how this allows more of your thigh to connect with the saddle in that soft, wet towel feel.

In the attached photo I have demonstrated the change in the look of the thigh using this manual rotation of my thigh. Keep in mind that my thighs are already quite internally rotated in the first photo as I have ridden this way for a long time. However, after bringing the meaty part of my thigh out from under my thigh bone in an internal rotation you can see how much flatter my thigh lies on the saddle with a better connection and increased tone. Note the red arrows pointing out the change in the seam line of my breeches. The blue arrow demonstrates the change in my knee to a more kneeling feeling and a better connection from the inside of my knee up to the top inside of my thigh.

If internally rotated thighs have not been in your conscious awareness, on your next ride, take the time to ride at all gaits with your thighs in their usual comfortable, at-home place in your saddle. Then do the internal rotation exercise as described above, and notice how this changes your feel in the saddle. You may have to stop and do it a few times and be willing to let it feel really weird. Your muscle memory will try to tell you this can’t be right!! Stick with it.

Ask yourself the following questions: Do you feel more or less secure? Does this new position allow you to steer your horse better? Does your horse change and become more or less relaxed? Bring their back up or drop it? Reach more into the rein or suck back? Noticing how our horses change as we ride more biomechanically correct can be mind-blowing!! It got me hooked over 20 years ago!!

I’d love to hear about your observations in the comments below.
Enjoy your ride!❤️

27/11/2024

25/11/2024

The power of noticing. 💭

Something I reflect on deeply—and sometimes feel is missing in the world of horse training—is the art of truly noticing. Noticing how the horse responds to the things we do, not just when we ask for something specific, but in the subtle, everyday dialogue we share.

When I praise my horses, I want it to be more than a random pat on the neck. I want to feel that they receive it as something positive, something meaningful. Too often, I see a rider offer praise, yet the horse’s expression remains unchanged—no softening, no flick of an ear, no shift in their energy.

And that makes me wonder: Is the praise truly for the horse—or for us?

If our praise, our release, or our rewards are to have any real value, we need to know they truly land. Connection isn’t automatic; it’s built through noticing the smallest signs that tell us our words and actions resonate.

For me, it’s in the glimmer of understanding in their eyes, the sigh of relaxation, or the subtle melting of tension. That’s when I know I’m truly communicating, not just talking into the void.

So, how do you know your horse appreciates the things you do? What signs do they show you when they feel seen, understood, and supported?

Because in those moments, we create not just training—but partnership. 💕

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22/11/2024

22/11/2024

17/11/2024

"Advanced training is just the basics done really well." - Ken Ramirez
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"Training often fails because people expect way too much of the animal and way too little of themselves." - Bob Bailey
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"Please just do your homework." - Fred

14/11/2024

If you weren't able to watch our annual conference when we streamed it live last week, we have some good news! 🐴

You can now watch the event online here: https://bit.ly/40KuNXN

For those who were able to join us, or caught up online, we'd love you to share your thoughts below. 🧠

14/11/2024

Do you know the signs of colic in your horse?

Colic can occur at any time of the year in both grass-kept and stabled horses. How can you spot the early signs of colic? 🔍

Here are the 5 REACT signs to look for 👇
😖🐎 Restless or agitated
🍎🥕❌ Eating less or droppings reduced
🤕 Abdominal pain
🤔🔁 Clinical changes
😴😔 Tired or lethargic

Download our Emergency Care Plan today 👉https://www.bhs.org.uk/horse-care-and-welfare/ownership-loaning/owning-a-horse/emergency-decision-making/

14/11/2024

Challenge Tradition with Science

We all know horses can show behaviours for various reasons.... be that reacting out of fear, pain, or confusion which often results in an undesirable behaviour, just as much as they can show compliance with a kindly cued behaviour if they are relaxed and in a positive state of mind.

Current science shows us that punishment (like whipping after a refusal) doesn’t build understanding—if anything, it reinforces fear. Why, then, do we continue with old habits?

Let’s rethink our approach to training with compassion and evidence-based methods. 🧠💙

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10/11/2024

Today, we pause to honour and remember the brave men, women, and animals who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. As an equine veterinary practice, we feel a special connection to the horses that played a vital role in history. From carrying soldiers through battlefields to transporting supplies, these noble animals showed courage and loyalty in some of the most challenging conditions.

Horses have a unique place in military history—strong, dependable, and resilient. They stood beside our soldiers in times of peace and conflict, enduring hardships as unsung heroes.

Today, as we honour their memory, let us reflect on the incredible bond between humans and animals and the bravery they share.

🌹 Lest We Forget 🌹

07/11/2024

https://x.com/horsecharity/status/1854470407476109619?s=46&t=V8beZIbEVcO-vIEm76Pbdg

Lots of interesting posts about

Which I may have typed incorrectly!
It’s nice to see lots of signs of progress.