Laurel Manor Equestrian

11/22/2025

It might not seem like it, but you are on the right track

11/22/2025

Public Notice: Due to recent Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) outbreaks in Oklahoma and Texas, we are recommending that all equine events in Arkansas, including shows, competitions, and large gatherings, be postponed for two weeks. We also recommend isolating and monitoring any horses that attended events in OK or TX during November for 21 days.

These steps are precautionary to help protect Arkansas’s equine industry. We will continue to share updates as the situation develops.

Learn more: https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/public-notice/recommendation-to-postpone-equine-events/

11/21/2025

Marguerite Henry, author of Misty of Chincoteague and many, many more beloved children's books.

Photo by Tony Francis Photography.

11/21/2025

Neck Straps: The Underrated Tool For Lesson Programs

Let's talk about a piece of tack that doesn't get nearly enough credit: the neck strap. If Olympic eventer William Fox-Pitt uses one at five-star competitions, why are we acting like they're only for beginners? Here's the truth: Neck straps aren't a crutch. They're a smart training tool.

WHY NECK STRAPS BELONG IN YOUR PROGRAM:
1. Confidence Builder: Trying a new horse? Nervous rider? Green horse? A neck strap gives riders something to hold WITHOUT pulling on the mouth. Confidence goes up, tension goes down. I've watched countless riders transform from white-knuckling the reins to actually RIDING once they have a neck strap to grab if needed.
2. Protects Young Horses: Starting youngsters over fences or out on trail? Neck straps are non-negotiable. When your green horse throws an awkward jump or spooks, you grab the strap - NOT their mouth. This keeps young horses soft, willing, and trusting instead of defensive and mouth-dead.
3. Teaches Proper Hand Position: For novice riders still learning independent hands, a neck strap gives them a reference point. It reinforces using seat and leg aids BEFORE hands, and helps keep hands steady and in the right place.
4. Safety for Unbalanced Moments: Even experienced riders have off-balance moments. The neck strap gives you something to grab that won't hurt the horse or compromise your position as badly as grabbing mane or reins.

PROPER FIT MATTERS:
Too tight = too far up the neck to reach
Too loose = slides back and becomes useless
The sweet spot: You should be able to fit one finger underneath while still holding your reins comfortably. This usually means 10-12cm of slack measured just in front of the withers.
Play around with fit until it works for both horse and rider!

NECK STRAP OPTIONS:
Old-school: Repurposed stirrup leather
1. Multiple holes for adjustability
2. Usually already at the barn
3. Costs nothing

Modern: Purpose-made neck straps
1. Cut to custom size
2. Can personalize with colors, names, emergency contact info
3. Looks more polished
4. Great for trail riders (add your phone number!)
Both work perfectly - pick what suits your program!

FOR INSTRUCTORS:
Consider adding neck straps to your program for:
- All beginner/intermediate riders
- Anyone trying a new horse
- Jump lessons (especially learning or green horses)
- Trail rides
- Nervous riders rebuilding confidence

You'll see better hand position, more confident riders, and happier horses.
Win. Win. Win.

If William Fox-Pitt - a five-star, Olympic-level eventer - uses a neck strap at the highest levels of competition, maybe we should stop treating them like training wheels and start treating them like the valuable tools they are. Your hands stay softer. Your horse stays happier. Your riders stay safer. What's not to love?

Instructors: Do you use neck straps in your program? Why or why not?

11/17/2025

11/15/2025

Don’t pull — feel! Use “feeling fingers,” not “pulling hands.”

Pulling causes resistance, tension, and discomfort for the horse.

Correct technique: hold the rein softly with the thumb and index finger, use light pressure with other fingers, keep elbows and wrists relaxed, and move in harmony with the horse.

👉 The goal: soft, responsive communication between rider and horse — built on trust, not force.

11/15/2025

Moves to allow voice aids in dressage competition, made after rider feedback, have been welcomed as a positive step by competitors. From January, British Dressage (BD) and British Riding Clubs (BRC) will allow “discreet” use of vocal aids, including tongue clicking, during tests. BRC has also ru...

11/13/2025

Training Tip Tuesday. More exercises to prepare the horse for the flying changes - The 20 meter walk or trot counter shoulder in to canter volte. In this exercise, the horse will be asked to mobilize the shoulder during the counter shoulder in phase. The canter will occur on the 10 meter volte with the depart taking place over centerline. These elements will encourage the horse to sit more resulting in a more expressive, uphill transition. Riding the volte in a slight shoulder fore position will add to the level of collection and the expression of the canter. This is an excellent way to improve suppleness, self carriage, hindquarter engagement and balance. Accuracy, geometry and timing are of the utmost importance in this exercise.

11/08/2025

Clean your tack, groom your horse, and shine your boots. Every day. If you can control nothing else, you can control your turn out. There is no excuse to not do the minimum effort.

www.EquestrianCoach.com

11/08/2025

A winner is a loser who tried one more time. 🙌😎 Dust yourself off, and get back in that saddle. Ride on.

11/02/2025

2025 ASPCA Maclay Finals Course 🌟