Equisance, Inc at Moon Valley Ranch

01/10/2022

I LOVE this planner and the community that comes with it =-----> Get organized, be accountable and LIVE A LIFE YOU LOVE =----> https://www.thesmartequestrian.com/planner-community?fbclid=IwAR3jKFQlWMG99NHGkKmi7y95NkdtKu5J6lY8khLN9A5aP5khWGL2FDDqt9o

This is an equestrian community like no other. With women from all over the world here to support, love, and guide you towards your most empowered, equestrian self, we want YOU to be part of it! 

08/18/2021

Wednesday Workout =----->

Workout Wednesday: It's time to get responsive and maneuverable with the Agility Square. Set up 4 cones in a large square, at least 30-meters wide. At each corner, ride a downward transition to walk for the number of strides shown in the diagram, then resume trotting. This is 20 in my book, 55 Corrective Exercises for Horses. www.jecballou.com/store

08/11/2021

Workout Wednesday: Count those steps! When a horse travels in any gait without a steady self-sustaining rhythm, his balance is constantly altered. Not only is this a disorganized feel for both horse and rider, it is an inefficient use of energy and muscles. To hone good rhythm, practice counting the number of steps it takes to ride between two points in your arena. Can you repeat the same number consistently?? Can you do this in all gaits?

07/14/2021

Wednesday Warrior Workout =---->

Jec answers viewer questions about what to do if you you live somewhere flat without access to hills. Here she offers a few suggestions.Get Jec's programs an...

07/13/2021

Trainer Tuesday goodness with Jec and ground poles =----> =----> =---->

07/09/2021

Fitness Friday =------>

One of the most useful exercises for developing a looser and more balanced horse! Jec demonstrates the good, the bad, and the ugly of this gymnastic routine....

06/30/2021

Yeah, Elf is small, and he is only tghe third ;) Ride on =---->

06/09/2021

Wednesday Workout goodness continues =---->

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06/09/2021

Wednesday workout =---->

Workout Wednesday: Do the Double! Sometimes, double sessions can add training and fitness adaptations without the negative consequences of fatigue or wear and tear. Read more in my new blog post:
www. https://www.jecballou.com/trainingtips/why-do-two-sessions-a-day

06/07/2021

Mounted Archery Monday =----. also Medieval and Motivation Monday, so get out there and do it =----> =----> =---->

06/02/2021

Corrective Exercise #1 can be practiced under saddle or on longe line to activate the horse’s extensor and flexor muscle chains, helping create smooth, comfy movement.

05/26/2021

Wednesday Workout =----> =----> =---->

Workout Wednesday: Long and Low transitions. Asking for gait transitions while the horse remains in a forward-and-downward stretch tests several things.
1.) independence and finesse of rider's seat and hands
2.) the horse's correct use of his back (spinal stabilizing muscles well recruited)
3.) Good tone and use of topline and bottom line muscle chains
4.) lateral balance (not wobbling sideways)
5)... looseness and ease of movement.

Feel like your horse's core is unfit? Check. out my on-line 30 Day Core Fitness for Horses course: www.JecBallou.Thinkific.com

05/21/2021

Fitness AND Follow Through Friday =---> I love how this theme has developed this morning-whether riding or writing. To make our dreams come true requires goal setting, commitment - follow thru =----> TY Scott Purdam and Advantage Horsemanship =---->

05/21/2021

Fitness AND Follow Through Friday =-----> It starts with the warm up.

05/19/2021

Wednesday Workout intervals, once a week =----> getting ready for Canterdays =---->

Workout Wednesday: Intervals! When you're building spring fitness, here is a simple arena interval workout to do once per week.
Warm up for 20 minutes, then repeat the following sequence EIGHT times.
Canter or trot briskly for 60 seconds, then immediately jog slowly for 60 seconds to recover. (perform the sequence again right away).
Then cool down for 20 minutes.

Learn more about intervals in my book Equine Fitness: https://www.jecballou.com/store/p/equine-fitness-book

05/19/2021

Wednesday Workout with Jec, more with stretches =-----> And that mat, a different surface. Gotta up my game =---->

The disappointing news of fitness is that we cannot keep repeating the same thing to get results. After a while, we need to modify exercises in order to keep gaining conditioning adaptations from them. Otherwise, the body becomes so efficient and habituated at performing movements that it recruits fewer muscle fibres to do them and operates with less involvement from the nervous system.

Check out my latest article in Horse Community Journals Inc. for a few recommendations on keeping your exercises fresh:
https://www.horsejournals.com/riding-training/general/ground-work-handling/adjust-your-horse-stretches-make-progress