Equestrian Skill Builders

16/01/2025

Horse riding positions.

Do you find a lot of riders these days are tipping forward without much weight in their heels or balanced over their lower leg?

I feel that a lot of riders these days are very concerned about getting left behind or dropping back on the horse's back and that is wonderful. HOWEVER, I see the pendulum swinging in the other direction. That riders are getting ahead of their horses with their seat over the pommel of the saddle. And riders standing in their stirrups.

Horse riding position review and equitation tips for equestrians. If you are looking to improve your horse riding position or for those who are returning to ...

13/01/2025

Riding without stirrups can fix most equitation challenges. So I thought I'd give it a go. Here's what happened.

Have you ever felt like your legs just won’t stay still while riding? My advice? ride without stirrups. That is what I would tell my students. And that’s why I decided to give it a try. At le…

13/01/2025

I rode without stirrups recently at first it felt like my legs were made of spaghetti moving all over the place. My muscles were wondering “what the heck?”

I worked on flat work, transitions, and even over some poles on the ground without those trusty strips to rely on.

My lower leg became more stable and it felt like I had improved my balance. I certainly felt much more connected with my horse. It was unusual. I haven’t ridden without stirrups for a long time.

If you’re struggling with stability in the saddle or want to feel more secure in the saddle, I recommend you give this a try. Even if it’s for just a few minutes each ride. Your legs, your balance, and your confidence will be improved.

20/11/2024

Are you heading to the stable and feeling a little nervous?
Feeling nervous about riding again after a long break?
You're not alone! Riding a horse is thrilling, but it’s natural to feel a bit anxious. With the right guidance and a few key tips, you’ll be back in the saddle with confidence and ease.

Here’s what you need to know to make your return to riding a smooth and joyful experience:

✨ Top Tips for Your Comeback:

Gear Up Right: Long pants, proper boots and a helmet are essential. S
afety first!

Mount with Confidence:
Stay calm. Horses can sense nervous energy!
Sit tall and relaxed—don’t hunch like a jockey. Good posture keeps you balanced.

Be gentle; pulling too hard can hurt your horse.

For balance, rely on your posture,. Not gripping with your knees.

Watch where you are going. Eyes up, not your horse, to stay safe.

Dismount Smoothly: Take your time, and thank your horse for the ride!

Take it slow, enjoy the journey, and embrace the fun of riding again. What's your favorite part of being back in the saddle? Let me know in the comments!👇

18/11/2024

I Rode Through Portugal's Horse Capital - Here's what surprised me the most - https://mailchi.mp/3277b0a8c3d4/i-rode-through-portugals-horse-capital-heres-what-surprised-me-the-most

17/11/2024

I get asked a lot - How do I stop my hands from jumping around...
If you are struggling with Bouncy Hands? Try These Top Tips for a Steady, Soft Contact! 🖐️🐴

1️⃣ Elbows are Key!
If your hands bounce, it’s often an issue with your elbows. Try this: Use an old flash noseband to create a loop on your saddle’s D-rings. Hold it while you ride, and focus on how your elbows hinge and follow the horse’s movement. Feeling that rhythm will help still your hands!

2️⃣ Reins Slipping? If you’re always gathering up your reins, your fingers might not be closed enough. Try putting a rubber band around your reins at the proper length. You'll quickly feel it when they slip, and you’ll learn to keep a steady hold without tension.

3️⃣ Avoid Pulling Back: Don't clash your aids. PUlling and kicking at the same time. Keep your hands forward, letting your horse fround forward into the contact. Think about pushing a shopping cart; pulling back only disrupts the flow.

4️⃣ Watch Those Wrists! broken wrists disturb the connection with your contact. Keep your wrists straight by holding a crop under your thumbs, or if you flex outward, try a makeshift wrist splint. Straight wrists equal better communication!

Focus on one area at a time and watch your horse’s way of going improve as your hands become more elastic and independent.



✨ Steady hands lead to a happier horse—let’s make it happen together!

13/11/2024

A special day deserves a special look.

Bring something that feels elegant and comfortable, and we'll handle the rest. You can do a custom glam session for photos as unique as you and your horse.

11/11/2024

A black background image brings in to focus the horse, its structure and elegance.
the set up is with minimal gear and creates a dramatic and powerful effect.
Serving the Nova Scotia equestrian community, get a classic black-background equine portraits for a refined look.

11/11/2024

some foundational exercises to consider

To develop the horse symmetrically in body and limbs you can use gymnastic exercises.

*** CORNERSTONES ***

The core of the gymnastic exercises consists of the circle, shoulder-in and haunches-in. All the other exercises are derived from these cornerstones.

🐴 The circle is used to develop the Lateral bending of the body and spine, the Forward down tendency of the head and neck and the Stepping under the center of mass of the inside hind leg (LFS).

🐴 Once the inside hind leg can step under, this hind leg can also start to take weight. To do so we use the shoulder-in and counter-shoulder-in. These exercises are designed to school the hind leg in function of the inside hind leg. As a result of taking the weight, the horse will bend the inside hind leg more and free the outside shoulder.

🐴 Once the horse can bend the hind leg as an inside hind leg, we can also start to school the hind leg as an outside hind leg. To do so we use first the haunches-in (travers) and later on the renvers. In the renvers the horse can lean less against the wall/fence with his shoulder, so it's a bit more difficult than the travers, but as a result he really supports himself with his hind legs.

*** ALL EXERCISES ARE RELATED ***

All exercises relate to one another and differ slightly:

🐎 The only difference between shoulder-in and counter-shoulder in is the position of the fence/wall. The same applies to the haunches-in (travers) and the renvers, also there the only difference is the position of the wall.

🐎 The difference between shoulder-in and renvers is the bending in the spine, which is the opposite. In these exercises the same hind leg has the opposite function ('inside' in shoulder-in, 'outside' in renvers). The same applies to counter shoulder-in and the haunches in.

🐎 The half pass is 'just' a haunches-in over the diagonal, and the pirouette is 'just' a haunches-in on a small circle. Both half-pass and pirouette require support of both the inside as the outside hind leg. Therefore in both exercises the shoulders must lead to be able to keep the center of mass in front of the direction of the hind legs, only then both hind legs can support the weight. So both the half pass and pirouette also relate to the shoulder-in.

*** NUMBER OF TRACKS AND DEGREE OF BENDING ***

Now all exercises can be done on 3 or 4 tracks, or 2,5 tracks or 3,75 or 3,99 ;) and your horse can have more or less bend in his spine. Now there is no 'perfect' number and the exact degree doesn't matter. What matters in ST is that you choose the number of tracks and degree of bending where your horse can support his body and center of mass best with both hind legs. And that depends on the conformation of your horse: if he has a long back or a shorter one, if he has long legs, or shorter ones, if he has a long neck or a short one. So choose the degree of bending and number of tracks where your horse can move in optimal balance and with most quality.

*** HOW TO DEVELOP THESE EXERCISES? ***

First start the circle, then after a few training sessions add the shoulder-in, and the moment the the horse can do this exercise for 66,6% of quality, add the haunches-in. From there you can start practising the variations.

**** HOW TO DEVELOP THE HORSE EQUALLY? ***

To develop a horse equally in body and limbs all exercises need to be done to the right and to the left (or as they say in English: on the right rein and on the left rein).

When doing these exercises there will always be an 'easy' side and a difficult side. To develop the horse equally, do the 'difficult' side a bit more often and it's also an idea to start with the 'difficult' side and to end with the 'difficult side'.

The moment the horse starts to feel more equal, switch to train the exercises 50-50.

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Click here for more information:

Circle:
www.straightnesstraining.com/straightness-training-exercises/circle

Shoulder-in:
www.straightnesstraining.com/straightness-training-exercises/shoulder-in

Haunches-in:
www.straightnesstraining.com/straightness-training-exercises/haunches-in

Renvers:
www.straightnesstraining.com/straightness-training-exercises/renvers

Half pass:
www.straightnesstraining.com/straightness-training-exercises/half-pass

Pirouette:
www.straightnesstraining.com/straightness-training-exercises/pirouette

Lateral movements:
www.straightnesstraining.com/straightness-training-exercises/lateral-movements

Ladder of exercises:
www.straightnesstraining.com/straightness-training-exercises/a-logical-system-of-ever-increasing-exercises

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09/11/2024

A single frame can tell so much about a horse’s character, from their wise gaze to the shape of their profile.
I often get asked "How do you get horses comfortable for headshots?"
Patience and a quiet setting help capture their natural spirit." A Nova Scotia equestrian photographer, capturing headshots that reflect each horse’s unique personality with patience and care.

07/11/2024

In the small details, we see the care and tradition of equestrian life—a close-up look at the artistry of braiding.
I focus on all the finishing touches that make your "horse days" special.
Our Nova Scotia-based photography captures the details that show off the love and skill in horse care, from braids to tack.

07/11/2024

If you would like to re-kindle your horse riding love affair, please send me an email.

Have you missed it? Your riding?Rediscovering the joy of riding can be a deeply transformative experience. Years of juggling the demands of family career and personal responsibilities often leaves …

06/11/2024

Do you find horses and riding fun?🐴
There’s a reason we pour our hearts, time, and money into horses—because it’s just plain fun!
✨ for me, I remember sitting on a horse after not having ridden in a while and thinking This is Where I Belong.
I've owned a horse (or horses) on and off for ev-er and feel empty when I am not around horses or the stable.
Whether you’re rediscovering the thrill of riding or just can’t resist the pull of the barn, here’s why horseback riding is more than just a hobby—it’s an adventure!

🌟 Why do YOU Love Riding?
Is it the freedom?
Nothing compares to the feeling of galloping across an open field, the wind in your face, and your horse moving effortlessly beneath you. It’s a powerful rush that makes you feel alive! 🌿💨
or even a solid walk in a tree lined trail works.

whoever said riding isn't a workout obviously hasn't ridden. Riding isn’t just about sitting on a horse. It’s an incredible workout that challenges both body and mind while making you feel like you can conquer anything.

Let’s be real—it’s not always sunsets and perfect moments. It’s early mornings, barn chores, frozen water buckets and vet bills add up
But
every moment spent with your horse is absolutely worth it! 🧡
Ready to dive back into the saddle? Whether it’s the freedom, the connection, or the pure fun, riding is always an adventure waiting to happen.

Tell me in the comments below—what’s your favorite part about riding? 👇

05/11/2024

"Can you do show-day sessions?"
If you know your show day, and would like some photos, absolutely, I can take some photos. Everything from warm-up to the main ring for lasting memories.

04/11/2024

Riding Can Transform Your Life 🐴💖

Riding horses is not just a physical activity—it builds character, confidence, and even a unique bond with your horse. Whether you’re chasing that sense of freedom or rekindling your love for horses, here’s why horseback riding can be life-changing!

🌟 Top Benefits of Regular horseback Riding:

Character Building:
Horses teach responsibility, patience, and dedication. From grooming to tack care, daily routines build positive traits that extend beyond the barn. 🧡

Physical Fitness:
Riding is moderate-intensity exercise! It strengthens your core, legs, and arms while burning hundreds of calories, plus grooming and barn chores give you a full-body workout. 💪

Mental Sharpness & Problem-Solving:
In the saddle, quick thinking is key. And if you've ever ridden a chestnut mare you know what I'm talking about. Learning how to safely and effectively communicate with a 1,000-pound animal develops your problem-solving skills.

Boost Confidence & Self-Esteem:
Overcoming challenges in riding—whether it’s mastering a skill or building a partnership with your horse—leaves you feeling empowered and accomplished. 🌟

Emotional Well-being & Companionship:
🐴Horses are the best listeners. They’re calming and therapeutic, boosting your mood and reducing stress, while forming strong, trusting bonds with you. And they ask nothing in return. Well maybe a few carrots! 🥕🥕🥕

Socializing & Community:
Horseback Riding is a social sport! You’ll connect with fellow riders, instructors, and barn staff, creating a supportive equestrian community.

✨ Rekindle your passion for riding and discover how it can enrich your life, both physically and emotionally. Whether you’re exploring trails or refining your skills in the ring, horses offer an unmatched sense of connection, joy, and freedom.

03/11/2024

Why Horse Riding is More Than Just a Sport – It’s a Total Mind & Body Workout! 🏇✨

Ever wondered how horse riding impacts your body and mind? Whether you're dusting off your boots after a break or just getting back into the saddle, you’re in for an incredible journey! 🌟

Here’s how riding can transform you—inside and out:

1️⃣ Physical Strength & Balance: Riding isn’t just sitting on a horse; it requires core strength, balance, and coordination. Every stride you take with your horse works your muscles, especially your legs, abs, and back. Say hello to improved posture and better overall fitness!

2️⃣ Mental Well-being: Time spent with horses offers more than just physical benefits. It’s therapeutic! Riders often report reduced stress, boosted confidence, and a sense of calm after spending time in the saddle. Plus, mastering riding skills can give you a sense of accomplishment—especially when you’re reconnecting with a long-lost passion.

3️⃣ Age-Defying Benefits: Horse riding isn’t just for the young! For women returning after a hiatus, it’s a fantastic way to stay active and mentally sharp. No matter your age, riding can keep you feeling youthful and energized!

4️⃣ Considerations for Health: Have a pre-existing condition or concerned about how riding affects your body? It’s always a good idea to check with your doctor. Riding can be adapted for many fitness levels, but safety first! 🩺

Saddle up and experience the amazing mind-body benefits horse riding has to offer. It’s never too late to rekindle your love for the sport!



✨ Ready to rediscover the joy of riding? Let’s get moving—your body and mind will thank you!

02/11/2024

Between moments of care and quiet, these shots capture the life we share with our horses in the barn.
Sometimes I get asked - Do you need special lighting for stable shots?"
Natural light is best for these moments, adding warmth and authenticity
Based in Nova Scotia, we bring expertise in equestrian photography, creating authentic portraits in settings where horses feel most at home.

02/11/2024

Why Horseback Riding is the Perfect Comeback for Body and Soul 🐴💪

Horse Riding is more than just a peaceful escape—it’s a full-body workout with mental and emotional benefits that will leave you feeling strong, confident, and revitalized!

🎠 Top Benefits of Horseback Riding:

Muscle Tone & Strength:
Sure it looks easy, but your core, thighs, and arms are hard at work, adjusting to the horse's every move. 💪
Improved Posture:
If you start riding with bad posture you will ride your horse with bad posture - so sit up. Maintaining proper riding form strengthens your core, back, and chest, improving posture and reducing stress on your spine.

Coordination & Flexibility:
Rub your head and pat your tummy? How about left leg on and right rein soft? Your arms, legs, and seat work together to communicate with the horse, enhancing balance and coordination.

Cardio & Circulation:
Riding is moderate-intensity exercise that gets your heart pumping while promoting healthy circulation.

Mental Sharpness:
Stay alert! Especially if you are riding an Arabian. You’re constantly solving problems and making quick decisions while riding.

Mood Booster:
Riding releases serotonin, lowers stress levels, and offers a much-needed break from everyday worries.

Fresh Air & Nature:
Get ouside and explore beautiful trails, breathe in fresh air, and soak up the sunshine while reconnecting with nature.

Confidence Builder:
Believe it or not, not many people, in the whole scheme of things, have ridden a horse/ Master new skills, build muscle memory, and regain confidence with every ride.

✨ Riding is more than a hobby—it’s a way to reconnect with your body, mind, and the beauty around you. Whether you’re exploring trails or practicing your form in the arena, you’ll leave each ride feeling stronger, more confident, and more in tune with your horse.