Bring up words like “Centering”, “Energy” and “Chi” and what happens to most folks? They freeze up, hold garlic in your face and walk away thinking you are into all of that “woo-woo” stuff. So I suppose I have my work cut out for me to convince you that Centering is nothing more than efficient […]
Archives for 2012
Cantering Can Be Child’s Play
Canter – that word that strikes fear in the hearts of some riders. Canter can instill all the breath holding reactions that you have worked so hard to overcome at walk and trot. As soon as you are ready to canter you feel your body start to tense. Perhaps you have difficulty getting the right […]
A. J. Foster – A Saddle Maker that Measures Up
Q: Why is it so difficult these days to find a saddle that correctly fits both the horse and the rider? A: First of all, a saddle is actually a very complicated thing to make. It needs to sit on a living breathing beast without interfering with the horse’s movement, it has to allow the rider […]
A Tribute to Sally Swift — April 20, 1913 – April 2, 2009
I received an email this morning that Sally Swift was in the hospital and would not be with us much longer. I called and Lucile Bump was by her side. She held the phone up to Sally so I could talk to her briefly. Although she was unable to acknowledge my words I am sure […]
Murdoch Minute No. 14: Solving Your Leg Position with an Equiband™
Do you have trouble keeping your leg underneath you? Do you get pitched forward or back if your horse makes a sudden stop or start? Do you have difficulty rising the trot? Do you brace your lower leg forward against the stirrup or fender in order to get your heels down? Does your horse have a hollow or sore back? Do you feel like you are trying as hard as you can and you are still having trouble sitting well on your horse? In some cases these problems are caused by a saddle with a poorly placed fender or stirrup leather. In other cases the problem is caused by a habit of jamming your foot against the stirrup.
Murdoch Minute No. 15: Have A Ball Finding Your Horse’s Forward Movement
Many riders have difficulty getting their horse to go forward. They try pumping with their seat; kicking, squeezing, spurs, whips and any other means at their disposal but the horse still won’t go. While it is true that you may need some of these aids on a lazy horse the answer may not be what you are doing but how you re doing it. If you want the horse to go forward you need to take the handbrake off your legs and seat.