It seems like a simple question at first. Does the rider balance the horse or does the horse balance the rider? On second thought, however, what seemed obvious begins to get a little less clear. First of all, the answer has a lot to do with what we think is happening between the horse and […]
Related Equine Articles
The Suspension is Killing Me
Published in Dressage and CT, July 1998 The McPhail Chair Report #2 Suspension seems to be a loaded term these days, especially when used in descriptions of the piaffe. In this column we’ll look at the biomechanical definition of suspension, which gaits have it and which don’t, and how its presence or absence affects the […]
The Not-So-Frequent Rider
I don’t ride every day. I wish I could. In fact if I get on a horse once a week I’m doing well. Well, that is not entirely true either. I actually ride every day. In fact I probably spend most of my day on a horse. Does this sound like a paradox? Well, everything […]
The “Core” of The Matter
Core strength is a current buzz phrase in fitness and riding. Students tell me “if only I was stronger in my core I could …. (fill in the blank)….” It’s as if your “core” will answer all your riding problems, overcome lack of fitness and create that perfect flat stomach which many Americans desire. However, […]
Suspension Part II – The Perplexing Piaffe
Published in Dressage and CT, August 1998 The McPhail Chair Report #3 Last month we defined suspension as a period when none of the horse’s limbs is in contact with the ground. Suspension is a characteristic of some gaits; the trot has two suspensions in each stride, while the canter has only one. Other gaits, […]
Soft Eyes Get You Where You Want To Go
In previous articles I have discussed the Centered Riding® concepts of Building Blocks and Breathing. There are three more “Basics” that I think it is time we caught up on. In this next series of articles I am going to present Soft Eyes, Centering and Grounding. First let’s start with Soft Eyes. Soft Eyes really […]
