Do your feet go numb when you ride? Do you brace against your stirrups? Do your knees hurt? Weighting your stirrup without applying additional pressure can solve these problems. Next time you ride notice how hard you press your foot against the stirrup. Do you force your heel down? Is your stirrup angled ahead of […]
Murdoch Minutes
Murdoch Minute No. 89 Check for a Level Seat
Do you have trouble staying balanced over your feet? Does your saddle slip back during your ride? Does your horse hollow his back, go on the forehand or take 20 minutes to “warm up” before he is ready to work? Maybe he is trying to tell you something! Next time you tack up pay attention […]
Murdoch Minute No. 104 Spread Your Toes
Do you tense your feet or curl your toes when riding? Do you feel more pressure on the outside edge of your foot? Are you unstable especially when jumping? Here’s a quick tip to spread your base of support over your entire foot to feel more secure in the saddle. Your boots tell a story […]
Murdoch Minute No. 67: Roll Your Fists for Free Shoulders
Do you ride with your palms facing down toward the ground? Do you round your upper back and shoulders? Or do you tend to look down at your horse’s neck? These positions cause your horse to go on the forehand making him heavy and difficult to turn. Also in this position you will not be […]
Murdoch Minute No. 66: Lengthen Your Leg
Is your weight on the outside of your foot? Do you curl your foot or cram your little toe against the outside branch of the stirrup?? Do you try to wrap your leg around the horse? Do you have ankle or knee pain as a result? Does it feel like you are never strong enough […]
Murdoch Minute No. 64: Shoulder Clocks for Better Transitions
Do you tense your shoulders? Do you stiffen them when you ask for a transition? Do your hands stop following your horse making your rein contact hard and unpleasant? Here’s a quick warm-up exercise to mobilize and relax your shoulders. Next time you ride notice what happens to your shoulders. Do you have one higher […]
