Do you unconsciously choke up on the handle of your dressage whip when you ride? Does your whip hand feel stiffer than your other hand? Do you tense your thumb and pinky finger in order to keep your whip resting on your thigh? Do you have trouble correctly timing your whip aids to the horse’s […]
Murdoch Minutes
Murdoch Minute No. 120: Sit on the Wide Side
Do you experience crotch pain when you ride? To be blunt, is your underwear bloody when you get off your horse? Do you try to have a three-point seat (pubic bone and both seat bones) but find it painful? Not all riders are built alike, nor can we be so easily grouped into just the […]
Murdoch Minute No. 92: Change your Rising Diagonal in the Air
#92 Change your Rising Diagonal in the Air Copyright© 2013. All rights reserved. Do you push off your feet in rising trot? Tend to fall back into the saddle? Ride the “down beat”? Have difficulty getting your horse to lengthen his trot stride? Alternating between changing your diagonals sitting and rising can help. When you […]
Murdoch Minute No. 84: Pick Up Your Foot to Ease the Pressure
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 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 […]
