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 Minutes
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 […]
Murdoch Minute No. 56: Holding the Reins Like Driving Lines
Do you tend to pull back on the reins? Do you tense your shoulders? Are you holding back instead of allowing your horse to use his head and neck over a jump? Here’s a quick tip to help. Next time you ride notice how you are holding the reins. Are your shoulders tense? Do you […]
Murdoch Minute No. 113: Upper Ribs Forward For Shoulders Back
Use this Murdoch Minute to expand your upper ribs and position your shoulders back and down. Practice this exercise while riding circles and turns to keep you square and upright. And always remember to enjoy the ride! Shoulder Issues Do you struggle to keep your shoulders back? Drop to the inside when riding circles and […]
Murdoch Minute No. 114: Look between the ears
Use this Murdoch Minute to improve your circles and turns. When you align your head with your pelvis and turn as one, your horse will hear a clear turn signal that will require much less use of the reins. Turning Issues Do you have trouble turning your horse? Feel like he is ignoring you? Look […]
