Do you know what your tongue is doing while you ride? Is it relaxed or tense? Do you move it around or brace it against the roof of your mouth or cheek? Does your horse play with the bit, pull his tongue back or stick it out to the side? Your horse may be mirroring […]
Murdoch Minutes
Murdoch Minute No. 108: Heavy Elbows/Floating Hands
Do you tense your shoulders drawing them upward? Do you force your hands down onto the horse’s withers to keep your hands “low” and “quiet”? Does your horse go above the bit? Do you try to pull his head down? Riding with heavy elbows and floating hands will allow your horse to lower his head […]
Murdoch Minute No. 74: Just Begin to Stand
Do you wonder if your leg is in the right position? Can you see your feet in front of your knees? Do you jam your heels down? Are you out of sync in the rising trot? Here’s a quick tip to help you self-check your leg position and get your balance right. Next time you […]
Murdoch Minute No. 100: Level Your Chin
Do you tuck your chin when you ride? Feel tension in your throat and neck? Have difficulty breathing when you ride? Try to pull your chin back to your collar to sit up straight? Forcing your head position will adversely affect your rein contact and overall position. Yes, it is important to balance your head […]
Murdoch Minute No. 98: Seat to Hand Connection
Do you pull back on your reins or do you let your arms go too far forward? Have you heard the term “ride back to front” but find yourself riding “front to back”? Do you have difficulty feeling that your seat is connected to your hands? This lesson will help you find the connection between […]
Murdoch Minute No. 72: Soften Your Jaw
Does your horse have a tense jaw? Is it hard to get him to go forward? Is he unwilling to stretch forward and down? Does he chomp on the bit, pull his tongue back or otherwise fuss with his mouth? The answer may not be where you think! Horses often mirror the rider’s behavior and […]
