Do your hands tend to wander apart when you ride? Does one hand drift more than the other? Do you lean to one side to turn instead of remaining upright? Here’s an easy exercise to find out just how much your need your hands to steer. Next time you ride notice what you do with […]
Better Hand Position
Murdoch Minute No. 60 Arm Position For a Turn
Do you have trouble turning your horse? Does he look out on the turns? Do you feel like he won’t listen to the inside rein? Do you get tight in the shoulders? The answer may be how you are using your arm in the turn. Next time you ride some circles or turns notice what […]
Are You Ready for an Automatic Release?
Do you use a crest release when you jump? Wonder if you are in balance with your horse? Think you are ready for a more sophisticated type of release over fences? Here’s an exercise to find out if your weight is in the right place for an automatic release. An automatic release is where you […]
Your Wrist Connection
Do you have trouble keeping you shoulders back or staying in balance when working on the flat? Have you had trouble keeping your position when you jump? Do you use a crest release (hands on the horse’s neck) and yet still pitch forward on landing? Here’s a quick tip to improve your hand position and overall balance which you can practice while working in the arena or over fences.
Murdoch Minute No. 02: Elbows By Your Sides
Do you have trouble stopping your horse? Do you brace against your stirrups while pulling back on the reins? Does your horse fall forward when you move off? You may be doing too much with your arms and not enough with your seat. Stabilizing your elbows by your sides may be the answer.
Murdoch Minute No. 03: Better Hand Position
Do you wish you had better hands? Is your instructor always telling you to make your hands quiet? Does your horse get resistant when you ask for a turn? Here’s a quick tip to improve your hand position and contact with the horse’s mouth for both western and English riding.
