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 minutes
Murdoch Minute No. 109: Release Your Tongue Tension
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 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. 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 […]
Murdoch Minute No. 92: Change your Rising Diagonal in the Air
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 can maintain your balance and keep to a steady rhythm your horse’s trot […]
