Schooling

How to Ride Your Horse in Circles

Updated:

September 4, 2025

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Keeping Circles on Track - The equestrian’s quest for the perfect circle crosses all disciplines. For Western and English riders, geometry matters. Horse show judges expect to see circles of uniform size and curves ridden with the horse’s body shaped to follow the arc. In dressage and reining, riders must show a clear distinction between large and small circles. In working equitation, circles around barrels and figure-eights must be symmetrical. In equitation and horsemanship patterns, judges frown on oval-shaped “circles.” In all classes, judges will deduct marks for circles of inaccurate size and over-arced or counter-flexed body alignment.

Leverage Bits 101 and the Art of Neck Reining

Updated:

July 25, 2025

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Do you think I should I try a different bit? This question is familiar to me as a coach, launching me and the rider I’m working with into a bigger conversation. My answer will be shaped by the reasons why the rider is considering another bit option.

Showmanship Skills

Updated:

June 5, 2025

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If you’re looking for a beneficial off-season activity to share with your horse, showmanship skills can be introduced while wearing your winter boots and even in the barn aisle. Just 15 minutes of in-hand training per day will, like planting fall tulip bulbs, bear results in show season.

Is Your Horse Ready To Be Ridden?

Updated:

May 30, 2025

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Recently, I officially retired my mare Diva from riding at age 25. She had started showing signs that riding was no longer a comfortable or enjoyable experience. I noticed her topline dropping and her hind end becoming stiffer (which was confirmed as the early stages of hock arthritis in her left hind). In general, Diva’s body was no longer receiving a benefit from being ridden. I decided I am not comfortable medicating my horse so that I can ride her.

Calming the Storm - Building Trust and Connection for a More Confident Horse

Updated:

April 30, 2025

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Have you ever noticed how your horse’s behaviour can change unexpectedly — becoming tense, spooky, or disengaged? What if these signs were a deeper message? Instead of seeing them as setbacks, these behaviours could be an opportunity to strengthen the trust and connection between you and your horse.

Anxiety in Horses - Strategies to Encourage Relaxation

Updated:

April 25, 2025

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In another of my horse training articles, I discussed how tension impacts not only the horse’s well-being but also the overall training experience. In this article, I’d like to share a few strategies aimed at encouraging relaxation when a horse becomes overwhelmed.

Building Confident, Versatile Horses

Updated:

February 17, 2025

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Each year, I host a unique and transformative event with one simple idea: variety creates purpose. Purpose camp at James Creek Ranch introduces diverse experiences into our horses’ training keeps them engaged, confident, and willing to learn. Repetitive drills can lead to sour attitudes, but when exercises have meaning, both horse and rider benefit.

Struggling to Plan Your Horse’s Training Sessions? Here’s How to Improve

Updated:

January 15, 2025

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Do you sometimes yourself leaving the mounting block, fixing your stirrups, and unsure of what to focus on in your next training session? When your coach asks about your progress since your last lesson, do you often admit that you’ve mostly just been riding without a clear goal in mind?

Designing an Effective Equine Fitness & Conditioning Plan

Updated:

December 22, 2024

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Is your horse ready to meet the increased physical demands of the spring season? Along with additional riding time, it's essential your horse is fit enough to hit the trails, compete, jump, or focus on endurance or dressage.

Ranch vs. Trail vs. Schooled: How Experience Shapes the Horse

Updated:

November 24, 2024

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My introduction to horses came through ranch work. I was earning my keep in the saddle, riding horses owned by the outfit I worked for. At the time, I assumed logging long hours on horseback meant I was skilled. The truth? I was riding animals that were considered "broke" by ranch standards.