How To Dressage Podcast

A double bridle is what you see used on all the top dressage horses during competition, and using a double bridle for the first time can mark a significant milestone in your dressage career. That being said, many riders misuse double bridles or introduce them to their horses too soon, using it as a shortcut to getting their horses into an “outline” and mistakenly using it to slow their horse’s canter in order to negotiate the smaller circles and direct downward transitions demanded at the higher levels. As you can imagine, this just creates more problems. So, in this podcast episode, we will look at the purpose of a double bridle, when are you and your horse ready for a double bridle, how to fit a double bridle, and how to start using one correctly. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Use a Double Bridle' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/dressage-theory/use-double-bridle/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS Treasures of our Town An exciting new travel podcast that explores towns in USA Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Out of all your horse’s paces, the trot is the easiest to improve. Through correct training, you can transform a somewhat ordinary trot into something spectacular. So, in this podcast episode, we will look at the qualities that make up an expressive trot, what incorrect expression is, and how to create correct expression in your horse’s trot in three steps. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Create More Expression in the Trot' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/the-horses-paces/create-expression-trot/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS Treasures of our Town An exciting new travel podcast that explores towns in USA Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Swinging legs are a frustrating problem. Not only are they unsightly, but swinging legs also have a detrimental impact on the effectiveness of your leg aids, your seat aids, and your overall balance in the saddle. If you want to continue to move up the dressage levels, it's paramount that you have a stable lower leg in which you can give clear and accurate aids. So, in this podcast episode, we will explore why swinging legs are a problem, the reasons why your legs may be swinging, and how to correct this issue. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Stop Your Legs From Swinging When Riding' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/for-the-rider/stop-legs-swinging-riding/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS

Competing requires preparation, not only on the day of the event but also in the days preceding it. The level of success you achieve can be significantly impacted by the amount of time and effort you devote to your preparation. So, in this podcast episode, we will cover why diligent preparation is essential if you are to give your best performance between the whiteboards, and what you need to do to ensure that you and your horse are perfectly prepared and primed for action (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Prepare for a Dressage Competition' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/competition/prepare-dressage-test/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS

The very mention of sitting trot is enough to make many riders cringe. Although sitting trot is not required in dressage tests until you reach Medium level in British Dressage, your seat is a very effective aid that you can use in combination with your rein and leg aids. Therefore, it's worth learning how to ride sitting trot properly without inflicting pain on yourself or your horse! So, in this podcast episode, we will cover when you should and shouldn't sit to the trot, how not to start sitting trot, and take you through the steps on how to sit to your horse's trot comfortably without bouncing. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Improve Your Sitting Trot' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/for-the-rider/improve-sitting-trot/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS Treasures of our Town An exciting new travel podcast that explores towns in USA Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

The words "rounder" and "through" are commonly used by dressage riders, judges, and trainers. You might see the comment, "could be rounder and more through" on your dressage score sheet, or you may hear your trainer encouraging you to increase your horse's "roundness" and "throughness." Although often used, these terms are frequently misunderstood. Or, if they are understood, many riders are unsure of how to achieve correct roundness and throughness. So, in this podcast episode, we will clarify what "round" and "through" mean in the context of dressage, why these qualities are desirable, and how you can increase the roundness and throughness of your own horse. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Get Your Horse Rounder and More Through' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/troubleshooting/get-horse-rounder/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS

Dressage horses are selected and purposely bred to have natural, high-quality, and uphill paces. And the better their natural paces, the higher the price tag. However, if your budget doesn’t stretch to buying the ready-made article (and it’s not cheap), there are ways to increase what nature has given your own horse and enhance the quality of his canter. So, in this podcast episode, we will discuss what a quality canter is, why you want to have one, and how to go about enhancing the quality of your own horse’s canter. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Make the Horse's Canter Stonger' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/the-horses-paces/make-canter-stronger/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS Treasures of our Town An exciting new travel podcast that explores towns in USA Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

The simple change is a movement that appears in some dressage tests. Contrary to what its name would have you believe, there's nothing "simple" about it. As the rider, you need to be very clear and coordinated with your aids, and your horse needs to respond to them almost instantaneously for this movement to be smooth and seamless. So, in this podcast episode, we will look at what a simple change is, why you would want to ride one, and the steps on how to ride a simple change correctly, along with some bonus training tips. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Ride a Simple Change' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/dressage-movements/ride-simple-change/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- Treasures of our Town An exciting new travel podcast that explores towns in USA Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

A fault commonly observed during dressage tests at all levels is the tendency for a horse to come behind the rider's contact. If this is the case, comments you may find on your score sheets could include "overbent," "behind the contact," and "behind the vertical," which is commonly abbreviated to BTV. So, in this podcast episode, we will cover what behind the vertical is, reasons why your horse is behind the vertical, how to correct this, and more. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Stop Your Horse From Coming Behind the Vertical' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/troubleshooting/behind-vertical-bit-contact/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- Treasures of our Town An exciting new travel podcast that explores towns in USA Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

For your horse to progress through the levels of dressage training, it is essential that he is ‘in front of your leg’ and working forwards into the bridle. Unfortunately, when some riders apply their leg aids, their horses mistakenly increase their tempo and move their legs faster. So, in this podcast episode, we will cover the difference between speed and impulsion, why your horse speeds up, and how you can encourage your horse to work more forwards without getting faster. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Encourage Your Horse to be More Forward, But Not Faster' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/troubleshooting/horse-forward-not-faster/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- Treasures of our Town An exciting new travel podcast that explores towns in USA Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Suppleness, also described as looseness, is the full flexibility of your horse’s body and mind. It must be a central theme throughout your schooling and should be constantly checked and reinforced at all stages of training. As you progress through the dressage levels, your horse’s suppleness should also advance, which is demonstrated by an increased flexion of the joints, fluid lengthening and shortening of the frame, equal and effortless bending from side to side, and a relaxed and confident demeanor. So, in this podcast episode, we will give you an overview of full-body suppleness and some detailed exercises to help you improve this quality in your horse. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Improve Your Horse's Suppleness' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/troubleshooting/improve-horses-suppleness/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS Treasures of our Town An exciting new travel podcast that explores towns in USA Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Every rider has experienced pre-competition nerves. The pressure of wanting to do well, combined with the worry of making a mistake, results in a cocktail of emotions that can ruin an otherwise promising test. So, in this podcast episode, we will look at why you get nervous, how this affects your dressage performance, and give you 16 tips to help you manage your competition nerves. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Manage Dressage Competition Nerves' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/competition/manage-dressage-competition-nerves/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS Treasures of our Town An exciting new travel podcast that explores towns in USA Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

You’ve probably heard many riding coaches shouting to their students, instructing them to ride their horses more forwards. Although that’s good advice, the term “forwards” can often be misinterpreted. Rather than constantly having to push your horse to keep him moving (working your own leg muscles more than your horse), you ideally want your horse to stay in gear and be self-going, or as it’s more commonly known, “forward-thinking.” So, in this podcast episode, we will clarify what a forward-thinking horse is and why this quality is necessary for dressage. We will also look at what makes a horse backward-thinking before helping you create forwardness in your own horse. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'What is a Backward Thinking Horse?' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/dressage-theory/forward-thinking-horse/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS Treasures of our Town An exciting new travel podcast that explores towns in USA Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

When competing, some dressage tests will ask you to briefly release your contact via a “give and retake of the reins.” The name of this movement is commonly shorted to “give and retake” and abbreviated as “G&R.” It is an exercise often ridden incorrectly during dressage tests, leading to many needless lost marks. So, in the podcast episode, we’re going to clarify what a give and retake is, why the dressage judge wants to see you perform this exercise, how to ride a give and retake, and some faults you need to avoid. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Ride a Give and Retake of the Reins' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/dressage-movements/ride-give-retake-reins/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS Treasures of our Town An exciting new travel podcast that explores towns in USA Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

The ‘free walk’ is a movement that appears in all dressage tests up to medium level (British Dressage). Riders often neglect it in their home schooling sessions, which is a very costly omission given that the free walk is often worth double marks! Even if your horse doesn’t naturally have the best walk in the world, there are things you can do to improve the free walk and maximize your score. So, in this podcast episode, we’re going to cover what makes an excellent free walk, how to ride this movement, the common mistakes you need to avoid, and exercises to help you improve this pace. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Improve the Free Walk on a Long Rein' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/the-horses-paces/improve-free-walk-long-rein/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS Treasures of our Town An exciting new travel podcast that explores towns in USA Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

As you move up through the dressage levels, the circles that you are asked to perform will become smaller in diameter and you will, eventually, be asked to perform 10-meter circles. Although these may sound straightforward, there’s more to this movement than you might at first think; both in riding it and the benefits it delivers. So, in this podcast episode, we’re going to look at how 10-meter circles can improve your horse’s way of going, what other dressage movements require 10-meter circles, when and where to practice these circles, and finally, the steps you need to take to execute a high-scoring 10-meter circle. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Ride a 10-Meter Circle' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/dressage-movements/ride-10-meter-circle/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS Treasures of our Town An exciting new travel podcast that explores towns in USA Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

A poking nose is a common fault that is easily seen, even with an untrained eye; the horse goes around with his nose literally poking out in front of him and his chin lifted. It’s an issue that is usually observed at the lower dressage levels and with horses that are just beginning their dressage career. So, in this podcast episode, we’re going to clarify where your horse’s nose should be, why a poking nose is not desirable, and we’re going to tell you what not to do about it before giving you seven steps to help you correct it. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Correct a 'Poking Nose'' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/troubleshooting/correct-poking-nose/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS

If you ever receive the comment ‘lateral walk’ on your dressage score sheet, this should not be brushed aside. A lateral walk indicates a fundamental issue with the horse’s walk rhythm and, in extreme cases, it can be impossible to correct. This fault is usually created unknowingly and unintentionally by the rider and can result in a permanently damaged walk pace. So, in this podcast episode, we’re going to discuss the qualities that make up a correct walk, clarify exactly what a lateral walk is, and give you some tips on how to prevent this problem before finally sharing some methods that may help correct a lateral walk. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Correct a Lateral Walk' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/troubleshooting/correct-lateral-walk/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS Treasures of our Town An exciting new travel podcast that explores towns in USA Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Getting your warm-up right is a key element in producing your best performance in the dressage arena. Unfortunately, there’s no set time to suit every horse and situation; if you don’t allow long enough, your horse may be too sharp and tense, and if you overdo it, he might run out of steam halfway through the test. So, in this podcast episode, we’re going to identify things that you should not do during your warm-up, cover eight factors that can influence the length of your warm-up, provide you with five steps to create your own warm-up plan, and give you some tips on how to time your warm-up to perfection. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How Long to Warm up for Before a Dressage Test' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/competition/long-warm-dressage-test/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS Treasures of our Town An exciting new travel podcast that explores towns in USA Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

In order to use your legs correctly they must be in the correct position and it, therefore, follows that your stirrups must be the correct length. If you have a balanced seat with your legs in the correct alignment, you will be able to give your horse more effective and more refined aids. This will enable your horse to stay in front of your leg as well as improve his responsiveness to both your legs and your seat. So, in this podcast episode, we’re going to cover what is a correct dressage leg, what happens when your stirrups are too long or too short, how to establish the correct stirrup length, and how to lengthen your leg. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How Long Should Your Stirrups Be?' episode) ------------- If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/for-the-rider/how-long-should-your-stirrups-be/ To take our Big Dressage Quiz, click here - https://howtodressage.com/big-dressage-quiz/ To view our equestrian books and training diaries on Amazon, click here - https://amzn.to/2SFL633 To check out The Complete Online Dressage Course, click here - https://course.howtodressage.com If you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/ FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scores https://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/ ------------- ADVERTISEMENTS Treasures of our Town An exciting new travel podcast that explores towns in USA Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify