How To Dressage Podcast

A common problem when riding circles or schooling in an unfenced field or paddock is ‘falling out.’Although this fault is more commonly experienced with younger novice horses (because they lack balance), it can occur with any horse at any age and is often caused by the rider not using their aids correctly. So, in this podcast episode, we will cover what falling out is, the problems caused by falling out, the reasons why your horse falls out, and how you can stop it from happening. -------------If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here -https://howtodressage.com/troubleshooting/falling-out/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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------ADVERTISEMENTS 

Through correct and systematic training, you and your horse should naturally progress up through the dressage levels. Like most riders, you’re probably keen to advance, but it’s important that you don’t rush your partnership and enter a competition at a level beyond your current capabilities. So, how do you gauge when it’s time to move your horse up to the next level in competition?In this podcast episode, we’re going to look at the problems of progressing too quickly and too slowly, give you five steps to deciding if you and your horse are ready for the next level, and finish with five extra tips on competing at the next level up. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Know When to Move up to the Next Level in Dressage' episode.)-------------If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here -https://howtodressage.com/dressage-theory/move-up-next-dressage-level/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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------ADVERTISEMENTS 

The term 'on the bit' is often wrongly simplified to a horse that has its head tucked in with a rounded neck, i.e., as long as the horse does not have its nose poking out and isn't looking at the stars, then it's 'on the bit.' This is incorrect. 'On the bit' is about much more than your horse's head position. So, in this podcast episode, we will clarify what 'on the bit' is, why you want your horse 'on the bit,' and how to put your horse 'on the bit.' -------------If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here -https://howtodressage.com/dressage-theory/ride-horse-on-the-bit/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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------ADVERTISEMENTS 

Circles are one of the first bending movements that a young horse will learn. They’re also one of the first movements you will ride on a horse that is not fully warmed up.Every dressage test throughout the levels asks you to perform circles of various sizes. And out of all of the dressage movements, a circle is a figure that you will ride more than any other. And yet, the humble circle is one of the most difficult movements for horse and rider to get right.So, in this podcast episode, we will look at the benefits of circles, what makes a good circle, how to ride a good circle, and some of the common mistakes that are made.(Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Ride a Good Circle' episode.)-------------If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here -https://howtodressage.com/dressage-movements/how-to-ride-a-good-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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------ADVERTISEMENTS 

"Balance" is a term that is frequently used by riders, trainers, and dressage judges. It applies to all riders and all horses at all levels, and it's essential not only for your dressage competition success but also for your horse's physical well-being. So, in this podcast episode, we look at what balance is, the reasons why balance is necessary, what causes a loss of balance, how to test your horse's balance, and what exercises you can ride to help improve your horse's balance. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Improve Your Horse's Balance' and '3 Exercises to Improve Your Horse's Suppleness and Balance' episodes.)-------------If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here -https://howtodressage.com/troubleshooting/improve-balance-exercises/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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------ADVERTISEMENTS 

How many times have you had the remark, “Could have more bend,” on your dressage test sheet? A lack of supple bend is a common fault that judges will mark down because bending is crucial to your horse’s progression in the dressage scales of training. Without the ability to bend your horse correctly, you will not be able to ride accurate circles, turns, or corners, or position your horse for lateral movements. So, in this podcast episode, we’re going to look at why you need to bend your horse, what defines a correct bend, the impact of poll flexion on your horse’s ability to bend, how your horse creates the illusion of bending, and the aids you need to apply to bend your horse correctly. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Get Your Horse to Bend' episode.)-------------If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here -https://howtodressage.com/dressage-theory/how-to-get-your-horse-to-bend/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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------ADVERTISEMENTS 

Shoulder-in is a lateral movement that requires you to bring your horse's shoulders to the inside while bending him uniformly through his body. Since it is the first movement that requires riders to displace their horses' shoulders, it's often ridden incorrectly by those first attempting it.So, in this podcast episode, we will look at exactly what shoulder-in is, the purpose of this movement, the aids you need to apply, and how to ride shoulder-in correctly. (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Ride Shoulder-in' episode)-------------If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here -https://howtodressage.com/dressage-movements/how-to-ride-shoulder-in/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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------ADVERTISEMENTS 

Dressage is a skillful sport, and no matter how good you get, you will always want to get better. Even the top dressage riders in the world have regular sessions with their trainer(s) because there is always room for improvement. With that in mind, it’s vital that you carefully consider the dressage trainer that you will work with over the long term because they will significantly impact your progress and success. So, in this podcast episode, we will look at the role of a dressage trainer, what level of trainer you should have, how often you need to have lessons, and five steps you can follow to sourcing and selecting a dressage trainer.  (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'What to Look for When Selecting a Dressage Trainer' episode)-------------If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/dressage-theory/dressage-trainer-instructor/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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------ADVERTISEMENTS 

Anyone who has spent any reasonable amount of time around horses has probably experienced a spook or two (possibly more!). If your horse spooks at a particular object, his attention is on that rather than on you and your aids. Not only will this lose you marks in dressage tests, but it could also be dangerous if your horse reacts in panic. So, in this podcast episode, we will look at why horses spook, why spooking is a problem, what you shouldn't do when your horse spooks, and finally, give you some tips on how to minimize spooking.  (Please note: This is an updated and expanded version of our previous 'How to Deal with a Spooky Horse' episode)-------------If you would rather read the article on our blog, click here - https://howtodressage.com/troubleshooting/how-to-deal-with-a-spooky-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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------ADVERTISEMENTS 

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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------ADVERTISEMENTS 

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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------ADVERTISEMENTS 

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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------ADVERTISEMENTS 

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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------ADVERTISEMENTS 

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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------

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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------

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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------

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.comIf you would like to follow our Facebook Page, click here - https://www.facebook.com/HowToDressage/FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Your Dressage Scoreshttps://howtodressage.com/7-simple-steps/-------------ADVERTISEMENTS