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Before we get into today's video, I wanted to invite you to join the Training Scale Masterclass! Inside this program, I am going to teach you a simple framework that you can use to train your horse from any level to any level, step by step. When you know how to use the Training Scale as a guide, you’ll have confidence to structure your rides so that you can make progress each session and confidently handle any roadblocks you reach on the way.
Plus, when you join today, June 26th, by 9pm, you get a special gift pack to help give you that extra boost. This pack includes my Rider Position Ebook, an all-new Half-Halts Demo, and my Rider Fitness Package! You don't want to miss out on this!
And now for today's video....
Do you struggle to get your horse round and connected? Does your horse turn into a giraffe in every transition? If this is you, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Connection is something every rider struggles with. It’s one of the hardest things to feel and figure out. Because it’s such a common pain point for many riders, in this week’s video, I’ll be giving you a few tips to help you develop that connection with your horse.
First, it’s important to remember that while they are related, contact and connection are two different terms. When we talk about contact, that is the relationship between your elbow and the horse’s mouth, whereas connection refers to the circuit of energy from the horse’s hind leg, through the back and into your hand. When you have connection, you will be able to ride seamless transitions, develop expression in your horse’s gaits, and have harmony, balance, and control. True connection is an amazing feeling!
Okay, now on to the tips! Here are the top things to focus on to improve your connection:
Rhythm - Before you can even think about connection, it’s super important to make sure that your horse is going forward with consistent rhythm and steady tempo. The best way to check in with your rhythm is to count the beat of your horse’s gaits. Generally, if your horse is hot, you might need to slow the tempo, and if they are more laid back, you might need to increase the tempo.
Bending/Lateral Suppleness - The next thing that will really help you with your connection is getting your horse bending evenly left and right. Working on suppleness will help get your horse relaxed, soft, and straight so that they can use their bodies and become connected. Remember that the bending aids are inside leg at the girth pushing your horse into the a steady supporting outside rein, outside leg behind the girth, and inside rein for flexion.
Transitions - Riding transitions between gaits and even within gait, are a great way to work on and test your connection. Start by riding your transitions on a circle to help your horse stay supple and connected. Really focus on maintaining a consistent frame. If you can ride transitions without change in frame and rhythm then that is a sign of good connection!
Try focusing on these three things in your next ride and I know that you will see a difference in your connection!
Happy Riding!
Amelia
00:00 Introduction/Training Scale Masterclass
03:22 Contact vs. Connection
04:58 Rhythm
06:33 Suppleness
09:46 Transitions
11:18 Training Scale Masterclass/End of Video