horse riding – Page 2 – Horse Listening

Top 10 Common Goals for Riders

Part One

"I'm riding round and round the ring, putting in the time and the days, and still not making much progress. We have the same problems and we make the same mistakes as we did last year."

Is this you?

Don't worry if your answer is yes. Most of us have been right there with you, probably more often than we like to admit. After all, once you have the basic riding skills down, further improvement consists of slow, tiny steps that might be difficult to identify and even more tricky to achieve.

Over the years, I have realized that most riders grapple with similar problems and mistakes as they develop their riding skills. As I taught others and while I rode myself, I began to realize that the same situations occur - maybe in different contexts and at different levels. The fact remains, though, that there are certain overarching skills and habits that will affect almost everything else in our rides.

As I was planning my Goal Setting for the Equestrian eBook, I put together a list of what I feel are the most common goals that all riders can work on, regardless of their level or discipline. Here are some thoughts and questions that can help you set your own goals as you move into a new year of riding.

10. Consistency

Consistency in the saddle is an art in itself. There is so much that goes into looking steady and sure and the same that maybe all the goals below should really go into this 10th of the Top 10 list. In essence, you have to be able to stay in balance, keep impulsion, use the right seat aid at the right time, and put it all together into a confident and comfortable connection with your horse.

The fact that consistency is actually so hard to find while riding is the reason why I feel that most riders need to focus on this most of the time.

What are some ways you can improve the consistency in your rides?

9. Seat

The idea of using the seat isn't only about making sure you sit in the saddle without bouncing or falling off. Staying on and not sliding around on the saddle is the first part of it, but there is so much more to riding from the seat. In fact, the seat is the key factor in almost everything you do in riding - from transitions, to laterals, to determining tempo, to impulsion and collection... it all starts at the seat.

There is no such thing as being "perfect" in your seat. There are so many layers of learning to feel and guide the horse through the seat that we could be working on it for 20 years and still identify areas that we need to keep working on.

Where are you at and what do you need to keep working on to improve your seat?

8. Longer Legs

The seat very much affects your leg position and aids. You might need to lengthen your legs even if your legs are actually long in the first place! The "lengthening" happens especially at the hips and knees - which need to open - which then allows the backs of your calves to lengthen, which then frees up your ankles to drop down below the stirrups.

Long legs are hard to find for many of us, but especially worthy as a goal over the long term, because they in turn influence the quality and effectiveness of your seat.

How often do you need to check in with your legs to make sure they stay long in movement with the horse?

7. Upper Body Balance

One common fault that many riders have to overcome is the control of their upper body. We often collapse forward or fall backward in relation to the horse's movement. Transitions tend to test our core strength and balance. How often do you tilt forward in your upper body during an upward or downward transition? How often to you feel somewhat left behind when the horse gamely moves ahead of your leg?

Control of the body allows you to be much freer in all your aids, including the all-important seat.

Which exercises can you put into practice that will help you stabilize your upper body even while the horse is moving?

6. Rhythm and Tempo

This is something you have to do both for yourself as well as the horse. It is very difficult to maintain a steady rhythm (the footfalls of the gait) and tempo (the speed of the footfalls). Most horses speed up and slow down at will, and it takes a lot of feel and awareness to influence a horse in such a manner that helps him find a "perfect tempo" that will enable him to maintain strength and balance in movement.

How can you make rhythm and tempo a priority in your riding activities?

Click here for Part Two of this article.

If you'd like a structured, but personal tool to set goals, take a look at the new Goal Setting for the Equestrian: A Personal Workbook. The pages are designed for you to set and keep track of your progress over the course of a year.

Included in the book:

design your overarching goals
long- and short-term planning,
debrief your special events such as clinics or shows
reflect on, plan and evaluate your goals
sample goals and pages

The Workbook is available for instant digital download so you can print the pages right off your computer. There is also the option of a paperback version if you'd rather have a professionally bound book to hold in your hands.

Click here for more information.

5 Great Reasons To Hang Out With Non-Horsey People

It's Christmas and you'll surely be spending a lot of time with family and friends - who don't necessarily live, breathe and think horses all the time.

Although it might be almost impossible for us to even think of life without horses, let's face it. The majority of the world's population lives without even a remote access to the four-legged animals that we think of as family!

In the case of your own friends and neighbors, you might have to resign yourself to accepting the fact that it's not them - but you - who is the "not like the other" (think Sesame Street)! Luckily, because you spend so much time at the barn, you don't have to notice exactly how different your life has become since you started being around horses.

Don't worry about it though. Even if you feel like there's little to talk about unless it's about horses, there are perfectly good reasons to keep giving people a chance. Here are five reasons to spend time with non-horsey people.

They politely pretend to understand when you talk about your horse.

That's ok. Go on about how cute your horse is when he's dreaming in his sleep.

But be sure to be sensitive to their needs too. After you get your fill by talking about your horse, give your friend a chance to talk about something more interesting to her. Be courteous and genuinely interested in her thoughts, too. Appreciate her for her willingness to accept your long horse stories and still be your friend!

They might be intimidated by horses - but they still join you at the barn.

How can that be possible, right? But it's true. Some people are so fearful of the sheer size of the horse that they stand at the far end of the barn aisle. Just keep smiling and look inviting. After all, they did make the effort to go with you to the barn. Don't make them feel inadequate. Encourage them but let them hang back if they must. A little patience goes a long way in this case. Give your friend some time. She came to the barn at least and didn't go on about the awful horsey smell!

You might be able to get them to do some chores for you.

Get all excited when they suggest that they might want to visit you at the barn. As they become more confident around horses, get them to help you with the barn chores. If you catch them early on, before they see you at it, you'll have a good chance to talk them into a little help. Then add a little more, then even more, and soon enough, they'll be reliable barn ~~slaves~~ workers!

They make excellent show grooms.

Same goes with horse show visits. Be super encouraging when they ask you when you'll be in the ring, and welcome them fervently when you see them at the show grounds! As they get comfortable with the show environment, give them small things to do. Maybe they can bring your brushes along. In no time at all, you can quickly build it up to holding your horse when you need to go to the bathroom, wiping your horse's mouth just before going into the ring, and setting up the hay and water while you untack.

They're nice.

Yeah, people can be nice even if they don't like horses. Of course, it would be better if they were nice AND liked horses too...

I'm having trouble thinking of more reasons (!), but I'm sure there must be some great reasons to spend time with non-horsey people. If you have any to share, add them in the comments below.

Before you go, here's a hilarious video by EventionTV showing you precisely the difference between horse people and regular people. Just be sure to not show it to the regular people - they might not find it funny at all!

Don’t miss a single issue of Horse Listening! If you like what you are reading, become a subscriber and receive updates when new Horse Listening articles are published! Your email address will not be used on any other distribution list. Subscribe to Horse Listening by Email

Now is the time to re-evaluate your goals and path to riding success!

If you’d like a structured, but personal tool to set goals, take a look our Goal Setting for the Equestrian: A Personal Workbook. The pages are designed for you to set and keep track of your progress over the course of a year.

Included in the book:

design your overarching goals
long- and short-term planning,
debrief your special events such as clinics or shows
reflect on, plan and evaluate your goals
sample goals and pages

The Workbook is available for instant digital download so you can print the pages right off your computer. There is also the option of a paperback version if you’d rather have a professionally bound book to hold in your hands.

Click here for more information.

Read more here:

42 Ways to Learn, Play and Grow With Your Horse: Horses give to us in countless ways. We play, learn and grow with them, making horseback riding not merely a sport (which it truly is, like no other), but so much more.

Good Day For A Little Horseplay: Snort, snort, snort, SNORT! My gelding couldn’t tell me in any clearer terms how much he was enjoying the moment.

The Night Before Christmas: A heartwarming barn version written by Doris Elradi.

Horse Treats For Christmas: Bake these horse-approved treats for every equine in your barn!

Softly Determined – A Poem: I found this one on the Internet long ago, with no indication of the author. However, it has stayed with me, blending intensity with passion, being so eloquent and yet knowledgeable about the “path”.

What Is Hard About Riding Horses

Well, it's not really that hard to ride horses.

In fact, one might say it's pretty simple to sit and be taken around from place to place. That's because once you can stay on with some balance, and move along reasonably with the horse, you'll be riding. All it takes is some tack and a willing horse. People have been doing this for millenia, long before we learned to drive cars or write a blog post or tap on our smart phones.

What is hard is much deeper and more profound than travelling à la equine. It involves much more than a simple stop, start, go left and go right.

Some of the learning can be physical. It's about sensing the slightest change in balance, position, or even thought (of the horse). It's knowing when to move and when to stay still, when to tighten your core muscles and how to maintain a three-point seat on a moving back.

But it's more than that. The real learning can be personal. Riding can "exercise" your emotions, your mental stamina and even your very character.

Because horse riding is an interaction.

It isn't anything like blog writing or driving a car or texting on the phone. The horse is a living, breathing, self-determining participant in everything we do. The reason we call it a partnership is exactly why we are put in a position to learn - especially about ourselves.

This learning might be the most difficult of your life, because it is likely the most personal characteristics - those entrenched in your normal day-to-day existence - that are challenged to develop over time. The horse doesn't know it. He just goes on being a horse, doing his best to be with you, but nevertheless being a horse.

You, on the other hand, are put in a position that requires you to recognize what needs to change in you so that you can improve in your riding. For your horse. And that is the most difficult part of what horses really do for us.

What do you think is the hardest part about riding horses? Comment below.

Want to advertise your business on Horse Listening? Click here for more info.

***If you enjoyed these tips, you can find many more in* Horse Listening – Book 3: Horses. Riding. Life. *now available for purchase!***

From Horse Listening – Book 3: Horses. Riding. Life.

"Something about riding horses prompts us to work on our own mental aptitude and attitude. From the coordination of the aids to developing the elusive FEEL that comes along with riding, there are concepts in this book that will help you explore the hidden factors of riding - the ones you may not have the time to really explore while you are on the horse's back....

As the years pass by, and you become a HORSE person, you will realize that horses (and riding) don't just impact your abilities - they impact your life."

40 chapters (196 pages) take the reader through an introspective journey designed to ultimately benefit not only the rider, but the horse. Learn about:

horse ownership and horse care

the theory behind the riding strategies

goal setting for the rider

specific rider skills

Available as an eBook or paperback.

7 Great Tips For Beginner Horse Riders

Horse riding is becoming an increasingly popular activity. The attraction is simple - the horses... the physical challenge... the fact that anyone can begin to learn, young and old(er). If you are new to riding, you might be overwhelmed by all the opinions that are out there. Here are a few ideas to help you navigate your way through your first steps (walk, trot and canter).

Find a great instructor.

In some areas, you might have trouble finding multiple instructors to choose from. But work on it. Watch your prospective instructor teach a few lessons. Take a look at the condition of the school horses and other barn animals. Get a tour and see what the atmosphere of the barn is like. Finding an ideal barn and instructor is like finding a great friend or job. It takes time and you have to try it out for a while to know if it's a good fit for you.

Safety first!

Learn what you need to do to keep yourself safe, especially for the first few months. Although most horses are well trained to not do anything unexpected, horses are flight animals and really can't be completely trusted at any time. Be aware of your personal space when you work around the horses. Keep your feet clear of hooves, maintain an appropriate distance (don't let the horses rub on you or nibble on you), and make sure the horses hear you and know where you are as you approach them or work around them.

Focus on your seat development.

The seat is the source of all great riding. The seat is also the hardest area of the body to coordinate. You'll find that using your hands and legs will be much much easier than learning to follow the horse and influence him with your seat. But there is no better way. If you are lucky enough to find someone who will lunge you, there is no better way to start riding. If not, find an instructor who puts a lot of emphasis on seat development early in your riding career.

Develop excellent ground skills.

If you have a chance to learn to work the horse from the ground, grab it! They say that you only ride as well as you handle a horse from the ground, and I think there is a lot of truth to that. Take lessons, watch others and practice as much as you can. There are so many ways you can learn ground work: showmanship, round penning, lunge work (for the horse), in-hand showing... there must be others. The more you can do from the ground, the better you will be prepared to ride. Your horse will also know you as a communicator/herd leader.

Volunteer or work at a barn.

More time spent with horses means more experience. They often say that if you want to know something really well, you have to learn it from the "ground up." Nothing can be truer in riding. If you can get a paid job working at a barn, even for one day a week, you will learn invaluable skills that will propel you in the right direction. If not, consider volunteering. Working alongside experienced staff will give you the opportunity to learn and get feedback - reducing your learning curve by a lot.

Check and double-check your tack.

In many riding schools, you will be required to groom and tack your own horse. There is nothing better than spending some time with the horse you're going to ride, so get in there and get dirty! When you tack up, make sure you know how everything is secured. Check your tack before you go into the ring, and then check it again before you mount. If you are unsure of anything, be sure to ask your instructor before you get on. Your tack will keep you safe - but only if it is on properly!

Ride more than once a week.

It might be difficult to ride multiple times in a week in a riding school, but take the opportunity if it comes your way. Take two lessons a week, or see if you can eventually part-board a horse. Maybe you can rent a horse for a "practice ride." No matter how you do it, your skills will improve exponentially if you can increase your time in the saddle.

Breathe in rhythm with the horse's movement.

Even if you are otherwise athletic and have a lot of experience in other sports, your initial riding experiences might be different than what you are used to. One of the things that go first when you begin to trot and canter is remembering to breathe. A good trick is to force yourself to breathe in conjunction with your horse's movement. If you are posting, breathe on every other post. In canter, breathe every other up stride. Force your breath if you have to initially, until your body takes over. Otherwise, you will likely hold your breath and soon end up panting and losing coordination.

Do as you're told!

Your instructor will (should) always have your best interests in mind. So if she tells you to drop your hands, drop them. If she shows you how far to open your rein, or to soften your knees on the saddle, do your best to follow her directions. Sometimes, what you need to do may feel awkward or even wrong to your muscle memory. That might be because your body has normalized the wrong feeling. Just give it a good try.

Ask questions.

BUT... do ask questions when things seem unclear. If you want to be an independent thinker, you do need to know why you are doing things at certain times. There is no other way. However, there is a protocol to asking questions. While you are riding, just keep riding. Save the talking for in between the riding spurts, or for the end of the lesson. Don't be gabbing while she's giving instructions, because when you are on the horse, there is little time for conversation. That is the time you should be "do"-ing.

Be patient.

If you feel like you're all thumbs, don't worry! Pretty much everything to do with horses, including the riding part, is going to be different than anything you've ever done. Just figuring out how to put a bridle on might take you weeks to really do easily, simply because of the straps and buckles that we don't normally manipulate otherwise.

Have fun!

Well, this is the most important part, even while you are learning and stepping out of your comfort zone. Pet your horse, enjoy the feeling of being in the saddle, and enjoy the companionship of like-minded people.

Do you have any tips for people who are beginning to ride horses? Please leave them in the comments below.

13 Reasons Why You Should Be A Barn Rat

It's time we take back the term "barn brat"! This applies to you if you are 5 years old, or 50 (or more!).

If you are one of those people who spends hours at the barn, eagerly taking in all things horse, this one is for you. Not only is time spent at the barn well spent, but here are 13 reasons why barn bratting is good for us - and more importantly - makes us better not only as equestrians, but as all-around humans.

- Exercise

From grooming, to carrying feed bags, to walking between paddocks - you get a full body, cross-fit type of workout. It's completely organic. You don't have to count reps or buy any equipment. All you have to do is get things done! And voila! Your body moves and you feel better.

- Oxygen

Fresh air - the country type of air that invigorates and leaves you pleasantly drained at the end of the day. For those of us who sit still whether at school or work, the barn represents a chance to not only move but also to breathe. And if you get on the horse and go for a ride, you might be huffing and puffing in no time.

- Natural Setting

Speaking of which - the natural beauty of most barn properties is another enriching aspect to our daily lives. Whether the barn is situated on rolling hills lined with oak board fencing, or forested trails beckoning exploration (or both), the barn provides us access to uneven ground, green grass, gorgeous trees and the smell of the great outdoors. The barn gives us the opportunity to trade off concrete sidewalks and wall-to-wall houses even if for only a few brief hours.

- Responsibility

One thing you learn at the barn is that you have to do what you have to do, especially if there is no one else around to do it for you. The horses rely on you for feed, water, turn out, turn in and even exercise. Their needs can't be shoved to the side of a desk even if you are sick or tired or if it's too cold outside. You get up and go no matter what because they rely on you. And that is all.

- Social Skills

Barn brats tend to become socially adept even if they aren't naturally outgoing. When you spend time with fellow horse lovers, you can't help but to interact with the people who are there with you. The extra perk is that horse lovers come from all backgrounds, and in all sizes and ages. The barn is one of the few places that children can interact with adults on a mutually respectful and respected level.

- Challenges

Things don't always go right/as planned/well at the barn. Sometimes, you have to go through a situation that you'd rather avoid altogether. But the one thing you learn is that you can face those difficult times and even overcome them when necessary. And that makes you a stronger person in the long run.

- Be A Student

Hanging out at the barn sets you up to become a lifelong learner. Not only will you continually want to improve your riding skills, but you will likely appreciate how you can learn something from everyone. Thanks to the horses' individual personalities and abilities, each horse will give you different experiences to learn from. Even if you don't take formal lessons, I would bet that you will learn new things on a regular basis just by being at the barn.

- Being A Leader

Not only will you value being a learner, but you will also invariably become a leader in no time. Horses respond best to confidence. Clear and effective communication skills will quickly develop to keep not only yourself safe, but also your horse. Hang around regularly, and you might find yourself teaching others what you know.

- Empathy for Animals

This is almost a given, but you'd be surprised at how much your natural abilities will be developed. You will be able to understand horse language, and interpret horse-to-horse communication. You might even become good enough to know what they say to you! More importantly, putting yourself into another's "hooves" will make you better able to do the same with fellow human beings in any life situation.

- Team Work

Working together becomes a habit when you hang out at the barn. Even if you don't know the other person, you will find yourself gravitating toward helping each other, especially when it really matters. Four hands are better than two, two heads are better than one, and two people riding one horse is the best (one on the ground and one in the saddle)!

- Riding Skills

Riding is a full-body, intricate workout that involves the coordination of the core and body parts you didn't even know existed until you sat on a horse. It does get easier over time, but this is one of those sports that has layers of learning and never-ending self-improvement. Just when you think you got it, the next needed skill surfaces and you're on a new learning path all over again.

- Confidence

When you first hang out at the barn, your self-confidence might drop considerably until you know what to do and how things work. Certainly, the activities relating to horses and horse-keeping are sport-specific and not particularly common out in the "real world". Conversely, as you become adept at everything including riding, you become more confident not only at the barn, but also in your human interactions.

- Real Life (vs Screen Life)

I saved this one for last because of its pervasiveness in our smart-phone society. Everywhere you look, you see people hunched over their phones with thumbs flying.

Except at the barn.

Granted, when we are standing around, we might check for texts and whatnot, but interacting with horses requires our full attention. The pure physicality of even walking beside a horse as you bring him in to the barn, and obviously when you ride, requires your absolute attention. Being around horses is the one place that keeps us living "in the present". There is no other way.

Well, as it turns out, barn bratting is not so bad, and maybe even better than you might think! There must be so many other reasons why it's good to spend hours and hours at the barn. Write them in the comments below.

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Personally signed books available! Give the best gift for the horse lover in your life (or for yourself!

). Send me a message for more information.

From the first book in the Horse Listening Collection: Horse Listening, The Book

"There are many reasons why we enjoy riding horses. Maybe one of the most appealing facets of riding is the sense of freedom: freedom from our own limitations, freedom from gravity, freedom to (literally) roam the Earth. Time stands still while we have the privilege of feeling movement from the back of our four-legged friend.

Riding gives us the place to just be.

Of course, there are other purposes too. Some of us revel in the challenge of learning the skills required to becoming a good team member of this unlikely duo. Riding is like no other sport or recreational pursuit simply because of the equine partner that must not only carry us, but also do so effortlessly and gracefully. As we develop our specific skill sets, we also grow as human beings in character, emotional maturity and mental acuity.

But there is one other motivation that drives some of us to persevere in the never-ending learning process that is horseback riding: improving the horse. As your own skills develop, you begin to realize that not only can you meet your own needs through riding, but also that you can even become an instrument of benefit for the horse."

And so begins the book that reflects the most important learning I have had in all of my riding years: that I want to be the best rider I can be for the sake of my horses.

This book is geared toward the rider:

- the rider's motivations

- the essential skills for the rider

- some specific strategies

- solutions to common problems

- and the results: the great horsey moments we get to experience

Along the way, you will find chapters that discuss everything from the seat to the leg aids to the reins, discussions on half-halts, imbalance, halts, straightness and more!

Special in this book are the "In The Ring" sections that give specific suggestions based on the preceding chapters. Take these to the barn to try with your own horse!

Available as an eBook or paperback.

6 Reasons to Thank My Horses

dream horse — Photo Credit: NBanaszak Photography

Horses have given to us in so many ways that it can become difficult to measure their contribution to humanity. In history, horses were literally beasts of burden, walking beside or carrying people to their successes as societies and civilizations. These days, horses have been relegated to a perhaps more simple life as either livestock or recreational pets, once again dependent on their human counterparts for their safety and relevance in society.

On a more personal level, horses continue to contribute to our lives in very specific and measurable ways. Here are six reasons why I thank my horses for their impact on my life.

1. Self-Development

I'm not sure if I was a life-long learner before I ever rode, or if horse riding has made me into a life-long learner. Regardless, there is no doubt that you will never finish learning how to ride. There are infinite levels of pretty much every skill and idea that goes into riding, and just when you think you know it all, your horse calmly throws you a new curve that makes you dig into the depths of your character and come up with something you had never realized to that point. Yes, it is true that horses help us humans develop humility and selflessness.

2. Exercise and Athletic Growth

Invariably, riding keeps you active, flexible and vibrant. The horses keep me heading to the great outdoors even in the direst of weather conditions, if only to make sure that they are comfortable, fed and warm/cool as required by the season. Regular riding also plays an important part in developing and maintaining my level of activity - and the best part is that the better I get at riding, the more fine-tuned my body needs to become to respond even better to the horse's movements.

3. Generosity of Spirit

Day after day and ride after ride, I marvel at the horses that allow us to share in their strength and presence through riding. Not only do they carry us and go left and right as commanded, but they also often become partners in movement and do their best to respond to our sometimes unclear or ineffective aids.

4. Keeping Us Grounded

(Hopefully not flat ON the ground too often!!)

Although there is most definitely the aura of excessive-ness (and expensive-ness) surrounding the riding or owning of horses, it is ironically the horses that keep me earth-bound and in my place. For if you have the opportunity to care for the horses, and put some sweat (and sometimes tears) into their upkeep and maintenance, you will know what it means to be one person just doing what needs to be done without the expectation of any reward other than just meeting everyone's needs.

5. Making Friends

One thing I know is that no matter where I go, I can find and make friends in the horse world. I think that despite our differences of style and discipline, all horse people share one common interest - the horse. Many of my closest and longest lasting friendships originally began at some horse event, barn or activity. Thanks to the horses, I have friends of all ages and from all over the country - and my social life is full of get-togethers with horsey friends.

6. Beauty and Grace

Maybe you're like me when it comes to horses. To this day, I am captivated every time a horse kicks up his heels, arches his neck and gallops off into a joyful celebration of life. My 32-year-old Kayla still marches out to the field with a spark in her eyes and a bounce to her (very long) strides that reminds me every day of this beautiful and remarkable thing we call life.

Horses give us opportunities for experiences and growth that are not part of everyday urban living. I, for one, am always aware of the gifts that horses have given to me over the years. There is so much to be thankful for.

What have horses done for you? Let us know in the comments below.

On Slobber, Snorts and Sheath Sounds – 3 Ways to Your Horse’s Back

slobber horse — Photo Credit: J. Boesveld

Everywhere you look, people are missing out on three significant "happy horse" signs. I'm not talking about the perky-eared cute faces looking for treats, or the mutual grooming kind of affection horses share with each other. This time, I'm talking about signs you can see while the horse is being ridden.

It is a fact - horses who move well and freely have a better time during the ride. They learn to look forward to their time in the saddle, and they even improve physically and mentally.

Although we often talk about the hind legs being the "engine" of good movement, it is the back of the horse that is the key to all things great in riding. Think about it - picture the horse with the swaying, supple back and you will almost always recognize the beauty and harmony depicted in the horse's overall way of going. It doesn't matter the discipline - a good back means good movement and long-term health of the horse.

Read on to find out all about slobber, snorts and sheath sounds, and how they relate to the horse's back.

Slobber

Why do some horses have a white lipstick when they're being ridden?

Some people say that slobber happens when a horse has his neck so short and the reins are so tight that he can't swallow. They argue that the horse would be able to prevent drooling if only he could open and close his mouth. Maybe his head and neck is positioned in a way that he can't swallow. Or the problem is the bit that is in his mouth; the piece of metal makes the horse unable to close the lips and swallow.

The reasons go on and on.

But surely you have seen a (maybe nervous or tense) horse ridden with no contact and/or no bit, yet still a dry mouth for an entire ride.

And quite possibly, you've seen the exact opposite:a horse lunged with no side reins or any contact whatsoever, carrying his head any which way he pleases, developing a line of foam in the corner of the mouth and around the lips.

What of the western horse being ridden in a snaffle bit (or any variation of bitless bridles) with very infrequent contact, dripping drool like the highest level dressage horse?

It's All About the Back

I've seen and ridden these horses and experienced their variations of slobber. And I've come to one conclusion: that slobber is connected not so much to the mouth, jaw or swallowing - but to the back of the horse. Develop movement from the hind end, get a nice rhythm and back swing, and presto: discover the path to slobber.

If you think about it, the root to all good in riding rests in the back. If you can encourage an elastic, round, swinging back, you know your horse is on his way to riding pleasure. Not only does he benefit from the work, chances are, he might actually be enjoying it.

However, don't stop there. It's not only the horse's back you have to consider - think about your back too. Because your back can be holding your horse's back back (did you follow that?), which results in tension all around. If your back is resistant or unmoving, the same will happen to your horse. He won't be able to carry your weight effectively, nor will he be able to let the energy flow through his topline. So freeing your back up and developing more mobility will also lead you to slobber from your horse's mouth.

Snorts

Happy horse sign number two is the snort.

Physically, the snorts happen when the horse takes a deeper breath. He might reach farther underneath the body, work straighter and therefore more through the abs or put in a sudden moment of effort. For whatever reason, he then has to take a deeper breath and then he lets it all out in a body-shaking snort. Sometimes, the snort is accompanied by a neck arching or reaching forward that might catch you off guard if you're not expecting it.

In any case, the snort is a releasing/ relaxing/ letting go of tension and yes, you might notice the horse's eye soften or his gait become more buoyant. Watch a little longer and you might see him settle in his work, find his rhythm or soften in the mouth. You might also see some accompanying slobber!

Sheath Sounds

Now this one is the clincher. Of course, if you ride a mare, you miss out on the most obvious, tell-tale sign of a tight back. In geldings, the tight back causes a tight sheath area, which then results in air movement - that sound you hear EVERY stride the horse takes.

People often say that the sound is caused by a dirty sheath area. But if you own or care for a gelding regularly, chances are that you can honestly say that the sheath has been cleaned and yet the sound continues. So what gives?

Yes, folks, it's all about the back yet again.

Try this: when you hear the sound, go for a 3-5 stride canter from the trot. Then trot again. Make sure you half-halt the trot as you come out of the canter, so that the horse doesn't just trot faster faster faster. Rather, you want to use the canter to add more impulsion to the trot. Feel for more bounce, more air time between strides. See if you can get a snort. And notice if the back starts to swing in the trot movement. Once that back starts to move, the sheath sound should reduce if not go away altogether. The more relaxed back results in a more relaxed underline (sheath area) of the horse.

Maybe it stops for a few strides. Maybe it isn't quite as loud. Or maybe it goes away altogether. If you "listen" carefully enough, you will begin to recognize a pattern to what causes the sound.

Maybe you can make it go away for only a couple of strides. Pay attention to what caused the sound to go away. Then try to duplicate it. Maybe your horse is too tense for the sound to ever go away. But give it a good try, every ride. Eventually, you might be able to make it go away just using your riding skills. And you'll know that your horse is using his back in a healthier manner.

*****

So there you have it: three sure-fire ways of knowing if your horse is actually loose in his back!

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

Horse Listening

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Available as an eBook or paperback.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like these ones:

How Do You Know Your Horse Is Using His Back? In the long run, our primary motivation for self-improvement in riding is for the sake of the horse’s health. We want horses that live well, staying strong and vigorous long into their old age.

In Praise of the (Horse Riding) Hand: How to develop hands that sing poetry in your horse’s mind!

3 Questions to Consider Before Riding Bareback and Bridleless: What should be in place before you take off the tack?

Why An Active Stretch is Nothing Like A Neck-Down: The problem with the passive stretch is that it is merely a posture.

Move to Stay Still on Horseback: How do we begin to look like we’re sitting still, doing nothing on the horse’s back?

Is It Me or the Is It the Horse?

I would bet we have all wondered about this question through our riding careers.

When you are faced with a riding dilemma, do you ever get into a finger-pointing game? Do you get down on yourself and blame all your riding problems on yourself? Or do you just get mad at the horse and think that all would be well if you only could find another horse to ride?

Chances are that all of us have done both at some time or another.

Early in our riding education, we may not be too worried about how the horse is going. We are usually so focused on staying on and using the correct aids, that we are generally more than satisfied to get the walk/trot/canter and stay on!

But as the saying goes, "the more you know, the more you know what you don't know." As we become more proficient, we begin to notice nuances that we didn't before.

The little things seem a lot more important - a hollow back, a bad stride that could have been avoided, a lack of bend or even a heavy contact. We start to troubleshoot and try different solutions that we think may help.

Invariably, we run into a plateau during which things seem to never change - no matter what we try, we just can't seem to get the results we want. And that is when we start to wonder - is the problem ours? Or is it the horse's? Here are some thoughts.

Obviously, it's the rider.

Without a doubt, we can ride only as well as our best skills. No matter how long we've been riding, there is always more to learn and fine-tune. So if we have any problems, our limitations quickly become the horse's as well.

It also works the other way. The more effective you are, the better any horse will go for you.

For instance, if you have a stickable seat, you won't have a worry if the horse goes for a romp or buck. You'll just ride it out and pick up when the horse settles down. Or let's say you have a terrifically effective seat. Every horse you ride, even if not necessarily "trained" to the seat, will respond well to your ride simply because of the timing, coordination and balance that you offer to the horse.

Here's another scenario - has this ever happened to you? You ride in a lesson and the problem that has been plaguing you for weeks is instantly eliminated because you listen to your knowledgeable instructor and make what seems to be one small positional change. Suddenly the horse snorts and begins to float.

During those moments, it definitely seems as if all problems begin with the rider.

Having said that, the unique quality of riding is that there are two players in one game. How does the horse fit into this picture?

Obviously, it's the horse.

How many of us have wistfully wished that our horse could be as calm/successful/kind/athletic/whatever as our friend's horse seems to be? (C'mon, admit it!)

We know that some of the idiosyncrasies surely belong to the horse. We've heard of stallion or mare lines that have certain characteristics (good or bad) that seem to be passed down regularly.

Without a doubt, the horse can be the one that initiates a problematic situation. As I explained in my book, Horse Listening: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding, we often find ourselves becoming reactive riders when horses move so quickly that we don't see something happening until it is too late. The horse does something, and THEN we try to undo it.

Let's take the bucking horse example again. Not every horse bucks. It is quite possible that you could find a horse that simply is not inclined to buck. Instead, he might brace and hollow the back, but otherwise truck along without any hint of a misstep. So one horse's behavior is not necessarily the same as another's.

If you are lucky enough to have a Golden Horse, chances are you won't have to go through the same learning curve as the rider with the horse that tends to buck.

It Takes Two to Tango

It looks like we're back at the beginning. Is it the rider or the horse?

The long and the short of it is that there are two beings involved in the one activity. Each affects the other and there is no way out of that equation. Sometimes, it's not even what you did, but what you didn't do in a particular situation.

The level of training helps. If the rider is well trained, then she can quickly bring the horse along since she knows what to expect and what to do to prevent problems. If the horse is well trained, then he can support and guide the rider as she tries new skills and makes mistakes.

(Incidentally, this is exactly why they say that a green rider-green horse combination is the least desirable.)

Keep in mind that as the human being in this partnership, we are necessarily the ones to take responsibility for our actions and our skill level. If we get stuck, we are the ones to do the problem solving. Maybe we have to find someone else who can help us learn or find another appropriate solution.

In this horse-rider dichotomy, avoid finding blame and instead, work toward finding solutions.

What do you think? Is it the rider or is it the horse?

Want to advertise your business on Horse Listening? Click here for more info.

horse logos 1

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Available as an eBook or paperback.

Read more here:

7 Reasons Why "It Depends" Is the Right Answer in Horseback Riding: When it comes to horses, the only “truth” is that there are many truths.

The Need For "Yes" Speed - While You Ride Your Horse: How to let your horse know he's on the right track.

Two Upper-Body Secrets to Riding Success: How to maintain balance with a better upper body position.

The Five Components of the Ultimate Warm Up in Horse Riding: Why an active warm-up is essential for the horse.

Stepping “Forward” in Horse Riding: The term ‘forward’ is used liberally in horse riding but is often misunderstood.

Horses. Riding. Life.

Tag: horse riding

Top 10 Common Goals for Riders

Part One

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

5 Great Reasons To Hang Out With Non-Horsey People

Now is the time to re-evaluate your goals and path to riding success!

What Is Hard About Riding Horses

***If you enjoyed these tips, you can find many more in* Horse Listening – Book 3: Horses. Riding. Life. *now available for purchase!***

7 Great Tips For Beginner Horse Riders

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Horse Listening Book Collection - beautiful paperbacks with all the excellence of the blog - in your hands! Click on the image for more information.

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

6 Reasons to Thank My Horses

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

On Slobber, Snorts and Sheath Sounds – 3 Ways to Your Horse’s Back

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Is It Me or the Is It the Horse?

Want to advertise your business on Horse Listening? Click here for more info.

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Part One

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Now is the time to re-evaluate your goals and path to riding success!

If you enjoyed these tips, you can find many more in Horse Listening – Book 3: Horses. Riding. Life. now available for purchase!

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Horse Listening Book Collection - beautiful paperbacks with all the excellence of the blog - in your hands! Click on the image for more information.

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Want to advertise your business on Horse Listening? Click here for more info.

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

***If you enjoyed these tips, you can find many more in* Horse Listening – Book 3: Horses. Riding. Life. *now available for purchase!***