It presents step by-step training programs and showing advice from recognized experts in hunters, jumpers, equitation, dressage, and eventing, along with money- and time-saving ideas on health care and stable management.
Equestrians are athletes, and we can often learn a thing or two from athletes in other sports. In our Q&A feature with Olympic traveling reserve and dressage trainer Endel Ots, he refers to a quote from hockey legend Wayne Gretzky: “You miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take” (page 26). Ots applied this philosophy on his journey to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and arguably cover star Victoria Colvin did the same on her way to the winning the 2025 Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships. The rest of us equestrians can take a shot as well. Riding and training horses involves stepping out of our comfort zones. Am I ready to move up a level? Is my horse ready to learn flying changes? Maybe yes or maybe…
Hover over the code with a smartphone camera for video comments. 1 Overall: This rider might be a the most novice of the group, but her basics are quite good. Her leg position is great, but she should make an adjustment to her release. Leg: I like the position of the stirrup on her foot because it’s right on the ball of her foot. The outside bar of the stirrup is ahead of the inside bar, and her toe is turned out slightly. I like how she has contact with her calf and thigh. Although her knee is against the saddle, I don’t think she’s pinching with her knee. The angles in her ankle, knee and hip are excellent. Release: She’s using a long crest release, which I like for…
The photo shows Elle Rogers on her horse Kandy. Here is what Elle had to say: “I am a novice rider starting my dressage journey with my first horse Kandy, an 8-year-old Hanoverian/Quarter Horse-cross mare. At 24, it feels like I’ve waited my whole life to have my own horse, and I can’t wait for a lifetime of adventures together! This photo is from our second show.” A first horse is a very exciting beginning, and Elle is right—there is a lifetime of adventures waiting for them! Hopefully Elle has many years with Kandy and other horses in the future. While Kandy isn’t round and on the bit in this photo, it clearly shows the pair starting their journey together. Kandy is moving forward in a natural balance without any…
In riding and training horses, we often have to make split-second decisions to correct inappropriate responses or behaviors. Many riders make the mistake of assuming their horses will understand any form of correction in regard to an error or misunderstanding on the horse’s part. But your response to his behavior must be suitable to the situation, the individual horse and his stage of training. Determining what is appropriate comes from listening to your horse, practicing, and when appropriate, seeking advice from your trainer or veterinarian. It’s crucial to keep things simple and clear for your horse so he understands and wants to do what you ask. The Order of the Rider’s Aids I strongly believe aids need to be applied in a thoughtful order. I have seen riders use a…
A correct and strong position allows you to use your aids independently and effectively to influence your horse and helps you to be a more confident rider. Yet, developing and maintaining a solid position and coordinating the aids is at the heart of many riders’ problems. The theory may be simple, but it’s not always easy to execute. I’ll explain what I like to see in a rider’s position and how to use your aids to communicate with your horse. Then, I’ll share a simple jumping exercise that will help you focus on your position and aids, which directly applies to riding courses. Position Check: Do’s and Don’ts A correct and balanced position allows you to use your aids independently and effectively, but also softly and invisibly. Clashing or overbearing…
Every time Endel Ots rewatched a Lars Petersen video as a budding young rider, his aspirations of one day competing in the Olympics seemed increasingly possible. But as he matured, Ots gained a deeper understanding of the physical, mental and emotional demands required to make it to the top of the sport. “Everything has to line up perfectly at the right time with the right horse, the right coach and the right combination of circumstances,” he said. “Early in my career, I didn’t want to put that much pressure on myself. It’s easy to dream about, but you eventually find out just how hard it is.” Ots grew up riding on his family farm in Wisconsin, and after a brief focus on jumping, he found his true calling in dressage.…
