Videos - Amazing Horse Country

Current Album: Tagged balance

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Added on May 13, 2020 -- Length 1:38:51

Bends and Balance

balance bends
What defines a proper bend? What is it required for? How do we create a proper bend in the saddle, round pun, lunge line or liberty? A proper bend is a product of a few things, two of those being a release of tension in the horse to facilitate athletic motion, and balance. I'll demonstrate the pieces required to create softness in a balanced bend. We'll explore how to develop and observe the components of a bend in the groundwork and then take it to the saddle. We'll discuss, with demonstrations and graphics, how balanced bends are an integral component for most maneuvers including sidepasses and lead departures. Join one of our Membership Plans to save on Webinars, 1 on 1 Training and more. You also get access to our membership forum, member-only podcasts and lots of AHC merch.

Own it for $24.99

Bends and Balance

balance bends

Own it for $24.99

May 13, 2020 -- Length 1:38:51

What defines a proper bend? What is it required for? How do we create a proper bend in the saddle, round pun, lunge line or liberty? A proper bend is a product of a few things, two of those being a release of tension in the horse to facilitate athletic motion, and balance. I'll demonstrate the pieces required to create softness in a balanced bend. We'll explore how to develop and observe the components of a bend in the groundwork and then take it to the saddle. We'll discuss, with demonstrations and graphics, how balanced bends are an integral component for most maneuvers including sidepasses and lead departures. Join one of our Membership Plans to save on Webinars, 1 on 1 Training and more. You also get access to our membership forum, member-only podcasts and lots of AHC merch.

Added on June 13, 2020 -- Length 1:58:14

Backing Up, Backing Over, Backing Down

backing up backing over backing down balance
Some horses struggle at backing out of a trailer. Some horses have been taught to back up off tight reins, causing poor body balance and neck / back tension. Backing up is also something we always find in obstacle courses: backing around corners, backing up onto or over an obstacle. All these exercises support the horses body balance, confidence and ability to follow you and are important for every rider and horse. Join us going forward in an exploration of going backwards! Join one of our Membership Plans to save on Webinars, 1 on 1 Training and more. You also get access to our membership forum, member-only podcasts and lots of AHC merch. Check it out!

Own it for $24.99

Backing Up, Backing Over, Backing Down

backing up backing over backing down balance

Own it for $24.99

June 13, 2020 -- Length 1:58:14

Some horses struggle at backing out of a trailer. Some horses have been taught to back up off tight reins, causing poor body balance and neck / back tension. Backing up is also something we always find in obstacle courses: backing around corners, backing up onto or over an obstacle. All these exercises support the horses body balance, confidence and ability to follow you and are important for every rider and horse. Join us going forward in an exploration of going backwards! Join one of our Membership Plans to save on Webinars, 1 on 1 Training and more. You also get access to our membership forum, member-only podcasts and lots of AHC merch. Check it out!

Added on August 26, 2020 -- Length 1:32:20

The Aids Part II - Setting up for Gaits

aids legs reins seat riding gaits balance
In Part 1, we looked very specifically at what the aids - our legs, reins and seat - do. In Part 2 we'll look at taking that knowledge into different gaits: how to set up a horse in balance and then transition up and down. Many times we're taught 'click to trot' and 'kiss to lope' - but that doesn't really give us a hint of understanding of what is really going on with the horse's body. Many times gait transitions are taught that cause the horse to be out of balance. You'll see that when a horse bucks going in to a lope or 'pops' up when they transition. It's not fun for the horse nor for you. Let's change that up and create smooth and balanced gaits and transitions!

Own it for $24.99

The Aids Part II - Setting up for Gaits

aids legs reins seat riding gaits balance

Own it for $24.99

August 26, 2020 -- Length 1:32:20

In Part 1, we looked very specifically at what the aids - our legs, reins and seat - do. In Part 2 we'll look at taking that knowledge into different gaits: how to set up a horse in balance and then transition up and down. Many times we're taught 'click to trot' and 'kiss to lope' - but that doesn't really give us a hint of understanding of what is really going on with the horse's body. Many times gait transitions are taught that cause the horse to be out of balance. You'll see that when a horse bucks going in to a lope or 'pops' up when they transition. It's not fun for the horse nor for you. Let's change that up and create smooth and balanced gaits and transitions!

Added on January 19, 2022 -- Length 1:13:36

Front End Heavy

balance
Seems like our horse is overly weighted on the front end? In many instances, we desire that the horse perform an exercise, like a whoa or a lead departure with a higher degree of hind end engagement. Trail riding requires a horse be on their hind, particularly going down a hill. True collection also requires the horse to be on their hind. Excessive weight on the front end can cause tripping, difficulty in certain exercises and even permanent injury. There are a few reasons that can cause a horse to seem heavier on the front end. There are also some excellent ways to remedy this situation. We'll explore all of those as we help our horses use their bodies in a way that supports soundness and athleticism.

Own it for $24.99

Front End Heavy

balance

Own it for $24.99

January 19, 2022 -- Length 1:13:36

Seems like our horse is overly weighted on the front end? In many instances, we desire that the horse perform an exercise, like a whoa or a lead departure with a higher degree of hind end engagement. Trail riding requires a horse be on their hind, particularly going down a hill. True collection also requires the horse to be on their hind. Excessive weight on the front end can cause tripping, difficulty in certain exercises and even permanent injury. There are a few reasons that can cause a horse to seem heavier on the front end. There are also some excellent ways to remedy this situation. We'll explore all of those as we help our horses use their bodies in a way that supports soundness and athleticism.