Dressage Archives - Kirstin Kelly Equestrian

Why the walk-trot transition is the first step to riding collection.

A badly ridden transition makes no improvement but a correctly ridden one makes your horse lighter, softer in the back and rein and more balanced.

Riders often kick with the inside leg but forget the importance of the outside rein in balancing the horse.

Riding with balanced, forward-thinking hands is an art and when you achieve this, your horses’ contact will improve dramatically

Riding an accurate test is a matter of being organized and aware every time you ride a movement.

When your horse is lazy, consider what will make him interested and want to work rather than using a whip straight away.

Re-mouthing the horse can improve your horses contact by reminding him to release the pressure of the bit by coming round.

Travers or quarters in, learn how to start training your horse to do with ease.

The Half-halt is the best way to slow your horse down, using the core and thighs keep the horse uphill and soft in the rein.

Dropping behind the bit and getting heavy in the contact is not only uncomfortable, its will also loose you precious marks in dressage.

Here are 3 ways to work the horse correctly, encouraging him to lower his hind-end and become collected.