Zoe Patton

The whole point of contact and keeping horses head down is to promote relaxation in the ring, and holding a horses head down with leather and metal doesn’t mean your horse is relaxed. It means you’re forcing their head down. But then again, I’m not a trainer, and it may depend on the horse, but over all no.

The only spurs I use are nub spurs, and I’m always very cautious about how and when I use them.

The bit I use on every horse I ride (and every horse I’ve owned, but this also depends sometimes) is a happy mouth snaffle. A lot of times, I also ride with a simple nose band side pull attachment in my bridle instead of a bit. But like I said, sometimes I change it but I always keep the horses best interest in mind. :)

Don’t worry about your arms following the horse as much as your hips going back with the horse when jumping. That’s just what works for me though, I’m not a trainer haha

A horse. :/ mine passed away recently.

I like to imagine like I’m sitting on an exercise ball and I’m trying to get bring the ball, or the horses sides, up towards me. :) good luck Abby !

Something that worked with my gelding was trying not to pull back, and then planting my seat down and squeezing my legs as hard as I could. Until my horse adjusted to me, I wouldn’t loosen up with my seat and leg. I did this every time he got not-collected (?) for a couple of rides and eventually I could collect him completely by just slowly tightening my leg. Don’t get frustrated with your horse, don’t kick if they slow down but gently don’t let them stop.

That’s a sign of disrespect, and the more she runs at you and you run away it teaches her who’s more in charge in your relationship. I would watch Rick Gore’s video on pushy mares and follow his example.

It depends! What’s her turn out schedule, and how often is she ridden/exercised?