Gwyneth McPherson
Training in the Right Way: Mythbusters Edition
In riding and training, there are some commonly held beliefs that while they may seem plausible, are actually →
Training in the Right Way: Let’s Discuss Self-Carriage
Or, why it isn’t always “bad” that your horse anticipates. →
Training in the Right Way: Looking for Effectiveness
We’ve discussed this before, but given recent events in the dressage world, I think revisiting what effective training →
Training in the Right Way: The Good Side vs the Bad Side
Here’s a hint: There isn’t one. At least not in the way you think. →
Training in the Right Way: Let’s Talk About Spurs…
And their purpose and how to use them correctly (rather than like a jerk). →
Training in the Right Way: Why We Don’t Pull in Dressage
This week I’m tackling another reader submitted question, this one focusing on why we pulling on the reins →
Training in the Right Way: What Is an Aid?
Aids are meant to tell the horse what to do. They are not meant to MAKE the horse →
Training in the Right Way: The Rider’s Responsibility vs The Blame Game
Instead of taking or giving all the blame, riders should understand that the results of their aids, good →
Training in the Right Way: Ask the Trainer – My Horse Isn’t Forward
This week I thought I’d try something a little different and tackle some reader/rider submitted training questions. This →
Training in the Right Way: FEI Horses Don’t Grow on Trees…
Just one of the dilemmas when you have FEI aspirations. →
Training in the Right Way: Unraveling the Half Halt
“The half halt is a beautiful, effortless way to ask your horse…” The half halt is many things, →
Training in the Right Way: Positive vs Negative Riding
Those words ALSO do not mean what you think they mean… at least not in the context of →
Training in the Right Way: Repetition and Correction…
Those words do not mean what you think they mean… at least not in the context of effective →
Training in the Right Way: A Clarification on Normal vs Fancy Gaits…
Or, rather, why fancy gaits in and of themselves were not the original point of dressage competition (here’s →
Training in the Right Way: “Fancy Warmblood Movement” Is Not the Same as “Quality of Movement” (And This Matters!)
“Dressage is for all horses, but all horses aren’t for dressage”… sort of. →
Training in the Right Way: Quick Fixes and Light Switches
Let’s talk about why you’re more likely to run into Big Foot at Starbucks than find any magical →
Training in the Right Way: Effective Aids vs Not So Much
Because it is critical to the training process, let’s take a moment to talk about what effective aids →
Training in the Right Way: 3 Dressage Movements You Should Master
There are three movements most riders aren’t aware of that cannot be judged on talent as their proper →
Training in the Right Way: Strength and Agility
Because you probably wouldn’t sign up for an Iron Man without first training for it. →
Training in the Right Way: What Successful Participation in Dressage Looks Like
Because you will never convince me that consistently getting low scores at Training Level is actually the sort →
Training in the Right Way: The Importance of In-Hand Work
Many riders think of dressage as an activity that is solely performed from the saddle. But, in truth, →
Training in the Right Way: An Ode to the ‘Normal’ Horse
While those seeking international dressage careers will absolutely need freak-show levels of talent, most riders would enjoy the →
Training in the Right Way: Types of Suppleness
Yes, there is more than one type — and knowing what they are and how to recognize them →
Training in the Right Way: Bringing Your Horse Back Into Work
Horses need an incremental approach when returning to physical exertion after some time off. With the weather obliterating →
Training in the Right Way: When to Compete
With Regional Championships well underway and the show season in Florida starting to ramp up, this week’s article →