This is brilliant! I wish more people would demonstrate these things on uneducated horses ... It's so helpful to actually see the process rather than the finished product and a brief 'how I did it' showing the shiny nice looking bits. Love love love this channel! X
@@YourRidingSuccess it's interesting to watch. Does it feel like he's "dogging it" in the trot at the start? If so, once you're able to get some suppleness, does that feeling diminish somewhat?
I've learned more in these last 4 episodes than I have in the past year that I've been researching all the "problems" I'm having with my OTTB. Thank you so much for being so clear and explaining why you do each and every little thing and why it helps/works. ❤
I agree! Today I had my best ride yet in WALK! All because of the banana analogy. Everything just fell into place. So excited for my progress! Thank you so much Natasha and Alicia!
Another great video giving a clear explanation. So nice to see someone explaining that his lazy is down to not being supple so you don't get into that kick along frame of mind with him which would in turn create an explosive response as he can't do what you ask. It's nice to see you use the circle to help him find his go. How refreshing is it to see no sawing on his mouth for 'contact' Letting him find his own way and not worrying about the look which will come later when he's stronger. Mowgley is such a super little horse
Super comment! It is really clear when reading this that you have a great understanding of what Alicia was explaining in the video and what is important so go you!!! ✨
I just love the way you teach. I’ve been riding for over 40 years and still so under-confident, but your approach and the way you describe what to focus on and what not is is so very helpful. You are very inspiring I just want to get out there and try it. Thank you x
Update from yesterday. I tried this way of working with my green OTTB today. Was delighted! From being very stressed by any contact on her mouth, she was soon taking contact herself. Yes she was hiding from it and over bending, but I could feel her relaxing as she starts to realise that contact is a safe and soft place. And every time she got to fast or spooky, we did a little circle and brought back the light control. Thankyou so much for this wonderful instructive video. I am a rusty intermediate rider & thus has given me such confidence
Oh my gosh, and to see the beginnings of Mowgley neck being developed (his top line where it starts by the saddle going up to his head). It's coming along so nicely
I can see why Tash was so comfortable asking you to take on such a big role for the channel. All of the new content has been thorough, easy to understand, and incredibly helpful. You always demonstrate what you're talking about and explain how it works. And it's easy to see that you have so much respect and love for these incredible animals. It wasn't so long ago that I was learning at a "back him up and hit him with the crop when he's bad" school. As an adult, I've learned that that way of thinking and training is an absolute failure of empathy and horsemanship. Horses need only to be treated with intelligence and respect, and they will give you the moon. I so deeply appreciate the way you always talk about HELPING the horse to do what you ask, not punishing them for not understanding--and never blaming the horse but asking "how can I make this easier for him?" Really enjoying the new content, I'm so happy you decided to take the channel on.
I need this video on a loop in my head when I ride. My horse isn’t uneducated, but he hides behind the contact and makes his short, thick, neck even shorter! My struggle is getting him through, but when I do it’s so lovely. I can’t wait to ride tomorrow to try this concept out. Thank you!!
The trick of spreading the hands if the horse comes above the bridle is amazing! Why isn’t it taught everywhere?? I’ve just had my best solo session with my 4 yo! Thanks so much!
Watched this video again today before riding. Helped me relax my very spooky gelding. He was relaxed, and when uptight, I put him in a mini leg yield and got him on my outside rein again. It was like magic!
It was never explained to me that leg yields can be used in such an important manner to support suppleness and ultimately developing in an inexperienced horse contact and unblocking the horse in this manner. Fantastic explanation and valued steps. Thank you. I thought when me young horse did this she was preparing to pigroot but clearly I did not use the steps. 👍😝
Fascinating seeing the rapid changes in how Mowgley is going in such a short amount of time with the clear and positive way you ride. He's transforming and blossoming with your skill and principles. I've learnt so much, thank you!
Thanks for this. So many people are so obsessed with various rein manipulations (sponging, beating eggs and so much other nonsense) which may get the horse to lower its head but never actually teaches the horse to engage the hindquarters and accept contact. As a dressage judge and instructor myself, I'm happy that there is finally a good online resource that is teaching how to correctly teach acceptance of the bit via the training scale vs all the rein fiddling that is so common.
OMG, that baby leg yeild when he gets distracted is EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED. My mare, i love her but she's a bit derpy... we have MORE THAN ONCE nearly fallen because she gets distracted by something (usually a baby animal which i totally understand) but then she forgets where her legs are and literally trips over her own legs! And i don't want to give out to her because who doesn't get distracted by puppies? but i also don't want to die xD
@@YourRidingSuccess well she's pretty sassy so i hoping it will help with that too! connemara x thoroughbred. Weird mix but she's very talented... me on the other hand.... no so much xD
The more I see these videos the more I realise how much Mowgli is like my mare :D lazy and explosive and hiding from the contact are very much her as well. I love to see the training scale in use, especially for re-backing! Such helpful content. Thank you Alicia :)
Even though I ride western I enjoy watching your videos. They have helped me so much with my confidence. I have been working on suppleness and contact. Bubba and I have come a long way in the short 5 months that I have owned him. Thank you for the way you break things down and explain everything. You are amazing.
I'm back in the saddle after a 40 year absence due to disabilities, after being a child/teen competitive showjumper. I've been getting fit again and this last year been learning dressage. I can honestly say your videos have taught me as much as my instructors. I love you show correction with untrained horses, I could watch you all day. And do.
Every time I watch these videos with Mowgley, I see my horse! I get so excited to get on and try what you've taught ... and every time it works! 😁😁😁😍😍😍
Again I have gotten so much out of these past OTTB series. Because I get to see warts and all, and he is exactly where my OTTB is at this early stage and its helping incredibly. Thank thank thank you so much
I have seen a lot of videoes on "how to get your horse on the bit". Tried the things they said. Did it work? Not at all! I have my own horse. She's 20 years old, but has never been riding in proper dressage (she's used to be a therapyhorse for many years and before that I believe she was used for driving maybe?). I have ridden her for many years, before I was able to buy her. Like I said I have tried just about everything, but it has never really worked. Saw this video, then I could get my horse to sort of go on the bit. She's really stiff, but I could get her to sort of bend. These videoes are like magic! So well explained and really nice that the things are shown on a horse that is actual learning these while we see it. Instead of seing these things on a horse who already know all of these things! wow! Just WOW!
Can't thank you enough for this - just tried it after weeks of frustration where my horse and I were not on the same page. He's not young (not got that excuse!) ..and I'm not young either (probably doesn't help matters)...he can go really well but every so often everything just goes out the window and we have to work and work to try and get back on track. This exercise relaxed us both and within 10 minutes he was flowing and moving so nicely and I think I almost heard him muttering 'At last!! Thank God for that'. THANKS!
Horses are smart little buggers when you ride through things and keep your own consistency the horse figures out eventually to be on the right lead and right head position because its more comfortable for them to move.
Loving this series. Just bought a green OTTB and I feel like I have a program to follow with realistic goals at each level. This is my next goal now that the lingering is going well. My lovely girl gets very stressed when there is any pressure on her mouth so the wide reins has been fantastic for keeping a contact without backward pressure. Not that I can do it well but we are trying together
you are a genius - sooooooo the best teacher ever (i do find the shouting alittle scarey but i love your enthusiasm and i am trying to get over it) xxx
My OTTB is lazy and explosive too! He’s hard work to ride but we have moments of greatness and he is lovely! I have an inclination of what you must be feeling. He looks amazing though. I love seeing the progress, not just a finished product 😍
the circling and yielding method has worked so wonderfully in teaching horses to use their abs in my experience! you can really tell that its much easier for them to understand and find the right frame!
Alicia, I am absolutely loving the way you teach and break everything down into understandable and achievable steps. Thank you, I’m learning so much. Tho I don’t have an OTTB, your principles are applicable to all! This is fantastic , thank you!!
The mini leg yield has helped me, We eVan feel more upright and on two tracks than ever before. Rytham is still an issue but I’m not feeling so frustrated now after your videos, so it’s helping me to keep going massive,thank you Alisha. You are inspiring thank you for the OTTB. You are Keeping my ROR Dream in sight for us xx love what you and Tash are doing.
wow. you have to ride faster than him for him to keep up. Jay is extremely explosive and will stop spin or run backwards if something over stresses him, usually when you are starting something new. This makes so much sense
After watching this the first time, I've implemented the tools you demonstrate on Mowgley & I found it really helpful for my horse in her retraining & trying to establish contact. She does alot of the head bobbing & dipping behind the vertical, just like this. Very helpful to hear - pick yr battles, just keep moving forward. I love yr high praise. I have often felt guilty about trying to "push" her into a frame, & establish contact when her natural response is resistance! I'm learning that better methodology will help her comfortability & acceptance in the long run. "He's doing it himself" is a clear example of this! Thankyou. Great to see his progress now & how your mutual trust has grown together! 👏👏👏❤🐴🙏
Wonderful info! I love how you took a basically unbroke horse and showed how us how to teach them to use their bodies correctly while listening to our aids. I will certainly be putting this to good use!
I’ve been a long time viewer, but THiS video was so packed with insightful instruction I finally hit the Subscribe button. Mowglie was a superstar teacher to be able to see how he responded to all the things you were talking us through. You are really nailing how to explain concepts that are all about feel! This video and the Banana one are my FAVs as far as practical tips I can easily visually remember. Well done!!
It’s tough riding my green ottb. We just started trotting since she’s been off the track and we BOTH look terrible while working. It makes me insecure even if we are “getting it done right”. So I’m happy to hear it’s okay not to be pretty doing it. Lol
Been struggling with rhythm and contact on my 10 year old flat race horse. Feels like riding a push me pull you. She is explosive and lazy. She had surgery on in her stifles and fetlock last December also treatment before that fir stage 4 ulcers alll treated now but I have never been able to canter her properly without her bucking dangerously. Been concentrating on advice and practicing Tash sitting trot and getting our confidence back-ever since. I will try this as I am beginning to loose faith in our partnership. We have been on such a long journey, my goal is ROR showing. I’m 52 this is my once in a lifetime horse 🐴, thank you for your videos you might have just restored my faith. Loving all the advice thank you. Some things are a little confusing as you go so fast but all appreciated x
Hi Samantha, try thinking a little back to the start with your horse now that you have the health concerns sorted, and remember that it takes time to re-train horses and also to bring horses back into work after a break. If you can use the OTTB videos as a start to see how Alicia works with Mowgley from the start, then you can also take your horse on the journey. Let me know if there is any part of the videos you would like explained more in depth 💕
We are purchasing a 14 yo QH mare - her current owner has worked hard on getting her head down but mostly using seasaw type of action. I rode her yesterday and she was a giraffe for me with contact but when my daughter rode her with a soft hand, she relaxed. We have so much to figure out with how to get this horse into a frame!
Congratulations on your upcoming purchase of a new horse! It sounds like you have already had some experience riding her and are beginning to understand her needs and behaviors. Good luck with your new horse and happy riding!
Loved this and this is something I can work on with a friends mare who doesn't want to accept the contact and either rushes or backs off the leg. I can't wait to get on her tomorrow and give his exercise a go. Thank you.
I really enjoyed this video! I just started riding an 18h horse who won’t take the bit. While everyone else is riding their beautiful elegant horses, I ride around with my hands all over the place, on a huge “camel” just trying to get him to find his rhythm. It really hurt my self-confidence 🤣 Thank you for showing a learning horse and giving me some concrete tips!
Alicia this video is a Godsend! I am starting a young Arabian mare I raised and I am at the stage that this method of yours will be awesome to employ! I can’t wait to ride her again now! I have been sharing and telling all my horse friends to subscribe to your channel! I love your philosophy and consistent easy to remember and understand concepts like the banana, that is a huge help!! I wish I could come and take lessons from you but I am in the US. Thank you so much for all these videos! ❤️
Thank you once again for this great training video. I always look forward to seeing you and Mowgley work. I beleive you are inspiring so many with these wonderful basics. 💗
I loved the details on how you actually used your aids. Most people just call out half halt, etc without explaining the how or why to use it. What kind of half pad is that? Love it
Thank you so so SO much for this. I have been retraining my older horse who did not have a solid foundation and, therefore, has some explosive and anxiety issues. I started him from the ground up as a young one would be, and we're about at the stage Mowgley is now. To see you train on a young horse at very real training stages is a godsend. The knowledge, visual, and "clickable" explanations (thank you for the banana!!) have helped me tremendously, which helps my boy too. I also have started tuning up other horses at my barn, and owners have been thrilled with the results. I can say a lot of my training and riding understanding has been because of these videos. Thank you!
i have literally just tried this exercise and it worked like magic, i've been struggling to get my young mare on the bit at a trot and has helped me to do that in the span of thirty or so mintues
This video has helped me hugely! Been struggling with my mare for a while now, tried this today both on a walk out and then in the school at a trot and she was absolutely incredible. Thank you so much for going on this journey for all of us! Can’t wait to see how my girl improves and how mr mowgley gets on as well.
Interesting to see, I have a trotter who used to race as well, the contact part is very difficult. I am also using this technique to get him to "pick up the phone" as I call it, but it is very nice to see someone more experienced that is also using this, it feels like an extra conformation that I am on the right track.
When having Problems getting my gelding on the Bit my dressage Trainer showed me exactly the same and ... it worked 🥳 Leg yields are sooooo worthful! Thanks for this Video
I NEED THIS VIDEO my polo mare has her head in the air always and now she is comfatable with the with her being with me for a year but still working on geeting her on the bit
Wow - i'm so glad i watched this! Learnt so much in such a short video. I can see what I need to try with my mares - one i always moan about as being lazy - but maybe she's just blocked. Thank you for your clear explanations and great to see it demonstrated on a horse that isn't the finished article!
Love this on how to get the connection. He's going really well and I look forward to seeing his progress. You still look good anyway, even if you're not perfect. Love your jacket too!
Thank you for showing the work with a _green_ horse =D. Mowgli is saying 'I don't wanna!' And you say 'please buddy'. You have such a gentle touch. Can you please explain why 'shorter' stirrups are safer?
Thank you 🙏🏻 shorter stirrups are safer because the rider is in a better balance on the horse so if the horse does something unexpected the rider can stay in balance.
I am currently training a 7 year old gelding in dressage who very much acts the way this young TB does. He has a storied past, his owner is a self taught western rider who farmed him out to a cutting trainer for a year and then as a trail horse in a wilderness area for another year, and riding herself in between. When I first started riding him (a couple months ago), the horse was very focused on avoiding contact - behind the vertical with reins flapping (he had uneducated riders using ferocious bits in his past). I am currently using a Mullen and he no longer puts his nose on his chest and will do stretchy exercises maintaining contact. She rides this horse a couple times a week (it's part of the deal). I ride 4-5 times a week and keep owner informed of what the work is we are doing (very like this video) and recently demonstrated his accomplishments to her. She was impressed with the work and his (new) abilities. My question is: can I really make lasting progress with him if he has these "interruptions"? I find that when we ride after her the horse is more resistant to what I am asking him to do.
This is a great question and consistency is very important for horses. Although the stop and start may slow the process down, horses will tend to find comfort in your clarity. So if you are more consistent and when you have access to the horse that you are very clear, very consistent and very much the same every single time, he will, in time, tend to match you more than the other. It doesn't 100% guarantee that you won't have negative moments etc - but you can definitely still have growth it might just be slower.
My horse throws her back high every so often in trot ( chucks me upwards ) what is that all about, she feels out of my league . So many questions Elisha and thank you for all this info it’s mind blowing and everything we have all been waiting for., forever. Can not thank you enough.
Thank you for your lovely words, hearing feedback like this makes it all worthwhile! If you feel the horse put its back quite high and it throws you forward it sounds like she could be getting "croup high" which means her hindlegs at that moment are higher than her shoulder (where-as normally we want the horse to take the shoulder higher than the hind legs), sometimes horses do this to try and make it easier for themselves instead of putting the weight more on the hind legs, it could be loss of balance or a stiffness in the horse. Hope this helps xx
I can't wait to try this on my giraffe - sorry - OTTB. Head shoots up and I try to give and take but I can see how the wider hand position gives them another option, and that the circle helps them to step under. And I agree that more people need to use green horses and not their grand prix horse. Thank you! Thank you!!!!
Really Enjoying watching how you teach Mowgley how to be a dressage horse. Ive only been riding a few years, starting in my late 40's, I dont own a horse but have a half hour lesson every week on a school horse. I would love to see videos on how to learn to ride, as Tash started doing by teaching her husband Phil. I feel as a visual learner it would help me a lot to see the basics from the beginning as something I could refer back to if needed. Sometimes doing things during a lesson doesnt always stick in my mind. Also a lot of the terminology used I have no idea what it means, so even though something is being explained how to do it, im not sure what the answer or even the problem means! thank you Jo x
@@YourRidingSuccess Hi thank you for the reply. I wouldnt say its anything specific, just a general back to basics learning, how to and what its called etc. x
Terrific video. I have always wondered if “wide hands” still works with a nose band on. Apparently yes! 👏🏻. Also his body condition looks rounder to me already.
I can’t tell you how much this video has changed everything for me, why has no instructor ever explained it the way you do? I feel like I’ve wasted 30 years without a positive contact thinking my ‘soft hands’ were a good thing but wondering why I always struggled with everything else 🙄
This is sooo helpful. Thank you!!! I'm training a 3 year old mustang and your explanations while actually demonstrating are so clear and straight forward.
This will be so helpful for me and Nina when I’ve finally got a saddle. Won’t be until next month but once I can get back on I will def keep this in mind as it will be really helpful. Hopefully her ulcers will be gone by then too her treatment will be done so I can use my inside leg to baby leg yield without getting bucked off
Nice! This helped improve MY connection…to the way the elements of the training scale work together to further progress. loved how you spelled out this is the suppleness part, this is the rhythm part etc.
Thanks Alicia for walk trot to walk transition ideas without trauma. Very good.👍 Hope you both have a wonderful massage and a great week. Massage is a great way to gain trust and release any contracted body areas. Found this works to reduce triggers. Stay safe and well.🌹 xox
Omg what a difference this has made for me. Thank you soo much for demonstrating that actual training instead of speaking through an already perfect horse.
“He’s not lazy, he’s blocked” this blew my mind. So helpful!!!
It's amazing when it all makes sense isn't it!
This is brilliant! I wish more people would demonstrate these things on uneducated horses ... It's so helpful to actually see the process rather than the finished product and a brief 'how I did it' showing the shiny nice looking bits. Love love love this channel! X
Thank you 🙏🏻
@@YourRidingSuccess No THANK YOU! 🧡
@@YourRidingSuccess it's interesting to watch. Does it feel like he's "dogging it" in the trot at the start? If so, once you're able to get some suppleness, does that feeling diminish somewhat?
I've learned more in these last 4 episodes than I have in the past year that I've been researching all the "problems" I'm having with my OTTB. Thank you so much for being so clear and explaining why you do each and every little thing and why it helps/works. ❤
Great to hear! This makes it all worthwhile x
Absolutely agree!!!
I agree! Today I had my best ride yet in WALK! All because of the banana analogy. Everything just fell into place. So excited for my progress! Thank you so much Natasha and Alicia!
Another great video giving a clear explanation. So nice to see someone explaining that his lazy is down to not being supple so you don't get into that kick along frame of mind with him which would in turn create an explosive response as he can't do what you ask. It's nice to see you use the circle to help him find his go. How refreshing is it to see no sawing on his mouth for 'contact'
Letting him find his own way and not worrying about the look which will come later when he's stronger. Mowgley is such a super little horse
Super comment! It is really clear when reading this that you have a great understanding of what Alicia was explaining in the video and what is important so go you!!! ✨
I just love the way you teach. I’ve been riding for over 40 years and still so under-confident, but your approach and the way you describe what to focus on and what not is is so very helpful. You are very inspiring I just want to get out there and try it. Thank you x
Wow what a lovely comment to read! So glad you are loving the videos x
Update from yesterday. I tried this way of working with my green OTTB today. Was delighted! From being very stressed by any contact on her mouth, she was soon taking contact herself. Yes she was hiding from it and over bending, but I could feel her relaxing as she starts to realise that contact is a safe and soft place. And every time she got to fast or spooky, we did a little circle and brought back the light control.
Thankyou so much for this wonderful instructive video.
I am a rusty intermediate rider & thus has given me such confidence
Yay!! This is amazing!! Great work, Eva!! x
Oh my gosh, and to see the beginnings of Mowgley neck being developed (his top line where it starts by the saddle going up to his head). It's coming along so nicely
Thank you for the lovely comments, he is doing such a great job and you are right, you can see some beginnings of correct muscle development 🤩
Love that you can see his tail relax, too! So fussy and swishy in the beginning until he started to reach for the contact and it relaxed
Great observation! xx
I can see why Tash was so comfortable asking you to take on such a big role for the channel. All of the new content has been thorough, easy to understand, and incredibly helpful. You always demonstrate what you're talking about and explain how it works. And it's easy to see that you have so much respect and love for these incredible animals. It wasn't so long ago that I was learning at a "back him up and hit him with the crop when he's bad" school. As an adult, I've learned that that way of thinking and training is an absolute failure of empathy and horsemanship. Horses need only to be treated with intelligence and respect, and they will give you the moon. I so deeply appreciate the way you always talk about HELPING the horse to do what you ask, not punishing them for not understanding--and never blaming the horse but asking "how can I make this easier for him?"
Really enjoying the new content, I'm so happy you decided to take the channel on.
Great comment and its amazing how we can learn and grow as riders as well as the horses!! 🦄
I need this video on a loop in my head when I ride. My horse isn’t uneducated, but he hides behind the contact and makes his short, thick, neck even shorter! My struggle is getting him through, but when I do it’s so lovely. I can’t wait to ride tomorrow to try this concept out. Thank you!!
Sooo exciting! Can't wait to hear how it goes for you once you try this technque x
The trick of spreading the hands if the horse comes above the bridle is amazing! Why isn’t it taught everywhere?? I’ve just had my best solo session with my 4 yo! Thanks so much!
You're welcome! x
This is exactly where my horse is and I didn’t even know that other people struggle with this. Thank you so much Alicia
My pleasure ✨
Watched this video again today before riding. Helped me relax my very spooky gelding. He was relaxed, and when uptight, I put him in a mini leg yield and got him on my outside rein again. It was like magic!
AMAZING!! So glad the tips from the video helped so much!
It was never explained to me that leg yields can be used in such an important manner to support suppleness and ultimately developing in an inexperienced horse contact and unblocking the horse in this manner.
Fantastic explanation and valued steps. Thank you.
I thought when me young horse did this she was preparing to pigroot but clearly I did not use the steps. 👍😝
Glad you are finding the videos so helpful!!! 💕
His wee face when you said “Mowgs and I can’t wait to answer your questions.” My heart melted 💕🥰 What a superstar 🐎💕 xx
He is just the sweetest!!
You explain things so well that I think even someone that has little experience with riding could understand and follow your tips!
Glad to help! So nice to hear you find the videos helpful x
Fascinating seeing the rapid changes in how Mowgley is going in such a short amount of time with the clear and positive way you ride. He's transforming and blossoming with your skill and principles. I've learnt so much, thank you!
Thank you so much! 🤩
Thanks for this. So many people are so obsessed with various rein manipulations (sponging, beating eggs and so much other nonsense) which may get the horse to lower its head but never actually teaches the horse to engage the hindquarters and accept contact. As a dressage judge and instructor myself, I'm happy that there is finally a good online resource that is teaching how to correctly teach acceptance of the bit via the training scale vs all the rein fiddling that is so common.
Wow - thank you!! Glad you enjoyed it xx
OMG, that baby leg yeild when he gets distracted is EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED. My mare, i love her but she's a bit derpy... we have MORE THAN ONCE nearly fallen because she gets distracted by something (usually a baby animal which i totally understand) but then she forgets where her legs are and literally trips over her own legs! And i don't want to give out to her because who doesn't get distracted by puppies? but i also don't want to die xD
Let us know how you find using some leg yield to keep your horse connected into the bridle! Good luck!
@@YourRidingSuccess well she's pretty sassy so i hoping it will help with that too! connemara x thoroughbred. Weird mix but she's very talented... me on the other hand.... no so much xD
Hoping you have success with both!!! x
The baby leg yield is towards the inside of the circle to reduce the circle, right? As in right leg back when riding on left rein? Thanks
The more I see these videos the more I realise how much Mowgli is like my mare :D lazy and explosive and hiding from the contact are very much her as well. I love to see the training scale in use, especially for re-backing! Such helpful content. Thank you Alicia :)
Our pleasure, hopefully seeing the videos is helping with your horse and continues to do so 💕
@@YourRidingSuccess they certainly do :) thank you so much
Even though I ride western I enjoy watching your videos. They have helped me so much with my confidence. I have been working on suppleness and contact. Bubba and I have come a long way in the short 5 months that I have owned him. Thank you for the way you break things down and explain everything. You are amazing.
I'm back in the saddle after a 40 year absence due to disabilities, after being a child/teen competitive showjumper. I've been getting fit again and this last year been learning dressage. I can honestly say your videos have taught me as much as my instructors. I love you show correction with untrained horses, I could watch you all day. And do.
LOVE it, Sally! So glad the videos have helped so much in your riding!! We can't wait to see all the positive results you will be making! x
Every time I watch these videos with Mowgley, I see my horse! I get so excited to get on and try what you've taught ... and every time it works! 😁😁😁😍😍😍
This is great to read! So glad you are loving the content and make sure you tell us if there is something you would like answered in the future x
This is exactly the stage I am with my horse - superb!
Super!!
Again I have gotten so much out of these past OTTB series. Because I get to see warts and all, and he is exactly where my OTTB is at this early stage and its helping incredibly. Thank thank thank you so much
So glad you are loving it xx
I have seen a lot of videoes on "how to get your horse on the bit". Tried the things they said. Did it work? Not at all! I have my own horse. She's 20 years old, but has never been riding in proper dressage (she's used to be a therapyhorse for many years and before that I believe she was used for driving maybe?). I have ridden her for many years, before I was able to buy her. Like I said I have tried just about everything, but it has never really worked. Saw this video, then I could get my horse to sort of go on the bit. She's really stiff, but I could get her to sort of bend. These videoes are like magic! So well explained and really nice that the things are shown on a horse that is actual learning these while we see it. Instead of seing these things on a horse who already know all of these things!
wow! Just WOW!
LOVE it! So glad the videos helped a lot with your riding!! We can't wait to hear more about your progress!!
Can't thank you enough for this - just tried it after weeks of frustration where my horse and I were not on the same page. He's not young (not got that excuse!) ..and I'm not young either (probably doesn't help matters)...he can go really well but every so often everything just goes out the window and we have to work and work to try and get back on track. This exercise relaxed us both and within 10 minutes he was flowing and moving so nicely and I think I almost heard him muttering 'At last!! Thank God for that'. THANKS!
Great comment! Thanks for sharing and super that it is working x
Horses are smart little buggers when you ride through things and keep your own consistency the horse figures out eventually to be on the right lead and right head position because its more comfortable for them to move.
The horses are very clever aren't they! ✨
Loving this series. Just bought a green OTTB and I feel like I have a program to follow with realistic goals at each level. This is my next goal now that the lingering is going well. My lovely girl gets very stressed when there is any pressure on her mouth so the wide reins has been fantastic for keeping a contact without backward pressure. Not that I can do it well but we are trying together
You can do it! That is a huge step!
you are a genius - sooooooo the best teacher ever (i do find the shouting alittle scarey but i love your enthusiasm and i am trying to get over it) xxx
So glad you enjoyed the video even with the shouting! 🤣🤣🤣
My OTTB is lazy and explosive too! He’s hard work to ride but we have moments of greatness and he is lovely! I have an inclination of what you must be feeling. He looks amazing though. I love seeing the progress, not just a finished product 😍
Thanks for sharing, Nikki! And glad you enjoyed the video!!
the circling and yielding method has worked so wonderfully in teaching horses to use their abs in my experience! you can really tell that its much easier for them to understand and find the right frame!
Hi Lili! Thanks so much for tuning in! Glad you enjoyed the video x
My riding would've never changed without your videos. Thank u ❤
Aww! You're so sweet! Glad to be of help to you x
Alicia, I am absolutely loving the way you teach and break everything down into understandable and achievable steps. Thank you, I’m learning so much. Tho I don’t have an OTTB, your principles are applicable to all! This is fantastic , thank you!!
Thank you Helen and you are right, they are good basics for all horses 💕
The mini leg yield has helped me, We eVan feel more upright and on two tracks than ever before. Rytham is still an issue but I’m not feeling so frustrated now after your videos, so it’s helping me to keep going massive,thank you Alisha. You are inspiring thank you for the OTTB. You are Keeping my ROR Dream in sight for us xx love what you and Tash are doing.
Thank you for sharing!
This has been so fabulous to watch again. Every time I watch it I learn something every time. Thank you so much for sharing again.
YAY!! Thanks, Jane x
wow. you have to ride faster than him for him to keep up. Jay is extremely explosive and will stop spin or run backwards if something over stresses him, usually when you are starting something new. This makes so much sense
Glad the videos are making sense!
After watching this the first time, I've implemented the tools you demonstrate on Mowgley & I found it really helpful for my horse in her retraining & trying to establish contact. She does alot of the head bobbing & dipping behind the vertical, just like this. Very helpful to hear - pick yr battles, just keep moving forward. I love yr high praise. I have often felt guilty about trying to "push" her into a frame, & establish contact when her natural response is resistance! I'm learning that better methodology will help her comfortability & acceptance in the long run. "He's doing it himself" is a clear example of this! Thankyou. Great to see his progress now & how your mutual trust has grown together! 👏👏👏❤🐴🙏
So glad you loved the video so much and found it so helpful with your own horse!
Wonderful info! I love how you took a basically unbroke horse and showed how us how to teach them to use their bodies correctly while listening to our aids. I will certainly be putting this to good use!
So glad you enjoyed this video, Dana! We can't wait to hear how it goes for you once you try this technique on your next ride!! x
Love your Ottb series, two years later and still as relevant as ever. Thank you for sharing what training truly looks like.
Glad you enjoy it!
I’ve been a long time viewer, but THiS video was so packed with insightful instruction I finally hit the Subscribe button. Mowglie was a superstar teacher to be able to see how he responded to all the things you were talking us through. You are really nailing how to explain concepts that are all about feel! This video and the Banana one are my FAVs as far as practical tips I can easily visually remember. Well done!!
Love this so much!!!!! x
I completely agree with the above. Same!
It’s tough riding my green ottb. We just started trotting since she’s been off the track and we BOTH look terrible while working. It makes me insecure even if we are “getting it done right”. So I’m happy to hear it’s okay not to be pretty doing it. Lol
You've got this, Julianna! 💪🏻
This is so helpful. I've never known what to do if my horse goes too deep and falls behind the vertical to avoid the contact. Thank you!
Glad you find it soo helpful!
I just love how you are teaching me patience. I get tense when it doesn’t work and you are light carefree and explain it so well
thank you so much :)
I loved seeing his trot really change on the left rein , good job!🤗🇦🇺🐎
Yesss!!
Been struggling with rhythm and contact on my 10 year old flat race horse. Feels like riding a push me pull you. She is explosive and lazy. She had surgery on in her stifles and fetlock last December also treatment before that fir stage 4 ulcers alll treated now but I have never been able to canter her properly without her bucking dangerously. Been concentrating on advice and practicing Tash sitting trot and getting our confidence back-ever since. I will try this as I am beginning to loose faith in our partnership. We have been on such a long journey, my goal is ROR showing. I’m 52 this is my once in a lifetime horse 🐴, thank you for your videos you might have just restored my faith. Loving all the advice thank you. Some things are a little confusing as you go so fast but all appreciated x
You're welcome!! I'm glad you're loving our videos!! Stay tuned for more great content to help you! xx
Hi Samantha, try thinking a little back to the start with your horse now that you have the health concerns sorted, and remember that it takes time to re-train horses and also to bring horses back into work after a break. If you can use the OTTB videos as a start to see how Alicia works with Mowgley from the start, then you can also take your horse on the journey. Let me know if there is any part of the videos you would like explained more in depth 💕
Excellent explanation in all your videos, thanks alot all the way from New Zealand 🇳🇿 ❤
Our pleasure!
We are purchasing a 14 yo QH mare - her current owner has worked hard on getting her head down but mostly using seasaw type of action. I rode her yesterday and she was a giraffe for me with contact but when my daughter rode her with a soft hand, she relaxed. We have so much to figure out with how to get this horse into a frame!
Congratulations on your upcoming purchase of a new horse! It sounds like you have already had some experience riding her and are beginning to understand her needs and behaviors. Good luck with your new horse and happy riding!
Loved this and this is something I can work on with a friends mare who doesn't want to accept the contact and either rushes or backs off the leg. I can't wait to get on her tomorrow and give his exercise a go. Thank you.
Super! Tell us how you go! x
I love your videos too. My leg yields went from crappy unbalanced 5s to smooth 7,5s. You’re a star ⭐️ 💕
All from the banana imagery 😂😂💕💕💪💪
WOW!! Super amazing!! Glad the technique worked for you!! x
@@YourRidingSuccess Don’t suppose you want to make a video on how to keep a horse in counter canter and stop it from changing? 🥰😀💕
I really enjoyed this video! I just started riding an 18h horse who won’t take the bit. While everyone else is riding their beautiful elegant horses, I ride around with my hands all over the place, on a huge “camel” just trying to get him to find his rhythm. It really hurt my self-confidence 🤣 Thank you for showing a learning horse and giving me some concrete tips!
That is awesome!
Years Ive been struggling with this... THANKS!
So good to read that it has helped you x
Alicia this video is a Godsend! I am starting a young Arabian mare I raised and I am at the stage that this method of yours will be awesome to employ! I can’t wait to ride her again now! I have been sharing and telling all my horse friends to subscribe to your channel! I love your philosophy and consistent easy to remember and understand concepts like the banana, that is a huge help!! I wish I could come and take lessons from you but I am in the US. Thank you so much for all these videos! ❤️
Lovely message to read!! This makes it all worthwhile xx
Thanks for explaining this so well as you demonstrated it! Been stuck in same place with a lazy horse
Happy to help xx
Thank you once again for this great training video. I always look forward to seeing you and Mowgley work. I beleive you are inspiring so many with these wonderful basics. 💗
Such a lovely message - thank you! We do hope its helpful and inspiring to lots of people ✨
I loved the details on how you actually used your aids.
Most people just call out half halt, etc without explaining the how or why to use it.
What kind of half pad is that?
Love it
So glad you enjoyed the video Julie! It is an acavallo gel pad x
Thank you so so SO much for this. I have been retraining my older horse who did not have a solid foundation and, therefore, has some explosive and anxiety issues. I started him from the ground up as a young one would be, and we're about at the stage Mowgley is now. To see you train on a young horse at very real training stages is a godsend. The knowledge, visual, and "clickable" explanations (thank you for the banana!!) have helped me tremendously, which helps my boy too. I also have started tuning up other horses at my barn, and owners have been thrilled with the results. I can say a lot of my training and riding understanding has been because of these videos. Thank you!
Thank you for your lovely comment! So glad it is helping you
I just got my first baby horse, and i really want to teach her how to collect. This video makes so much sense! Thank you!
Good luck and congratulations in getting your baby horse. :)
Thank you so much for posting this information. You are helping so many people and their horses !!
My pleasure x
You have no idea how helpful these videos are! All of your videos are so insightful… I’ve got those aha moments with your tips ❤️❤️
Love this!!! x
i have literally just tried this exercise and it worked like magic, i've been struggling to get my young mare on the bit at a trot and has helped me to do that in the span of thirty or so mintues
This sounds amazing! Great job! Thanks for sharing!
I want to grow up and ride like you. You are an amazing trainer & rider
Wow, thank you xx
Love this so much and I'm learning a ton ❤️🐴❤️. Thank you! Mowgley is looking so good 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks for the lovely comment x
Amazing!! So glad I looked at this; good timing as I am about to begin with my green horse now.
Wonderful! I am so happy you've seen this. I hope this helps!
Great video! This is one I will be coming back to again and again. You are a gifted trainer!
Nice to see this!! Thanks for always tuning in xx
Brilliant, this has given me some really good information to use on my horse next time I use him. Thanks so much.
So glad it is making sense to you and let us know how you go next time you ride!
I love this video. It is great to see how you work the horse from beginning to the better with a specific solution.
Love it. Thank you!
This video has helped me hugely! Been struggling with my mare for a while now, tried this today both on a walk out and then in the school at a trot and she was absolutely incredible. Thank you so much for going on this journey for all of us! Can’t wait to see how my girl improves and how mr mowgley gets on as well.
Glad it helped!
I am so happy that you're showing us a very green ottb! 😍. I learn so much from your videos! Thank you & keep up the great work.
Thank you so much!
Interesting to see, I have a trotter who used to race as well, the contact part is very difficult. I am also using this technique to get him to "pick up the phone" as I call it, but it is very nice to see someone more experienced that is also using this, it feels like an extra conformation that I am on the right track.
When having Problems getting my gelding on the Bit my dressage Trainer showed me exactly the same and ... it worked 🥳
Leg yields are sooooo worthful! Thanks for this Video
Wow! Love it! Thanks for sharing! x
I NEED THIS VIDEO my polo mare has her head in the air always and now she is comfatable with the with her being with me for a year but still working on geeting her on the bit
Glad you loved the video! Keep up the good work with your horse and let us know if you have more questions 💕
This is one of the most amazing videos I’ve ever seen on this!!! I love that you showed how achieve this on an inexperienced horse! ❤️ Thank you!!!
You are welcome, anytime!
Fantastic! Thanks for showing this on an 'unmade' horse, it really helps as thats what most of us ride!! Brilliant instruction! xx
Glad it was helpful!
Wow - i'm so glad i watched this! Learnt so much in such a short video. I can see what I need to try with my mares - one i always moan about as being lazy - but maybe she's just blocked. Thank you for your clear explanations and great to see it demonstrated on a horse that isn't the finished article!
Thank you for the kind feedback Debbie! 💕
Love this on how to get the connection. He's going really well and I look forward to seeing his progress. You still look good anyway, even if you're not perfect. Love your jacket too!
Thank you! xx
Thank you!! Lovely comment to read x
Thank you for showing the work with a _green_ horse =D. Mowgli is saying 'I don't wanna!' And you say 'please buddy'. You have such a gentle touch. Can you please explain why 'shorter' stirrups are safer?
Thank you 🙏🏻 shorter stirrups are safer because the rider is in a better balance on the horse so if the horse does something unexpected the rider can stay in balance.
I am currently training a 7 year old gelding in dressage who very much acts the way this young TB does. He has a storied past, his owner is a self taught western rider who farmed him out to a cutting trainer for a year and then as a trail horse in a wilderness area for another year, and riding herself in between. When I first started riding him (a couple months ago), the horse was very focused on avoiding contact - behind the vertical with reins flapping (he had uneducated riders using ferocious bits in his past). I am currently using a Mullen and he no longer puts his nose on his chest and will do stretchy exercises maintaining contact. She rides this horse a couple times a week (it's part of the deal). I ride 4-5 times a week and keep owner informed of what the work is we are doing (very like this video) and recently demonstrated his accomplishments to her. She was impressed with the work and his (new) abilities. My question is: can I really make lasting progress with him if he has these "interruptions"? I find that when we ride after her the horse is more resistant to what I am asking him to do.
This is a great question and consistency is very important for horses. Although the stop and start may slow the process down, horses will tend to find comfort in your clarity. So if you are more consistent and when you have access to the horse that you are very clear, very consistent and very much the same every single time, he will, in time, tend to match you more than the other. It doesn't 100% guarantee that you won't have negative moments etc - but you can definitely still have growth it might just be slower.
Love this video! I don’t ride ottbs, but the horses I ride don’t have a lot of experience and/or muscle in dressage so this helped a lot.
Very glad you enjoyed it and it is helping you with your riding!
Thanks for this! I'm working with a 9-year old OTTB and I refer to your videos so much!
That is awesome! Tell us how you go trying this out x
My horse throws her back high every so often in trot ( chucks me upwards ) what is that all about, she feels out of my league . So many questions Elisha and thank you for all this info it’s mind blowing and everything we have all been waiting for., forever. Can not thank you enough.
Thank you for your lovely words, hearing feedback like this makes it all worthwhile! If you feel the horse put its back quite high and it throws you forward it sounds like she could be getting "croup high" which means her hindlegs at that moment are higher than her shoulder (where-as normally we want the horse to take the shoulder higher than the hind legs), sometimes horses do this to try and make it easier for themselves instead of putting the weight more on the hind legs, it could be loss of balance or a stiffness in the horse. Hope this helps xx
I can't wait to try this on my giraffe - sorry - OTTB. Head shoots up and I try to give and take but I can see how the wider hand position gives them another option, and that the circle helps them to step under. And I agree that more people need to use green horses and not their grand prix horse. Thank you! Thank you!!!!
Yay!! Let us know how you go!
Really Enjoying watching how you teach Mowgley how to be a dressage horse. Ive only been riding a few years, starting in my late 40's, I dont own a horse but have a half hour lesson every week on a school horse. I would love to see videos on how to learn to ride, as Tash started doing by teaching her husband Phil. I feel as a visual learner it would help me a lot to see the basics from the beginning as something I could refer back to if needed. Sometimes doing things during a lesson doesnt always stick in my mind. Also a lot of the terminology used I have no idea what it means, so even though something is being explained how to do it, im not sure what the answer or even the problem means!
thank you Jo x
Hi Jo - congratulations on your riding! Thank you for the suggestion, is there a specific part of riding that you would like the most help with? x
@@YourRidingSuccess Hi thank you for the reply. I wouldnt say its anything specific, just a general back to basics learning, how to and what its called etc. x
I have a horse just like this and I cannot wait to try this on her.
Yes!! Tell us how you go trying this out x
Oh My Gosh! So Good! You are helping me so much with my young horse! Thank you!
Glad it was soo helpful for you xx
Terrific video. I have always wondered if “wide hands” still works with a nose band on. Apparently yes! 👏🏻. Also his body condition looks rounder to me already.
Yes! Thank you! ✨
I can’t tell you how much this video has changed everything for me, why has no instructor ever explained it the way you do? I feel like I’ve wasted 30 years without a positive contact thinking my ‘soft hands’ were a good thing but wondering why I always struggled with everything else 🙄
Glad to hear this was helpful!
Gee so much like my TB! And I'm trying this with my boy as he still struggles with contact! Thank you!! 😘
You're so welcome!
This is sooo helpful. Thank you!!! I'm training a 3 year old mustang and your explanations while actually demonstrating are so clear and straight forward.
LOVE that you're finding this video super helpful for you x
Wow this is awesome! I never understood what it meant to get the horse on the bit until now! And it seems much than i thought
Thank you!! :)
This will be so helpful for me and Nina when I’ve finally got a saddle. Won’t be until next month but once I can get back on I will def keep this in mind as it will be really helpful. Hopefully her ulcers will be gone by then too her treatment will be done so I can use my inside leg to baby leg yield without getting bucked off
Good luck and let us know how you get on x
Wonderful work! I agree most horses that aren't forward need suppleness but I wasn't sure how to do fix it!! great video!!
So great that this video has helped you!
Nice! This helped improve MY connection…to the way the elements of the training scale work together to further progress. loved how you spelled out this is the suppleness part, this is the rhythm part etc.
Glad it helped! Great to hear when it is helping in your own riding x
Love where things are headed with this, thank you❤️
Thank you 🤩
Thanks Alicia for walk trot to walk transition ideas without trauma. Very good.👍 Hope you both have a wonderful massage and a great week. Massage is a great way to gain trust and release any contracted body areas. Found this works to reduce triggers.
Stay safe and well.🌹 xox
Thank you so much x
Love this, learning heaps ❤
Thank you 🦄
Fantastic explanations. Really enjoying your videos. Could you do something on half halts please?
Thanks Julia! Great suggestion will add it to the list ✨
I love this video, I think I will watch it multiple times to absorb all of this information. Thank you so so much!
Thank you so much 🤩
Thank you for taking the time to give such a clear explanation and demonstration, it really helps x
Glad it was helpful!
God. These videos are dangerous - makes me miss restarting! Craving a Mowgli to develop 🤣 another fantastic bottom-up video. Thank you! 😍👌🏼
Glad you are loving them Sophie! Yes it is addictive!!!
Omg what a difference this has made for me. Thank you soo much for demonstrating that actual training instead of speaking through an already perfect horse.
Glad it was helpful!