Young Rider.com / Young Rider Forum / English Riding

How High Can She Go?

HorseLoverHunter — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:53:28 GMT

I am going to be showing my barns Shetland pony this year and I am super excited! =D We are going to be doing some show jumping as we just figured out the other day she can still jump after not jumping for almost two years. They say she really likes me too because she wouldn't do that ever with anyone else before. Right now I have her going over around 16 inch cross rails and even some mini 16 inch white fences. Let me just say she will go over ANYTHING you point her at as long as you don't look at it. That happened to me only three times when we were first jumping because I actually didn't know if she would jump or not. So anyways, for future references, about how high do you think a Shetland can go? She is about 42in or if my math is right 10hands. But, she is incredibly strong... and fat. We might call her Snooki for her show name. =)

Jumping

jumpinghooves — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:07:23 GMT

Just during lessons. Don't worry about shows. I feel like the only one who doesn't jump that high. :\

Girth question

Everest — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:09:07 GMT

Hi so um I kinda was never taught which side of the horse/saddle the stretchy side of the girth goes. and yeah it might be useful to know that.

Kaaythanksloveyoubye

How embarrassing...

Saftey Vests

horse_sense — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:54:58 GMT

So I want to buy the Tipperary Eventer vest. But I don't know what my colors are going to be. SO I wondered if you can buy separate covers? Like, so you could just put it over the vest if that makes sense.

black saddles

Melimelona — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:04:11 GMT

can you show in a black saddle? its an english saddle, i was just not sure if its okay to show in a black saddle or not. thanks!!!!

Helmet

Southern_Belle — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:49:17 GMT

I really didn't want to make a whole topic about this, however I need opinions. I want a new helmet for show season one with vents and they have these at my local tack shop:

Tipperary Sportage 8500 Riding Helmet

Olympian Helmet

Grand Prix Classic Helmet

So do you have any opinions on these?

PS. I do small local hunter shows

showing

k98barney — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:54:19 GMT

soo this year im finally doing rated shows and hope to just make it to year endand i have a few questions

1.)what kind of braids is allowed?

2.) what does AA,A,B mean?

3.)what kind of things should i practice for "scary jumps"

p.s. i want to compete in hunter and eq

Hot or Not

Grenadier — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:11:23 GMT

You know the drill.

Figure 8 bridles?

A Few Questions?

Princeshelby — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:55:17 GMT

1. My hands and arms are always reaaally far forward. I'm trying to make sure that they're above andin front of the withers, but my arms are either really straight or I'm ahead of the vertical. So basically, how do I make sure my hands are in the right place in addition to my arms?

2. Also, I've noticed that lately, my upper body has either been really ahead of the vertical or really behind the vertical, never between. How do I fix this?

3. How do I keep from pumping with my arms and upper body at the canter? I try to focus on being still, and I'm not trying to use my upper body and arms as driving aids, but it's just become a bad habit.

4. Are there any specific pole exercises that will help my greenie when we start legit jumping him? Preferably trot poles, if you could.

5. Said greenie really pushes his shoulder at the trot and canter. I knew how to deal with this on my lease horse and most other, more schooled horses, but with him the same really light aids aren't working so well. In short, I'm trying everything I know to do to keep his shoulder where it should be, but I think it's only making things worse. Any tips for fixing this?

6. What's the appropriate hip angle over 18", 2', and 2' 6"?

7. How do I keep my lower back from becoming hollow, so that it looks flat and pretty like this: |- and not this: )- (the dash is meant to be my arm)

Thank you to anyone who replies!

Hot or Not?

AKcowgirl11 — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:20:54 GMT

I have never worn one and I am wondering if I should. I do a lot of cross country and see other riders wearing them. Am I a totall idiot for not being cautious?

YR 101 Basic Dreesage Patterns!

{Caught On Air} — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:28:13 GMT

So, I'm making a guide for my stable about basic dreesage patterns. Can you guys help and post your favorite patterns that you think would be okay for a beginnerish rider? Like, for schooling and such. I'd add your credit to the guide.

Begin!

What level am I?

HunterJumper17 — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:48:53 GMT

Hey I was wondering if you guys could tell me what level I am at. I started at a lesson farm on a pony that you could fire a gun while riding her a she wouldnt flinch. So, I did more at that farm then where I am now because I switched to a horse that is a harder ride for the fact that he is more of a horse and not exactly bombproof. So, I will list what I did at both. O have been riding for 5 years and showing for 3.

Showing: Walk/Trot, Trot jumps, This coming show year is my last year of Walk/Trot

Lesson Farm: Walk/Trot/Canter, Canter jumps up to a 2ft bounce

Current Farm: Walk/Trot/Canter, Trot up to 2ft jumps, Jump a flower box counting the flowers its 2ft(the horse isnt exactly a fan of flowers, Cantered with my instructor recently when I havnt cantered withh someone since I left the Lesson Farm, Ridden a 4 year old Morgan and was the first to canter him(unitenialy but kept him in it and under control)

Thanks and just to let you know I had some confidence issues so that put me back some. If you could can you tell me if im at the level were I should be. Thanks!

Crops.

DreamedOfParadise — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:26:00 GMT

Okay so I go through like a crop a month, the only ones the local tack shop sells are crap. Either they snap in half after a few rides or the end piece (not sure what it's called lol) falls off.
I do have a good quality show bat, I just find it too bendy and bats arent server enough for Baylee.
What are some good, long lasting crops preferably under $20?

Riding

Melimelona — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:20:31 GMT

what your favorite part of riding?

Showing

Melimelona — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:19:57 GMT

Hey guys I was wondering what is your favorite part of showing (if you show)!? also what are your favorite classes to do? Personally i loooove showing. I love the thrill of jumpers and being with my pony and the great feeling you get you get good placings. I wanted to know what you guys liked! so go ahead and share whatever you wanted :)

Show shirt/gloves/breeches suggestions

Rayzee — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:06:24 GMT

I'm starting to look for new show clothes for this season, since apparently the fact that I didn't show last year means that my clothes from 2 years ago now either have gone missing or don't fit, even though I haven't grown/gained any weight at all? xD

Just looking for suggestions as to what brand you guys like. I want things that aren't wicked expensive, but I want something that won't rip or come apart after one or two rides. Show shirts I'd like to keep under $30 or $40, since I have to buy two of them. Gloves I'd like to keep under $30, and breeches (either in tan, khaki, or olive) I'd like to keep under $50, since I'd like to buy more than one pair as well.

Breeches

Rayzee — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:03:01 GMT

Could I get some opinions on any of these?

http://www.doversaddlery.com/tuff-rider%3f-cotton-low-rise-riding-breeches/p/X1-35189/#ProductTabs
http://www.doversaddlery.com/tuff-rider%3f-low-rise-riding-breeches/p/X1-35015/
http://www.doversaddlery.com/devon-aire%c2%ae-versailles-riding-breeches/p/X1-35247/#ProductTabs
http://www.doversaddlery.com/riding-sport%3f-side-zip-riding-breeches/p/X1-3532/#ProductTabs

Show name

Melimelona — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:17:10 GMT

Hey guys i need a show name! the horses name is "Denver". come up with what ever you want! I love your opinions! Thanks so much!

Balance/Ummm IDK... Issues????

chincoteague13 — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:56:40 GMT

Ok, so I've been riding for like 4 years, and I started jumping about 2 1/2 years ago. I just started riding a new horse. The horse is very bouncy, and his front legs are slightly shorter than his back legs which makes jumping..... **Special**!!! I always get ahead because the when the horse jumps it is like a huge buck! I'm pretty sure this is what is preventing me from jumping any higher..... Help???

Greenies

Princeshelby — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:30:30 GMT

At this point we know that I am definately getting a greenie as my first horse (don't judge; I've been riding for a long time and I can ride them safely as I can a fully-trained "schoolmaster"), and I was wondering if anyone had any extra tips for riding them and training them (particuarly o/f) so that they don't end up having bad habits that would have to be fixed later. So yeah. BTW, I think that one's green broke, and the other is an OTTB. I don't know how much difference that makes, but just thought I'd add that.

EDIT: I do have a trainer who's helping me with all of this, I just wanted some extra tips about riding in particular, since they aren't the ones who will be in the saddle.

Pleasure classes

k98barney — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:45:10 GMT

soo i hate pleasure classes because i never have learnt exactly what a judge is looking for soooo i never place i give my pony more rein i keep in more of a relaxed pace and i relax a little more at the canter (meaning like half seat a little more) soo what are your english pleasure tips

(i know its not about winning but seriously have you never been a little diappointed when you dont win the blue)

Dressage Clinic This Weekend?

HorseLoverHunter — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:57:05 GMT

My barn is having a dressage clinic on Saturday and I am getting a little nervous. There are about... no people what so ever at my barn that do dressage, but I do know that people are coming from all over this part of the state. I have never done dressage in my lifetime of riding, and this is going to be a challenge for me. I have never done anything besides hunters and ridden in a western saddle. I have seen dressage videos and many things like that online, and if you guys have any good ones that could show me how to not look like I have no idea what I am doing? Really, what I am looking for is some major advise on this. I know I am freaking out, and that I probably shouldn't. Would watching one of the lessons for the clinic be a good idea? I would end up watching either way because I am going to be at the barn from about 8am to 8pm. And just saying, I am trying out that Pessoa I talked about a while ago! =D If it fits me good, ( I know if will fit the horses at the barn, they are all a medium except for the little shetland ;)) I get to ride in it tomorrow! Would it be ok if I rode dressage in an all purpose saddle? (I'm guessing that's the point of the type of saddle). Ok, I am done ranting.

Improving enough??

CorazonForever — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:45:07 GMT

Okay so I dont really know where to put this so it is going here:))
Anyways I have been riding for 2 years, I ride a greenie on flat(but that doesn't matter), I ride another horse who is greenish and we jump 2'6
Is that good??? I am trying to figure out if I am improving or not cause I really feel as if a am not:(
Please tell if I am or I am not
What where you jumping in 2 years??

Tall Boots

Melimelona — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:41:27 GMT

Hey guys i'm thinking about getting tall boots, so i really need help with brands thats her are really good and affordable. I want real leather please and i love dover saddlery :)

More bit education!

xTinyDancerx — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:59:35 GMT

I was looking through Katie's thread at the western bits and I realized I don't know too too much about english bits. I ride Sunny in a D ring happy mouth, and Dancer in a kimberwicke with a small port, and while I realize they're at complete opposite ends of the spectrum, I guess I never sat down to think about why one is harsher than the other. I can name almost all the english bits by sight, but I don't know anything about them. Halp! For example, copper rollers aren't harsh, are they? And does a french link make a bit more or less severe than a snaffle? full cheek is more leverage than half cheek?

Beginner or intermediate rider?

~StitchingWounds~ — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:10:07 GMT

just wondering where im at in riding [like beginner or intermedeate] I can walk trot and canter. I can do sitting trot, sit the canter, I have a solid two point and I started jumping a week ago and have been riding for almost 3 years. I am also very confident around horses I ride a greenie. Thanks!

Tiperrary sportage helmet

~StitchingWounds~ — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:42:23 GMT

Does anyone have it? Do you like it? Does it fit well? I'm thinking about getting one...

Talking

Melimelona — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 20:28:43 GMT

Ok so when i'm showing I usually talk to my horses. for example: in the jumper ring ill ask my horse "keep going", "you can do it!", "one more jump!","doing great". stuff like that. Little words of encouragement. I didn't even know that i did it sometimes, but one show, my friends pointed it out. I was like really? haha :). I also sometimes do it in hunters when i'm completely away from the judges lol. is this weird? i was just wondering if i was the only one lol! thanks :). any advice and info is appreciated! thanks!

Cinch to Girth

BryantsSeaStepper — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:33:41 GMT

Hi! Today my english saddle I bought arrived. I currently own and ride my horse, Maggie, in a western saddle. Are the cinch and girth sizes the same? I don't have a girth yet, so I obviously can't ride. Thanks so much!

Saddle pads!!

geode101 — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:28:58 GMT

Hey what all purpose saddle pad do you guys recommend because i want to get one. Anyone got some schooling saddle pad suggestions. Tell me the brand or name.

Hands and Fingers

HorseLoverHunter — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:29:26 GMT

I guess I have this thing where I play with the reins in my fingers? I will hold them kinda lightly unless I pay attention to them and I squeeze them and then release them. I do this in cheerleading too. I don't hold my fists tight. Any ideas to get my hands tight and keep them tight?

Good cheap leathers?

HorseLoverHunter — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:59:14 GMT

I said before that I might be getting a saddle, and now I need to look for a good pair for a cheep price. Anyone know of some really good ones? I have also heard that some don't smell to great... so, some for a cheap price, good quality, and that don't smell bad? I would also need them in chestnut. I have seen some that are in just black.

Ankle popping out?

xTinyDancerx — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:25:21 GMT

I may have mentioned this before, but its been getting steadily worse. When I ride, my ankle pops out and down so that my toe points inward. Besides the fact that it hurts pretty badly, it takes my calf off so that I can't use that leg very effectively. Has anyone had this problem/know how to deal with it?

What's so good about English?

.:BrandeD:. — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:15:34 GMT

Not be be mean, but what can you do English that you can't do Western? I might be trying it soon. Jumping, duh, but what else?

Elbows

Grenadier — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:23:24 GMT

I always seem to have trouble keeping my elbows back by my side. They're always like this:

I try to bring my elbows back, but then I feel like I'm pulling on his face, so I lengthen my reins a bit, but then I feel like they're too long and I don't have any contact, and it just goes on and on. Any suggestions?

Half-Seat Question

Princeshelby — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:29:24 GMT

Basically, I've been trying to figure out why people half-seat like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFTgqvrSpzI

More often than riding it like a two-point type position with the seat situated lightly in the saddle at all times, which is what I've been taught. However, almost every great rider I've seen half-seats more like in the video. Is the way in the video more effective? Or is either acceptable? (By the way, sorry that there's so much to skip through in the video, it's the only one I could think of off the top of my head).

Breaking in Tall Boots?

ThinkAboutIt — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:23:54 GMT

Any tips to make the process quicker?

Rushing Lines

Theorem — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:01:31 GMT

I recently introduced the theory of lines to Azkaban, and he isn't quite a fan of it. :\ He will absolutely not slow down between the fences, so we end up chipping or taking the second one wide. He gets incredibly strong, and continues rushing after the fence, to the point where I can't slow him down for another four to five strides. I don't feel like he's trying to take off, exactly, though? if that makes sense. xD

Suggestions on how to keep him calm and collected? :3

How do I get a lazy, slow horse to perk up and move?

MountainHorse — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:21:27 GMT

How do I get a lazy, slow horse to perk up and move?

Breeches?

Quintessense — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 08:08:19 GMT

K, so for Christmas I got a super nice pair of Ariat breeches that I was hoping to show hunters in in a couple weeks. They're a little big, so the sides of the thigh wrinkles a little, I'm just not sure that it's acceptable to show in. Thanks in advance!