DRESSAGE EXPLAINED | Part 10 | Q&A from a Grand Prix Rider

[@helenbianchi2831]

I get so pumped after these videos that I can hardly wait to get on my horse and try out what I have learned. So grateful!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Wonderful! Tell us how you go!

[@jenniferhill3377]

Same here! These videos get me going when I sometimes don’t want to or am feeling stuck 😊❤️

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Yay!! Super LOVE this, Jen!!

[@AmySmith-xt2jn]

Thank you so much for talking about feeling judged. I’ve only just got brave enough to start leaving comments. I used to be at a very judgemental yard when I was younger and ended up quitting learning. A few years later Me and mum got our own horses and kept them at that same yard and even then I still refused to ride if the other liveries were there. They had all been riding a long time and I was so worried about getting something wrong and what they would think and I still can’t deal with anyone watching me ride even now because I just feel like if someone see’s they’ll be picking faults. Also as a beginner if I don’t get something straight away or don’t look neat I pick myself apart over it and get so disheartened. I’ve always felt like I was the only person who was so intimated by other people seeing me ride especially when everyone else makes it look so easy. This channel has helped me with so much. It got me back on my horse in the first place and it’s even given me the courage to comment and ask questions which I couldn’t of dreamed of doing at one time xx

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Super LOVE this, Amy - thanks for sharing!! Soo glad to see you're back on track!!

[@benitascott3533]

I just have to add - Alicia, you're outrageous!! An invitation or prize to ride one of your horses, open WORLD wide!!! That's out of this world!! ❤❤❤

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Yes!! 💯

[@heatherpike5230]

Mindset mantra I use for life in general is - 'be the change you want to see'. And that transfers to riding perfectly. I've spent my younger years hiding from other horse people due to fear of being judged. Now I'm in my 40's I feel like I'm learning so much more because, like you said Alicia, I'm not so afraid to be vulnerable.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thanks for sharing, Heather! LOVE your positivity!!

[@carolfyall688]

I was a Showjumper. For years. Stopped for 30 years. Got myself a retrained racehorse and I'm back on at 52. I'll never compete again but I still love to watch you

[@kippen64]

There was a Japanese rider who jumped internationally when he was young and then didn't ride again until after he retired. He bought a dressage horse and ended up riding at the Olympics. I am 57 and also have an ex race horse. I promise you that you are not too old. There's heaps of international riders who are your age and older.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thanks for the love and support, @Carol Fyall!! LOVE the words of encouragement, @Standardbred Adventures!!

[@carolfyall688]

@@kippen64 I honestly don't think I have the guts anymore. We had a spook the other week while in gallop and oh boy I got a fright! Now I'm thinking I may not be enough for him as he likes to.run. the ground seems much further away at this age

[@janellekath370]

Thank you Aleisha, your enthusiasm is contagious. I am 61 and started riding again at 54 when I could get back into horses again. I have learnt more since I have been studying your videos than from working with coaches. Hopefully I can get somewhere before I am too old. Can't wait to ride my horse again, she has a tendon injury at the moment. ☹

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you. Go for it! 🧡

[@jenniferhill3377]

Wow so inspired by your answer to the third question. I even teared up a little because I feel SO insecure about how I’m doing back in the horse world. Thank you AGAIN for everything you’re giving. ❤️❤️❤️

[@YourRidingSuccess]

You're most welcome! xx

[@snickercappydo]

Showing it off the horse is perfect! Watching your seat is so helpful!! Love it!!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you!

[@stephaniegardiner4387]

Seriously - you've got check it out and focus on George's expressions - GOLD.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

💯

[@rebeccaphillips5180]

I loved how you showed exactly how you check flexion to determine any sticky bits. It was so helpful - thanks so much 😘😘

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Glad you liked it!!

[@kimberlyperillo9990]

Also...thanks for opening up and sharing your personal struggle with caring too much about what others think. When you mentioned people saying to you, "Don't worry about what others think," and you said, "Okay, but I am still worried," bc you just can't stop that almost involuntarily response, that really designated with me. As a counselor by trade I help people with this often, but find a hard time practicing what I preach. I love your idea of not reacting to the negativity and therefore not feeding the negative energy. Instead counter balancing that with positive energy. I am getting ready to do my first show soon and am nervous because I want to do well, but I am trying to focus on wanting to do well for myself, my instructor, and for the horse I am riding, not for anyone else's approval. Your channel is such a positive place. I never see any negative comments, which is incredibly rare on social media. So I say you HAVE already changed this sport for the better. Thanks for creating such an accepting environment where true learning can occur. Kind Regards, Kim Perillo

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Super!! Thank you for tuning in to this channel xx

[@katemcgregor3644]

Thankyou for speaking out about being worried about what other people think. It's something that is so ingrained in the equestrian community and it's terrible. I have struggled with feeling judged and worried about what others think and have only just started feeling confident in myself and my riding. I have had many people tell me I wasn't good enough and you know what I proved them all wrong! I have realised that people tend to put others down to make themselves feel better. Anyway I hope one day we can change the equestrian community to be a bit more welcoming and friendly.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thanks for wtaching, Kate!! Glad you liked it xx

[@nancyesposito4460]

Wow Alicia so impressed and grateful for all you share, being so open and honest. Your love for your horses and the community shines bright. Your demo on your wooden horse answered my questions too. I'm going to make a wooden horse :) in front of a mirror to practice!! Another person asked for more demos there. Love to see your traver position for example. Your explanation of sticky made so much sense and helped me understand to look for sticky bits and gave me ideas.. glad someone asked. Your troubleshooting ideas are helping me give my horse better solutions via suppling and leg yield instead of stronger rein and leg. My horse is grateful for you Alicia ❤️

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Love this!! Glad you find this very helpful!!

[@luciemarinov129]

Hi Alicia, just wanted to tell you that ur suggestion to do a canter a little and then trot etc was priceless today because since my trainer died of covid the day after Christmas I didn’t have the courage to do it alone! So I did just one circle and it went well! Then something spooked her and she tried to bolt off but thankfully I was able to stop her and then keep riding! I’m 75 and had 2 hip replacement s one knee replacement and 3 foot surgeries so I’m really cautious, it videos are a true Godsend! Plus u r my only “coach” now! So very grateful for ur lessons on utube!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

So sorry to hear this, Lucie!! But we're glad the video has helped you with doing the exercise and you aced it! Well done you!!

[@coreeventing6681]

This was very insightful! I just had a dressage lesson yesterday with my trainer on one of her horses and some of the things you covered in this video!! I'm definitely going to bring this over with me when I ride my horse today, it will really help our training and our foundation! I literally cannot thank you enough for sharing this out to the public

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Exciting!! Tell us how you go!

[@coreeventing6681]

@@YourRidingSuccess It went amazingly!! His trot was at least like 5x better, it was insane how well he listened and worked with me on trying to fix/try new stuff! He was all around so awesome! I'm very intrigued to see what he's going to be like when he's "finished" since he's such a cool horse!! His right lead still needs a lot of work, but that's what training session are for

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Woohooo! Super job!! 👏👏👏

[@stephaniebusam4016]

Thank you so much for all of this information!!! I appreciate you answering my question and fell out of my chair when i saw it pop up! You’re amazing and i can’t thank you enough!! You alone, have given me the courage to try new things with my horse and i’m beyond grateful!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

We super LOVE your question!

[@irviniaradjamin4435]

OMG! thank you for responding to my question! My heart skipped a beat when you mentioned my name💕 keep inspiring & motivating; your videos keeps reminding me of reasons why I love the sport😊

[@YourRidingSuccess]

We love your question!!

[@eileencronin1522]

So motivating to watch. I think every rider should watch this video.Dressage needs to be more inclusive of all different level riders Very inspiring to hear how you deal with negativity.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

💯

[@saracompton3071]

This was amazing! I took your comments on about the banana and when I applied it, my horse did an amazing leg yield!!! It felt amazing! The left rein is the sticking point for my horse and I will take your advise and apply it. I also took your comments on about keeping my hands still and have tried but will take me more time to accomplish. I have noticed that I want to hold my hands nearer my body rather than long arms short reins. Thank you for all the information you are giving us its amazing!!!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Wow - this is amazing!! Super job!! Glad to know it went well for you xx

[@corinnachapman5053]

Amazing video! Something for me and two of my students! I love being able to share your videos with them and say "here's a really good explanation with demonstrations of that thing that came up". Alicia you have a very clear but thorough way of teaching, so thank you and keep it up! Thank you for addressing being nervous sharing stuff. By showing that equestrian professionals can have empathy and patience with your students (all of us!!) you're also becoming an amazing role model for the horse community. Much love!! ♥♥♥

[@YourRidingSuccess]

This is so nice to read, Corinna! Thanks for sharing this to your students xx

[@AuntJemummify]

Aha! Was totally leaning in the banana, trainer pointed it out last week. Was trying to figure out ways to stop. This is so helpful!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Perfect! xx

[@bethanyjoyes2189]

Wow! The quality of this video is incredible!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Wow - thank you!

[@laurastott940]

My horse is struggling with suppleness left reign and watching and with your advice I've realised I've been over riding which has made him block me more. The loops in the serpentine he loves and I can't thank you enough ❤

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Wow!! Glad it worked for you!

[@janehorseridingdiver]

Thanks so much for explaining the banana again. I had been moving my ribs rather than my upright body. I know understand.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Happy to help!

[@kimk9934]

Thank you for answering my question, makes so much sense!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

You're welcome, Kim :)

[@naomicloutman9085]

The sticky question was epic. I have a feeling this might lead to a huge breakthrough for me and River. I have been dealing with these situations all wrong. Of I don't get a reaction from a small aid, I increase the strength of the aid a bit, then a bit more 🙈. My poor horse. I can't wait to give this a go. Thank you

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Go for it!!!

[@margiesmith8912]

You are HILARIOUS! I learn so much from your videos.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Wooohoo!!

[@helenblake3338]

You are so good at explaining in simple terms bit by bit love it makes it all feel so much more achievable

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you!

[@benitascott3533]

Beautiful principles to sustain you in life Alicia, and to promote! I so much believe in having generosity of heart, of spirit! And you truly demonstrate this positive role-modelling: it's very clear how genuine you are. I tend to think of extreme insecurity, like when it becomes an obstacle, that it's really helpful to step out of that introspection- which is really rather self-obsessive, & think about how you can help others, both people & our equine friends. Being giving, gentle & kind, no matter how troubled we are, is the best way to generate positive feelings. Everybody has their own insecurities, troubles & back-story!!! And you can apply this to horses as well. I have never met a horse that does not respond to kindness & understanding. These huge creatures, of muscle & power, actually give so much of themselves, are tolerant & compliant, if only we try to speak their language! It's the same thing! When horses are trouble for us, it's almost always about some form of insecurity, or miscommunication. A bit of tenderness goes a long way! A bit of a leg yield, turn a circle, feel the contact, like you're playing the piano - all great metaphors for life, for relationships: suppling up for life's challenges!!! Kudos to you! You are making a positive difference on so many levels! ❤🐴💐🙏

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Love this, Benita! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. So glad you are enjoying the videos x

[@georginahoughton4499]

Loved the explanation of the "Banana" seat, most definitely helped! Really enjoying the videos. I have an ex racer and am finding those videos sooooo helpful keep them coming :O)

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Wow - glad you find this so helpful xx

[@katelynnmarshall1247]

Loved seeing the banana analogy off the horse. I wasn’t quite sure how far over you were actually moving. It was great to see !

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Katelynn! Thank you! Yes loads of people have liked that! Ill try to keep it in mind for future videos x

[@Ullibullizz]

The suppeling exersices series are so good. Has helped us very much.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Great to see this!!

[@averykathleen]

Thank you so much for making these videos! i absolutely love them and they have been helping me so much! i just want to thank you because they are so helpful and incredible! Lots of love! ❤️

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Our pleasure! xx

[@tanyapurcell6819]

Excellent explanation and visual of the banana just what I needed thanks alicia

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Glad it was helpful!

[@luciemarinov129]

Thanks so much for this because I have a few stickies and ur tips are so priceless!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

You're welcome!

[@coreeventing6681]

Wish I had asked this prior, I have quite the difficulty keeping my horse balanced in circles and especially anything to the right lead, keeping him also extended but not rushing through it since he has short strides. Being a gaited horse (Paso Fino) and doing normal things such as walk trot and canter has more difficulties than I initially anticipated. It's also been difficult having to just ride in pretty much a fenced in small grass pasture with other financial limitations as well, but it's also been incredibly rewarding.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Core, go YOU! love it! can you send me a small part of footage so I can have a little look and help you more? x

[@coreeventing6681]

@@YourRidingSuccess for sure! Just double checking (lol), where should I send it to?

[@susanthomas9272]

The explanation of the banana was really helpful, thx!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Super!

[@catherineroy2480]

Very helpful visual on weighting the inside!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Thank you!

[@karenvendette7681]

Hi 👋 Karen from Canada, again Alicia, awesome video!!! I love the visual (banana) explanation on how exactly, to move our weight just slightly to assist the horse. Sensitive horses may even pick the weight change up as a cue on what is coming next, assisting us to become one with our horse 🐎 love it, can't wait for the next video!!!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

You are so welcome!

[@jennibowles7802]

Again amazing explanations! 👏 😘 Thank you so much for all these videos! And the step 1 is something I do, from being a bit bullied over my life,I decided to be the better person and not be negative! Such a variety of questions and always good info to learn! 😘😘😘

[@YourRidingSuccess]

You go girl!!!

[@hollycarroll5236]

Your so funny at the start of the video when you pop out is so funny 🤣 love you

[@YourRidingSuccess]

So glad you enjoyed the intro!

[@hugheskids2432]

I am so excited for this week's videos!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Stay tuned!!

[@bethanyjoyes2189]

Jeff and his buddy are adorable!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Yes!

[@sharonjones6316]

The giving back is exceptional. I have scoliosis, which me very wonky. Which makes me very vulnerable. I dnt go to show because I know people look, pick faults. Unseen disability 😔thank you for your videos

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Our pleasure!!

[@Nick-bb3yp]

Very inspiring! Thanks lots

[@YourRidingSuccess]

You're welcome!

[@kellieauld5956]

I love the banana idea. What about using your hip front to back? For example, my trainer has me put my hip forward in a turn or leg yeilding.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Kellie, great question! Yes you need to think about the horses spine and staying on top of it, especially when the horse is yielding, turning etc. A good way to think about it is to hold a dressage whip (like you are riding a broom stick 😂) and then turn your body left and right and see how that affects the whip (ie the horses spine), biggest thing is to not "drop" with your upper body like Alicia shows in this video. Have a look at how Alicia changes her position when going from leg yield on circle in canter to working pirouette at time 11:00 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKG9Zn5mlMuUppY We want to give you more Alicia (aka more dressage knowledge 🦄) so Alicia is holding a FREE seminar on Saturday 6th November 4pm (East Coast USA) worldwide which is all about “Demystifying Dressage”.

[@LisaPanton]

MINDSET #2 Is powerful!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Yes!!

[@adelinagilmore5581]

I LOVE THESE VIDEOS!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Yay!!!

[@jennasofia5532]

Great video! You explain things way too good hah👌🏻

[@YourRidingSuccess]

love a goog ahhh haa! LOVE IT xxx

[@kimberlyperillo9990]

Omg! Can you do more demos on that fake horse? I can't tell you how helpful that was to see exactly how much you are moving to the left and right in the banana. On top of that, for us to be able to see what you are doing in terms of aids with your legs and feet is invaluable. Sometimes those things can be hard to see in videos when you are riding because the camera is farther away and of course you are moving on the horse. Can you do more of this whenever you teach us about a leg or seat aid? Maybe right before we see it in action on one of the horses? Seeing it from the front and behind, close up, and in the well lit stable was a game changer for me. I am always so unsure of where my weight should be when trying to leg yield. All of these nuances can make a huge difference when trying to send our horses a clear message. Thanks again for thinking outside of the box with your teaching strategies. And thanks to the Kim who put herself out there with a fabulous question!

[@kimberlyperillo9990]

Also, this might sound a bit basic for many other followers, but could you demo what your body, seat and legs do when turning your horse, but on that saddle holder like you did here? I struggle with communicating to my horse that a turn is coming ahead of time but without allowing him to actual turn too early. I am trying to be more precise with my communication when turning so I am not asking for last minute turns that are too difficult. I hope I am explaining that right. Lol.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Kimberly.. love this suggestion.... leave it with me! x

[@YourRidingSuccess]

this I am actually working on.. havent quiet got it yet how to articulate it... have you seen this one? it talks about that quiet a lot xx kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYacmXSpmsx5b6c

[@kimberlyperillo9990]

@@YourRidingSuccess I have, but I will watch it again. Sometimes I need to watch a video, visualize it, try it during my lesson, and then watch again :-) Thank you!

[@julialake7379]

Another brilliant Q&A. Your videos are so informative - thank you. It would be wonderful if you actually manage to make the sport more inclusive. I’m having trouble creating & maintaining impulsion. Do you have any tips. Thanks x

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Julia! Thank you! That is my goal! I really love this sport! xx Impusion.... remember... If you are lacking... DO NOT push more.... it is always suppleness. Suppleness is the door that opens for more activity... did you watch this one? x kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4jMaGSflNp-qas or these two kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXupgWhvfb-thaM kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4bFhpqtma-Vi68

[@karienjansevanrensburg1199]

Thanks for the helpful answers. Question 1: cuteness overload in the background 🥰 Jeff and his friend playing and Georgie watching…. My horse and I are both sticky to the left, so need to work on that. I got a question: The aids you need to give a horse to do all the dressage movements, is it more difficult to give the aids in a GP saddle then in a dressage saddle?

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hey karien! question 1..... RIGHT! lol Question 2: Yes, its less about the "aids" per say. and more about the support a dressage saddle gives you... It really does support your position x

[@karienjansevanrensburg1199]

@@YourRidingSuccess Ok thanks for the answer. I was always wondering about that. I think I will save up for a dressage saddle in the future. I ride in a GP at the moment because I like doing a bit of all of the disciplines

[@karienjansevanrensburg1199]

@@YourRidingSuccess Hi! Thank you very much!!!! I can’t believe I got picked 😃, I’m so excited!!! Thank you again for picking me … I registered just now. Hopefully we don’t have loadshedding that night, because then I will not be happy….. You probably won’t know what it is. If you live in South Africa, then you get loadshedding when they turn the power of for a certain time. Not fun at all. Thank you for helping us all on this channel. We learn a-lot from you.Enjoy the rest of your day

[@lisatallant9493]

The banana analogy has helped,me a lot when I get a bit stuck on improving certain movements. How many strides ahead and,out of a movement do you typically prepare,and,exit a movement? I like to prepare in my head before a test or,show and I feel like I'm,rushing too often.. Thanks for the awesome advice you give everyone! I soak it up!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Lisa! It's helpful to think that when you are executing a movement at a specific marker you should be performing it as your shoulder passes so you need to prepare two or three strides before that point. As you are riding each movement you should be preparing for the next.

[@ida-mariagrunn8205]

I have watched almost all of your videos now and I absolute love the explanations! However, there is one thing that is confusing me a little. When talking about turning on a circle like you did with Mowgley. You talk about opening your rein and turning the circle so that the quarters cross over. But in a previous video you explained that moving your hand sideways makes the horse fall in and that is why it is better to move the hand towards your own body when turning. Now I wonder which way of moving the hand should be used and when? Is one goal with turning on the circle and opening your rein to make the horse fall in a little?

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Ida-Maria, this is a great question and I apologise for the delay in responding! With Mowgley Alicia used some opening of the rein in the earlier stages of his training to help him have the idea of moving his shoulders by giving him some space to go into, now that he is more confident in the work Alicia can use a diagonal rein. Does this clear it up for you?

[@ida-mariagrunn8205]

@@YourRidingSuccess Thank you so much for the answer! I think I understand now 🤗

[@janekiceniuk1578]

Thank you so much Alicia, I love your explanations, so easy to follow. Last week my lesson went really well partly because I was telling myself "ride the banana". Literally, everything we did "ride the banana" was in my head. My question; when you have to change, do you actually stand(minutely) to change. I know rising trot is easy, but what about sitting & canter. Do you "place" yourself or do you "slide" over?

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Wonderful! Jane this is Alicia here.. I love that this has helped you so much.. Makes my day! Sometimes, yeh you do stand and change... It depends on how "far out of balance" you get.. for example: if I have a horse that is really struggling to say to a traver... I might really get into the "bananna" for a few steps by actuly standing up. To exaggerate where im sitting, giving him that bit of extra leadership. Keep me posted on how your getting on! xx

[@cherylrobertson8869]

I love your idea for responding to negativity with a positive response and replacing bad vibes with really good ones. Thank you for sharing. In relation to using the wall as a training wheel, what if your training space doesn't have walls? Will the low arena rails close to the ground have the same effect? Wondering if its more a physical aid (obvious barrier) or more psychological (ie my horse knows there is something there big or small). Thank you 💟🐎💟🐎💟☺

[@audreye7078]

Either.. depends on the horse and what they perceive at that mpment.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Cheryl, Yes mostly that works fine... you do sometimes need a more physical wall but really for very few very young horses. 90% of the time its plenty! Ps so glad it helped with the positive response x

[@kimberleenadwocki4393]

Hi Alecia. Isn't there a chair that a rider can sit on to learn to rotate your seat bones & pelvi s? I would like to see how you started to train Mowgley Renvers and Traver? I also noticed you first started Mowgley with no spurs but now are riding him with spurs. What made you change to spurs with him?

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Kimberlee, Im not sure about the chair??... In regards to the renver etc see all the videos of his training here... you'll see we dont really "teach it" it is just a progression of the training scale and shoulder control kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHyveXedgZqBrZo Spurs, I have them on. But rarely use them. In the beginning, I didnt use them as I was "re breaking him" not dressage. But now I am schooling him, i wear them as they are compulsory as you go up the levels in dressage. So I just wear them as a part of my kit. (BUT... rarely use them) Hope that helps! Keep the questions coming xx

[@kaequestrian3921]

I just bought my own dressage horse!! Starting from the beginning... a friesian x with lots of potential!!!!! But I am very nervous for helping him learn from the beginning when he comes to live with me as he is such a baby with experience but has the kindest temperament. I would love to get some advice with what some of the next steps are and to show you how we are going!

[@lilly39]

Oh that's sounds so fun! I've a friesian too and they are sooo kind. I feel like they have a bit diffrent canter than other horses. I was stuggling with sitting in his canter in the beginning cause it was just sooo big. But they are like huge labradores, so kind and gentle. I hope everything goes well!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

OH! that is so so exciting! YAY!!! We have a very special series on this coming up! Prob, be aired in Jan. In the mean time... as questions as you go here! xx

[@kaequestrian3921]

@@lilly39 You are so right! They are so kind and gentle. Yes mine has a huge canter too! How are you going with your guy?

[@kaequestrian3921]

@@YourRidingSuccess awesome thanks! Can't wait

[@leiabrowning3925]

What about paddock boots to try and avoid injury in aus? Most boots are Sherpa lined and naturally hot? Or stabling with standing bandages to stop swelling from lack of movement? It’s about 40 degrees during the day and 20 at night?

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Leia! I just use the same tendon boots and overreach in the feild xx

[@joblakemore8241]

Hi Alicia. Thankyou for all the time and effort your giving to us. I'm having problems test riding. Tried the training scale video, banana, leg yield's in the corners and still horse spooks cannot get him around the test. Scores are dropping and my balance trying to keep him going is all over the place. Help!!!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Jo! Can you send me a video of your last test? Id be more then happy to have a look for you... xx

[@kaylapearson294]

What should I do when starting an abused horse he is shaking when I get on and feels like he is going to bolt off? Also head shy so everytime i turn him around he is scared I'm going to touch his head?

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Kayla! Thanks so much for reaching out with your question! We are checking with Alicia on this to get your some advice x

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Kayla- update for you- The thing with horses that have had a difficult experience is that is all they know. So their interaction with people is that they are scared because they think they are going to get in trouble or they've had experiences that aren't very comfortable. You need to spend some extra time to get the horse more comfortable around you and essentially rewrite the horses memory. If he is exhibiting signs of fear that extreme you might need to take a step back and spend even more time on ground work building up trust before getting on. x

[@nyreerussell8806]

Thanks Alicia I have finally caught up with Dressage Explained You have answered some of the questions that I would have asked but I have one that I would like to ask, I have a mare who has a big canter and walk, she also has also learnt to adjust her trot on the lunge, not ridden yet we're still a working progress. Can a horse that is naturally bum high still do dressage? If so what can I do to help lift up the front end for better balance and strength. You want to to go to the Olympics, I want to do a Elementary or Novice Test with some lateral work I know it's not the best conformation but I like a challenge.

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Great questions... Good job! So the answer is for elementary/novice.. Transitions and shoulder control are the most important... ill pop a few videos below that should help.. LMK any more questions after watching x kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXupgWhvfb-thaM

[@marsery]

So if I understand right i move a little bit of my bum on the inside of the banana ie the curve formed by the horse body when bending on a circle ..and i move my bum on the same side the horse is bending or do i get it wrong ? Got to learn on my own as the guy who runs the stables( his stables ) is only interested in jumping and as he said to me " not interested in teaching, i am a coach and you're not advanced enough, forget it " ...

[@paigethys4251]

#harlow i love you vids en i love your horses ❤️❤️

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Woohoo!! Thank you so much x

[@paigethys4251]

@@YourRidingSuccess ❤️❤️

[@sharonjones6316]

I think a lot of people me included over sat with all our body . I got pulled up on it

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Glad it helped! LKM how you go now! x

[@sharonjones6316]

@@YourRidingSuccess the banana… sat correctly yesterday . Had a little play with the reins. I had a beautiful ride. Thought about what you said , regarding not pulling , just a little play with fingers had a beautiful leg yield. Xx

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Super job!!

[@englishcentre-gj]

Hi Alicia, I am pretty new to the sport and your videos are soooo helpful. Yesterday the horse I was riding got really spooked when someone approach the arena and your video with Mowgly came instantly to my head. I managed not to freak out myself, calm it down and the rest of the lesson went really well. Thank you 😘. However, I am really stuck with the tempo. How do you change and keep the right tempo? Every time I go into a circle (to be honest most of my circles end up looking like an egg🤣🤣) or change direction I loose control of the tempo. It slows down so much that I almost end up on the walk. It happens pretty much with every horse I ride. Any suggestions?

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Susana! WOW YAY YOU!!! (Just read the first part of your message!) Next part... really common... try this: - 12m before you turn the circle... ride a bigger trot. - when you turn the circle, make your posting 3x faster then his trot. Feel like he need to keep up with you. - dont grip with you r knees and kick more... "flap like a duck!" Watch this video it will help how not to block. xx kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmTGqKd-mNOgp8k

[@englishcentre-gj]

@@YourRidingSuccess Thanks so much for the advice. I´ll try it on my next lesson and see how I get on

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Soo exciting!!

[@luciemarinov129]

I watch u all the time but never get it on a weekly basis? It’s always a couple months ago videos, don’t know why it’s not recent?

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Lucie! Are you subscribed to our channel? You should be notified then anytime a new video comes out :]

[@lisarowe5822]

Hey x brilliant explanation, I wonder if you can help with my left foot and leg ....toes out ..having a real problem with keeping toe forward, it hurts alot keeping it in positions. Can you help with this at some stage. I have sciatica on that side maybe that's why. Please help if you can x

[@audreye7078]

Sciatica means you have nerve impingement.. can you see a chiro to get it fixed? If not, can you hang upside down like we did as kids?

[@kimberlyperillo9990]

Pointing my toes forward hurt me too!

[@audreye7078]

@@kimberlyperillo9990 you might need to reach behind your thigh, grab the inside meaty part and roll it back. This will help to rotate the thigh so the knee rolls in . We tend to sit more on the back of the thigh. Another trick to flatten the inside of the thigh more is to lift the whole leg off the saddle, swing it back, lay it against the saddle and slide the thigh forward. The toes point out because the knee is rolled out... unless you normally stand with your toes pointed out. Talk with your doctor about correcting your gait. Where do you wear your shoes out? Centered on the heel or on the outside edge? I spent years focusing on walking with my toes straight forward.. turns out my chiro said that was a good thing to do.

[@audreye7078]

See what I wrote to Kimberly..

[@kimberlyperillo9990]

@@audreye7078 very interesting Thanks!!

[@bethanyjoyes2189]

Hi Alicia. I have a question that I have been trying to work out for so long but can't figure it out. I'm having big troubles with keeping my horse low in the frame (in long and low) and keeping him connected through my seat. As soon as I loosen my reins, he runs off. I don't keep a constant hold on his mouth or anything of that sort, though he just runs off. I try to half halt with my seat, he doesn't react, then I try to half half through the bit. He jerks his head up and we loose the stretchy trot. It would mean the world if I could have an answer xx

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Bethany, can you send me a short video of your worst moments? Then I can help you a little but more x

[@stephaniegardiner4387]

Fantastic explanation - thank you . Disclaimer: Very hard to concentrate on with the circus going on in the background and could barely take my eyes of George Dickinson Esq keenly watching on. :) :) :)

[@YourRidingSuccess]

LOL! George is very distracting with how cute he is x

[@ninaspringer7387]

Loved the explanation on sitting in the banana, but you really didn't explain whether the wieght in the stirrups shifts also or not. Can you elaborate please?

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Ninia! Reading this on the way home in the train!! No the weight in the stirrups doesn’t change, stays even cxx

[@ninaspringer7387]

@@YourRidingSuccess also, I love the close-ups of the shift. But really, I would say that the back of your bum moves over almost an inch and a half, while the front of your pelvis moves only a half an inch. So there's just the slightest bit of a swivel in there as well. Is that real?

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Nina! Sorry for the delay in responding, yes there is some swivel when you ride lateral movements as you need to think of the horses spine and how it moves (bends) and that you want to always stay on top. To test it out, hold a whip in between your legs (like you are riding a broom stick haha) and then make the whip do a leg yield or travers and stay on top. Hope this helps x

[@cherylrobertson8869]

Hi, this is probably a silly question, but what do the letters around the arena mean? Why aren't they consecutive or alphabetical? ☺

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Cheryl! No silly questions! They are the letters for a dressage arena and are used to set out the correct path for following a test. There are a few different theories on where the original layout came from and why the letters are in alphabetical order.

[@jenniferhill3377]

I come from a hunter jumper background , and now with dressage, I can’t seem to get my stirrups longer! I know it’s mainly because my core is weak still from not riding for so many years and I’m just starting back up again with my OTTB, but my question is: how long do my stirrups need to be? Right now I’m trying to have the “feet on the floor” effect and it’s not possible because the stirrups are so short. I’m still so stuck with having my heels far down and putting all my weight in them (in my heels) it just a matter of building a strong core that will enable me to ride with long legs and stirrups?

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hi Jennifer.... normally short stirrups wouldn't be a hinder... Have a look at this video and the exercises... Message me back if that doesn't help xx kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXm1pmVmgNirkM0

[@jenniferhill3377]

@@YourRidingSuccess thank you!! I watched that video before and have done 2 point canter a little, but I just rewatched the whole thing again and I TOTALLY see how I can get longer stronger legs with a good seat. Thank you so much !!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

So amazing, Jen!!

[@kandazbowen1526]

hay how di you stop a horse form bolting

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Great question! Ill pop into this weeks ED x

[@kandazbowen1526]

@@YourRidingSuccess think you

[@kandazbowen1526]

@@YourRidingSuccess ok

[@mariananagy-reis7465]

The explanation on sticky point was excellent and I loved the “how” to solve it! Can we have a video on this with Alicia on the horse???

[@YourRidingSuccess]

YES!!! funny enough... watch this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHyveXedgZqBrZo ( ive time stamped it for you) And that is exactly what we show you! LMK what you think xx

[@lifewithhaile5376]

# Harlow

[@YourRidingSuccess]

great!!

[@luciewebber1132]

I would love to do a zoom meeting and to talk to you

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Love it! keep watching you will get the chance xx

[@taziwhitfield3387]

#Harlow Harlow

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Perfect!!

[@egankuys6958]

FIRST!

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Hello!

[@morvenstrang5427]

#harlow

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Perfect!!

[@abbieperkins8916]

#harlow

[@YourRidingSuccess]

Perfect!!

[@annascandolaro3157]

#harlow

[@YourRidingSuccess]

woohoo!!

[@trob5774]

#harlow

[@YourRidingSuccess]

perfect!

[@kiara8314]

#harlow

[@YourRidingSuccess]

love it!!