How to Ride a Lazy Horse

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#theaids #dressagerider #lazyhorse
Do you have a lazy horse? Do you fell like you are kicking constantly and the horse still is barley moving forward? Here are some tips to help you get your horse more forward and in front of the leg.
First of all it is important to consider that horses are not naturally lazy. We make them lazy! Horses are prey animals, so instinctually they are wired to be prepared to run and get away from the predators!
We make them lazy because we are afraid and don’t want to get hurt. When we get a new horse or start a young horse none of us want to come off or have a bad experience so we desensitize the horse and in a sense make them lazy and un-reactive so that we can stay safe.
Here are a few tips for how to get your horse more reactive and moving forward:
Make sure you are brave and willing to really ride forward - like gallop. Mentally you have to psych yourself up and get ready to really want to go!!!
Be consistent with your aids and corrections -every time that you ask the horse to go, you MUST get a reaction from the horse before you release the pressure. Being inconsistent and giving up will only make the horse even more un-reactive and lazy!
Ironically, on a lazy horse, you must take the legs off! The more that you take your leg off, the better chance you have to make a difference when you put your leg back on the horse.
The kick is from the waist down - it is very important that when you kick the horse to go more forward, the aid comes from the waist down. Your hands must remain passive and quiet at the moment when you kick!
The horse should feel like you have cruise control set in your car- the horse should stay going the same speed until you hit the brakes and tell them to slow them down. You should not have to constantly tell the horse to keep going.
Transitions and short intense intervals in your training sessions are a must for a lazy horse
Pay attention to the downward transitions and make sure that the horse does not stop or loose energy in the downward transition.
I hope these tips are helpful! Be prepared that when you start to wake up your horse, things are going to get exciting! As you change your standards and ask for more energy, horses often jump around, get a little spooky, and may run off. If you really want the horse to get more sensitive, you must be prepared to ride through this!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

What to improve your position? Check out this webinar: www.amelianewcombdressage.com/free-rider-position-webinar-o/

[@dianaimpossible7196]

"Oh I see a lion but I'm too tired to run away" 😂😂

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Haha! I don’t think so!!

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

Ehh. I mean the laziest horse i know loves a good run. Note he wasn't always the laziest horse i know

[@anneclement8576]

🤣

[@Chloe_q13]

🤣

[@viviandmorgan]

Nope I'm running for my life every horse for themselves

[@Kissinglife-Tina]

Love how you explain in detail how you use your legs and when! I struggle finding youtubers who do that. Great video again😊

[@ankitpandey7165]

Hello do u want to learn riding?

[@luciemarinov129]

Thank you for your awesome teaching video, Im 75 and still riding after 2 hip replacements and 1 knee replacement and 3 foot surgeries! Trying to get back !

[@moonshadecat]

Holy cow, that’s incredible! I aspire to be like you when I’m older. Wishing you the very best🥰

[@savannahmcewan9491]

This is such value information for riders.. So many people are at fault in training horses. I was one of these riders not realizing years ago.. I wouldn’t use spurs because I think so many people use them incorrectly. Being lazy.. Rider fitness is vital. Kicking and pulling so many don’t realize they are doing it..

[@davidcarter3049]

I’ve ridden a horse a few times at my local riding school.. he seems totally switched off and oblivious to anything.. he does exactly what you say once he gets going a little - he starts spooking and running forward and I reacted to it by pulling him up.. it feels so unexpected. I think part of his laziness is he has quite a dominant personality. I nearly decided to give up riding this week as it feels like no pleasure riding a horse that resists moving forward. Your video has inspired me to keep at it, so thank you

[@darlenehayes2982]

this video explains so much to me. you're absolutely right, every time he bucks a little when I ask for a really forward movement, I shut him down. he's just frustrated with trying to please me! he doesn't need training lol, I do. thanks for your help

[@debbieherbeck9779]

I worked on transitions today. He tripped once and we both almost fell. We gathered ourselves and just kept going. Fun day he did really good today. Thanks for posting.

[@cnkequestrian5789]

My mare is super lazy in the warm up, and I've been trying to get her to not be as dead to my aids. She's getting better, but I'm excited to try your tips next time I ride her. Thanks for sharing!

[@marec61354]

Terrific advice; thank you! A few years back I was injured while riding and when I returned, I was pretty stiff and scared. My gelding reacted by getting very dull, alternating with some times of frustrated bucking. With the help of a trainer (thanks, Mike!) we were able to build a chain of cues. I stopped using any spurs, sensitized him to my leg, and added a visual cue if he ignores my leg. I move my dressage whip forward near his eye if he ignores me. I don't use it near his eye! It is a visual cue that works for him. That has worked wonders and I rarely have to kick or reinforce my leg with the whip. He just sees the tip and settles into the request. I should add that we did this visual cue because my right leg is now pretty stiff so I have trouble using it (thus the reminder). This video is very good!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Awesome!! Thanks for sharing your story!!

[@suebraun374]

Thankyou thankyou thankyou....Exactly what I needed to hear this morning. I was so frustrated with my dull horse yesterday. I need to be brave and when I ask for forward with a bigger aid I need to go with him and reward.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes!! You really actually have to want to go forward if you expect the horse to go forward!

[@charlottewhite1422]

Why are the laziest horses always so cute! I get mad because they won’t listen then I dismount and they are adorable!!

[@MichelleWever7543]

you are rewarding that behaviour lol, that is why they get lazier

[@madelenegodfrey8528]

I have one of those horses !! 😂

[@Soreiru]

Lovely in detail video on leg aids for a less confused horse when learning to ride. Thank you.

[@michawika8991]

Thank you, I found it supportive. Need to take care about removing my leg aids more.

[@itsaaliya1628]

thx for teaching all that because there are some weirdly lazy horses in the riding classes I go to btw Hi from Bahrain 🇧🇭

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes! Lots of lesson horses get very lazy!

[@lindsay3917]

I think that makes sense. when I was learning to canter I would have loved a horse that did a downward transition after a few strides!! It makes people feel safer if the horse just slows down if something goes wrong. But the habit can definitely be annoying too!

[@luciemarinov129]

Thank you for your amazing teaching videos! Trying to get back a after 2 hip replacements one knee replacement 3 foot surgeries and Im 75 !

[@Karosei0713]

Thank you so much for this! I'm having trouble to get the horse that I'm riding to trot because in my barn a lot of the horses are really lazy and I'm still a beginner, but I will try this in my next lesson :)

[@danw6014]

What a great video and it's something I've had to work at. I have replaced the word "lazy" with dull or tight. When people used to ask me what was wrong with my thoroughbred mare I asked them if they have ever been in a car accident. I went on to explain that this mare has been living her life bracing for impact. Key word, brace. One thing I have done to help her free up is after I ask her to go with my legs, I reach forward with my stirrups and bump her in the elbows. This may not work for everyone but I have longer legs and 5 inch Monell's. One other thing I have done is to follow another horse that goes good. She would hook on to that horse and it was like it became her idea. I never stop her from moving if she comes up with the idea even if it wasn't what I was thinking. I just direct her. Thank you!

[@veroniqueviaudFaspasie_1957]

Great video, thank you very much. I 'll use your good advices this afternoon dear Amelia. In a horse school, horses become lazy with riders beginners who kick a lot. It' s quite difficult not having a lazy horse, even thoroughbreds.

[@Joshie2707]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I am trying this every time I go to my riding class, I’ve improved quite a lot. I always come see your video in keep the information fresh in my mind.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thats awesome Joshua! You'll keep getting better! Well done! And thanks for watching!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also, if you’d like me to send more dressage tips into your email inbox every Wednesday, you can sign up to my mailing list www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ (If you’re already familiar with all this and have received this before, apology for the unnecessary message, I’m being super thorough today!) I’m also on FB and IG facebook.com/amelianewcombdressage & instagram.com/amelianewcombdressage/ Also, and this is super helpful too, join Amelia’s Dressage Club on Facebook, it’s a really active and engaged community of riders and no question goes unanswered! facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub/ And finally, there’s my website (for when all the social media goes down again 🤣) www.amelianewcombdressage.com/ Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴

[@unrulycrow6299]

It reminds me of the little Fjord mare we have at my riding school. She's incredibly gentle and fun, so she gets to do lots of beginners/low level classes (though she's also the greatest assistant during the weekly meetings with handicapped persons). Because of all the kicking, pulling and generally boring stuff, she became lazy. I've been advocating for her for some years now, because the rare times when I could get her out in the big outdoor arena and in the woods, she'd really come alive and have a great time doing her best. Of course, she's not a Grand Prix horse so a rider at my level accepting to ride her was and still kinda os frowned upon. Lately, I've been riding her more often and improved my position as well, and boy did I get some amazing sensations once I got her fully active and forward. She immediately rounds up and lighten her usually heavy front to the point it's featherweight. She's also doing a fine job at dressage despite being underwork and generally underrated. Lately, she's been the object of a joke bet between an instructor and a rider in my class who also does dressage competitions (I don't because I can't afford it), about taking that little mare out on a low level dressage gig. When I heard about it, I straight up told them I'd make them of them both if the mare did well, because I knew she would, I know her and I'm used to horses like her who're looked down upon despite being awesome. Guess what? She did incredibly well for her very first dressage competition. She was a tad bit confused about being alone in the arena, and got distracted by someone flying a drone, but she remained very composed and quick to focus. I went and watched the whole thing, and was basically the rider version of a soccer mom. Her rider was also so pleasantly surprised she considered taking her out for competitions more often!

[@rgb181]

amazing! how is it goinggg

[@carolinlarson4089]

Thank you for this! Working on returning to canter after a (horse) few months’ injury setback. We are back to full work, but MY canter skills regressed. My horse isn’t so much lazy as he knows all MY habits in the saddle and takes full advantage of them. Often he “doesn’t believe me” when I ask him to do something usually because my aids aren’t clear enough and don’t have identifiable “intention.” Shutting him down if he got too forward or reactive became a bad habit, which I consciously strive to not do. Lessons with Amelia help us build confidence bits at a time. Bottom line, time in the saddle - with practice, practice, practice 😊

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes! “The only way to get better at riding is by riding!” - a German quote!!

[@suzannahkolbeck6973]

Mine struggles to stop AND go forward brightly. He's an old lesson horse, so he is used to ignoring tugging and kicking. Some days are better than others - I try to work on stop transitions when he is feeling sluggish and go transitions when he's got more energy. Thanks for recommending this!

[@karigreene4255]

Thank you! These tips have been soooooo helpful for me and my horse!!!!!!! I needed this so much, thank you!

[@lisathewhitewolf]

I've learned a few things. One, make sure you can ride and get your horse checked for things like back pain. If you're causing discomfort, they're not going to want to move. Two, they will only ever be as light as your first ask. Three, when they respond, quit asking.

[@Kimberly00000]

Like my pony was just tired of doing the same thing everyday, and that taught me after half a year to change the routine.

[@brentonkelly3780]

another great lesson, thanks Amelia!

[@evelynnlignowski7137]

I ride a 17 year old gelding named Sam (samuel). He is VERY lazy and I am serious when I say this. This worked amazingly! I always have to crop and kick him a lot and when I tap him on his butt he bucks. Thank you so much this worked amazingly!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I'm so glad!

[@valeriecooper2706]

Thank you Amelia!! I will apply your tips in the arena to counter our lack of energy. 💞

[@jocelynemeurant6259]

Thanks for your true and sincere words !!

[@hawaii1995]

Dear Amelia, I have tried to find your response to my question in your Q&A videos, but un fortunately I couldn't. I wonder whether you could give me and others with the same issue some tips how to keep horses active that have been activated successfully without them being on the bit, but as soon as asked to be more connected and on the bit slow down again. I am sure I am not the only one with this issue and would really appreciate your help. Thank you for all your videos, I just love them and watch them over and over again, and I even have my personal play list with my favorite ones 😊

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Of course! Here is a video that might help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJfKgIRnqNWFac0 Also, it is very common for a horse to slow down after you ask them to get on the bit. This is because they are having to use different muscles that may not be fully developed yet so it is harder! After you ask for them to get on the bit, you might have to come a little with your leg to keep them active. In the end, it is easier for them to be on the bit when they are forward, and with time, they will maintain their forward energy better once their muscles get stronger. Hope this helps! Let me know how it goes! Amelia

[@hawaii1995]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage thank you much for your response! This video is actually on my personal playlist :-) but I haven't watched it for a couple of months, and these videos are so full of information that it is impossible to keep it all in my head, so thanks for reminding me if it! I have watched it again and yes, there are some details that I am now more aware of and will practise them in the future. THANK YOU! ❤

[@gigiburman6711]

You are such a good rider

[@bogdancostea294]

This is so right - we do make them dull, don;t we... It all seems so much safer on a hack if nothing bothers them. But then I want him up and light and graceful... can't have it all...

[@Feet1963]

Thanks for that...and thank you for actually using a horse that is a little behind your leg (too many of these how to videos don't use a horse which will demonstrate what the lesson is).. you talked about the horse might 'rush off' when you kick it... I Wish! ... mine is more likely to suck back, argue, pig root or kick out .... he does improve after lots of transitions as you demonstrated though, but not sure how to get more forward say, when already in canter ? Show him a jump and he is lovely :-) He is a very long horse and 18 h (Irish sport horse), and has a very slow tempo with that lovely elevation, but oh so lazy!

[@loritrainer]

Great information and clearly explained. Thank you.

[@rgb181]

I ride a lesson horse who is considered a bit "dangerous" in the barn, but I really believe in her. I've seen her do amazing things and I know that that amazing horse is somewhere inside, but I'm still somewhat of a beginner and I feel like I often can't communicate with her. She really is good to me, but really shuts down some lessons, I have to keep her constantly with legs or she will completely stop. I get frustrated a lot (I know, but somedays it's just so difficult) and I can't bring her out

[@jaynechristy4590]

Great video thought you were talking about me and my horse lol, I made her lazy now I've got to fix it.

[@royamoalem]

Love all the materials you share 😍😍 Thank you 😍😍 They're very instructive & helpful 😍😍

[@charleencramer8574]

when i ask my horse to canter from the trot she bucks. what can i do to fix that?

[@pomegranitepal6231]

This "lazy" episode is so good.

[@lindabonds8655]

Well done Amelia👏

[@suzannahkolbeck6973]

The spooky part is definitely intimidating. I have attached an oh shit handle, though, and when the weather is better I am going to get at this.

[@falconk9]

yes, those anoying comments from the judges: "horse needs to be more in front of leg"...duh, I know that - work in progress. Unfortunately my Arabian has physical issues that can contribute to his lack of forward (rotated rt front - laminitis last year - tricky to trim for farrier). Lack of forward and unbalance at times are always struggles with this particular horse due to physical issues. lots of transitions definately help, I also do cavaletti's to help with forward.

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

Judges can only judge what they see.

[@anneclement8576]

This was fabulous. I’m finding your videos and tips really helpful. Thanks Amelia

[@AdamSilverman-ld7ze]

Thank you. Very helpful!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

So glad to hear that!

[@muletowndigital]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage Thank you - my horse is an OTTB - he's a big boy but I inherited him and he's a little shall we say "slow to do things" haha. He's so athletic but I think they made him just dead to cues. I'm going to try this with him a bit and see if I can just get him to respond. Makes sense though to add the leg and then take it away - that way when it's there it means something to him. Totally makes sense - we'll see if we go flying over the fence or not LOL :)

[@TheQueenAndTheKing]

I find your videos very super informative. The only issue is putting it into practice haha. Question though: I'm not sure what the difference in aid is for a quicker walk, or a trot. The horses do understand what I mean most of the time, but I don't know the theory behind it :(

[@Rubyruebchen]

I cannot agree with that. I do ride with (western) spurs, I am a western rider. BUT only because I have very calm and constant legs and I know how to use them. My trainer always said: If you cannot bring a horse to walk without spurs or a whip, you should not wear spurs or use a whip. Spurs are not there to make the horse faster, they should help to give softer and more concrete signals, what you want. She said, we should let the horse when it is walking, but she is constantly moving her legs and she does touch the belly of the horse more or less every time... She should have more body tension. Always: before saying the horse is lazy, you should work on yourself. I am pretty sure that body tension is a big part. More tension, sitting straight and shoulders back = your horse will walk better. If it does not walk at all, work at the ground with a lot of positiv training and do (only when it is working) the same on the back of your horse. If it does not work: call a trainer with positiv treating, not with spurs and whips. I mean, yeah, I am a western rider and normally I have to tell the horse once what I want and it does that until I want something else. But I rode "lazy" horses too and all of them I could ride without spurs, just with tension, motivation and a lot of work, so the horse has to listen.

[@eqellena8848]

thank you so much this really helps!

[@eliara-thevoice8430]

Excellent video. Thank you so much.

[@melissawalker2793]

Hey Amelia, I would like to ask if you would be willing to make a training video of use of the whip or riding crop, like how is used as part of our aids in dressage riding, like what I mean is used to help engage the hind quarters and when and how you use it riding, I would greatly appreciate it and it would be very beneficial to me, thank you, Melissa

[@harmonywilson135]

Yes transitions half halts thru seat

[@christiewright2486]

Needed this today thanks 😊

[@worried_sickk5811]

What about a horse that won’t move AT ALL when you’re in the saddle? Like the horse will follow and trot with me when the saddle is on but I’m off but once I get on she won’t move. She ignores everything I can’t get her to walk. Sometimes I get her to canter and I reward her A LOT but she won’t move after that and she won’t keep a continuous canter or trot or even walk.

[@imoffduty6671]

maybe try spurs, a crop/whip, or have someone on the ground with a whip to assist you

[@sarkamarova6195]

@@imoffduty6671 thats shitty advice... Its bossy style of training. The horse will go forward 100%sure. Yes you are correct. Pain works. ..but horse will be pissed off and tight. Not good for next training. No willing horse. First. Go to round pen. Teach your horse send with point and voice aids from ground. Than apply this familiar aids on saddle. Reward every single try to move. Get off after few tries. Let horse relax and think about it. Get on and repeat 2-3times. To make sure your horse get it. Next day you can want more steps. Next day more speed... Etc. There are no shortcuts if you are looking relaxed happy willing horse.

[@Alines_horseconnection]

i have exactly the same kind of horse as you @Worried Sick . if I train her from the ground she is fine, but as soon as I ride and no one is after us with a whip, or I can not follow other horses, she is like a stone. Whip or spurs are ignored by her. It is really hard but I try to do the same as mentioned in the video and I also let her make the mistake to stop when I do not encourage her to go, and then make her go again with help of the whip. I noticed, the more I train her, the more fit she gets, the easier it is to keep her going. So I will just train her a lot without rider and do thinks that she likes (hunting, cross country) to make her "run".

[@michaelschulze6545]

You helped me. Thank you.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks Michael, glad to hear I helped!

[@Mara-fv8lg]

I very much needed this!! Thanksss

[@tangerine1215]

Thank you for good video, Amelia!❤

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad you liked it! Please consider subscribing as it really helps me out

[@garysmith3317]

love your videos

[@WinterPeril]

You are phenomenal, this has helped so much, thank you 🫶🫶

[@naunettemartin7450]

Can I ask you how do you stop a kiting horse that's kiting out win you ask a horse to some thing to some thing she kit out and I don't want her to that kit out thank you Nannette

[@joycee5493]

Buy a chestnut mare and you won’t have a lazy horse ... Lol...trust me. The running joke I tell people is “to get a chestnut mare to go faster just stop asking her to slow down”. Happy rides everyone!

[@montyswiftbell4554]

Haha surprisingly the one chestnut mare that I ride at my lesson place is one of the laziest there, quickly followed by a chestnut gelding

[@joycee5493]

@@montyswiftbell4554 ...anomalies...Lol

[@wiebke3429]

„quickly followed“ :D

[@KarenInCalif]

Great video. Super easy to follow. Thank you.

[@laurenw1168]

My horse likes to live on the slow side until he doesn't lol but he's had a rough past being ridden harshly by previous owners, and I've only just started riding him myself. I've ridden him once since he's been with the trainer who is tuning him up under saddle and he's doing amazing so I know we'll get there and I just need to be patient. We have an amazing relationship on the ground and I taught him everything he knows there, so I know our relationship from the saddle will take time to develop as well.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Fantastic attitude! Give yourself the time it needs to take!

[@STAR4369]

I can get my horse forward at the trot and canter... but at the walk I swear he moves 1 foot at a time in slow motion. And if I try to encourage him to go more forward, he wants to trot. Maybe it is a timing thing, but I struggle at fixing the walk. Any advice for a horse like this?

[@Emma-hj2yd]

Could u do a vid about how to ride a faster horse?

[@phatato]

Thank you for your videos they're so helpful! This might be a silly question but is saying good boy/good girl enough of a reward? I feel like I shouldn't pat them when I'm busy cantering etc. right? I try to pat the horse as much as I can but I feel like that it probably shouldn't be every time.

[@fenyasiepser3965]

One of my young horses is extremely dull some days and extremely energized others. I can tell what she will be like before I even get on but I don’t know what to do to get her more consistent. Any suggestions?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You may have to ride her differently depending on her mood but ultimately you goal must be to get her equally reactive on all days!!

[@fenyasiepser3965]

Amelia Newcomb Dressage thanks so much I love your videos

[@gracekoob5805]

Wow...this is awesome!! Thank you so much for this!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You are so welcome! 🦄🦄🦄

[@rileyruiz3441]

my horse is so lazy, needed this

[@shortyw74]

I'm a bit confused by the audio where you say you leave her alone, but your legs keep kicking? Why are you needing to continually kick if the horse if it's going forward?

[@hawaii1995]

Hi Amelia, thank you so much for your videos! With a loose rein she reacts to the legs quite well, but as soon as a start riding her round and shorten the reins she starts slowing down. Any idea what I could do?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hi! Thanks so much for commenting with this question I'm going to put it in the list for my live Q&A on Wednesday evening at 6pm PST as it's a good question! in the meantime, you can sign up to get my weekly dressage tips here! bit.ly/3FE0y8c

[@hawaii1995]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage thank you for responding so quickly. Is this American timeI suppose? I don't know what that would be in Europe, or if I could see it later on?

[@claramb2]

Love your videos! 😍 Really helpfull tips!

[@istvanvarga3498]

Thanks

[@maryschmitt2020]

This is great information if the horse is truly lazy, but there’s no mention of reasons a horse may not want to move forward….which should be checked and eliminated. Like ulcers, pain. Laminitis. ‘Laziness’ could be someone’s horse trying to tell them something.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Totally agree with this Mary. Thanks for watching.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also, if you’d like me to send more dressage tips into your email inbox every Wednesday, you can sign up to my mailing list www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ (If you’re already familiar with all this and have received this before, apology for the unnecessary message, I’m being super thorough today!) I’m also on FB and IG facebook.com/amelianewcombdressage & instagram.com/amelianewcombdressage/ Also, and this is super helpful too, join Amelia’s Dressage Club on Facebook, it’s a really active and engaged community of riders and no question goes unanswered! facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub/ And finally, there’s my website! www.amelianewcombdressage.com/ Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day!

[@milana.hansen1252]

I made a bad habit with my horse and that is praising it when he did something good and at the same time I would slow down and pat him. So even tho I've tried to change it around he still slows down sometimes or transitions down when I say good boy. How long does it take before you see a "big" change in the horse? I know every horse is different but Its motivating to hear others experiences :)

[@samespley5392]

I have a super lazy horse in the school but her objection to me asking her to canter is buck buck buck; any tips on staying on when a fire is trying to fire you off ???

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Try making her trot more and more forward. And the when she does canter, be sure to keep her head up so that she can’t buck. Hope this helps.

[@CFarm-pz6pg]

Great video! Super useful!

[@sarahking2122]

Hi Amelia - wondering if you've done a video for the opposite issue - a horse who is a lot more go than whoa, so that as a rider I don't have to be constantly pulling back... how to encourage a slower pace?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes I have one that might help! Check it out here: amelianewcombdressage.com/dressage-training/has-your-horse-got-no-brakes-slow-down/

[@sarahking2122]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage thank you! 😁

[@Melissa-n4n]

So when you are cantering & your horse wants to break into trot; you say kick to continue cantering. My question is, do you kick or do you use the canter aid? Hope this makes sense!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes, you would use the canter aid. Ideally, you want to be able to feel if they are about to break and give them a little kick, kick with your legs in canter position to keep them going. Hope that helps.

[@adrienneliu3182]

A lot of us ride lesson horses, I see the kick and release. I'm sure she's getting a lot of the same from other riders.

[@suoffduty]

I've just subscribed to your channel and spent half of my afternoon watching your videos- they are SO helpful and you're great at explaining. Thank you! However, my question of the day is fashion: where are your boots from? They are beautiful and seem very well sewn :)

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Awesome!! I like Petrie or Alberti Faschiani

[@Bethelhorses]

Should I use spurs? I have not ever ridden in them. both my horses have more woah than go. Gelding seems bored in dressage arena, mare is just laid back. both my horses know I can get nervous as had a bad fall when a horse bolted. I think they know I prefer more woah than go! is it a mental thing? they are picking up on my vibes? Not sure. I hate nagging... and wanting to move up dressage levels

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hey there! Spurs are only useful if you have full control of your legs. Going back and doing the exercise in this video is essential to get the horse responsive to your aids. But yes, your horse will pick up if you're reluctant to go forward because your body won't be moving with them as much. I have lots of free resources on my website, check them out, I think you'll find something you can use: amelianewcombdressage.com/free-resources/

[@Bethelhorses]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage Thank you! Had a goood ride today using some of these idea's, and no spurs. I get some good strides in but he seems to get "worn out" or sick of it towards the end of a lesson. I try to keep my at home sessions short with a good ending. Appreciate your video's.

[@Angeliccooke]

How about when you are not allowed to use an aid, no spurs and no whip? I am yet to find a video where this issue is not solved without using an aid.

[@tagadaki]

I rode a horse couple of time who was hilarious and was always stopping in the middle, cause HE KNEW, the middle of the carrier signed the end of the lesson lmao. So during one or 2 hours, he was always trying sneakily to go in the middle. He was really nice and chill but a lazy fucker.

[@Miss-Laine]

Oh how I wish you could give me a lesson in person :)

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hehe thanks! I do 1-on-1 coaching online during the slower parts of the year! Or video feedback during my masterclasses and strides program :)

[@vodka251]

so helpful. thank you!!

[@JJhaze]

My horse slept through all my aides yesterday... Head down, sleeping... He ignores me totally

[@juliana-bw9ch]

My horse goes when I tell her but always stops and slows down even though she sleeps a lot

[@agelesskelly9752]

I think “dull” is a better word than “lazy”.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Great word to use here!

[@postureprepping6079]

Physical Stuckage: feet ssddle teeth chiropractic ulcers pain.

[@meetandcode]

I ride school horses and sometimes , the only way to get them to work is by using the whip :( I get way scared because of frequent bucks. Do you recommend back protection gear?

[@sleepyboii1465]

Always wear a body protector it’ll make you feel more confident and there’s no point risking getting bucked off and getting hurt. I recommend racesafes they flex with you when you fall and doesn’t wind you like a flat back

[@meetandcode]

@@sleepyboii1465 Thanks loads!!

[@Ba_Sailor]

I have this problem my horse is a VERY lazy horse he is a mustang and when i ask for a more collected canter he always slows down to a trot and I always have my leg on him but it seems to never work he is fine in jumping he just seems lazy in dressage/flatwork. Im also trying to build endurance for cross country as he has terrible endurance any pointers?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Check out this video on re-sensitizing your horse to your aids. It will help! amelianewcombdressage.com/dressage-training/how-to-wake-up-a-lazy-horse/ And as for endurance, build it slowly! Just like us, it takes time for us to get strong enough to run a marathon! It might be helpful to see if there's a coach near you who can help access your horse's level and how to best build his strength.

[@JavierBonillaC]

I’m going to watch this video every day before riding Kurioso because he has huge power that I have been able to tap on, but he tends to go to sleep as soon as Imlet him. I think I’ve been kicking too much.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Let me know how it goes!

[@JavierBonillaC]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage it is promising…. I’m getting a lot more work. I will confirm next week.

[@tagadaki]

Story of my life, always take the lazy ones cause Im a bit speed, and I know it doesnt work when we are both too excited 😆 Got a question though, do you have any advice for people who are scared by horses, not riding but while on feet. Usually Im fine while riding but if I have to be in a stable with a horse Im not comfortable, or even when I have to groom him Im always stressed because it's a 600kg baby that could f*** me up if he wanted to. (Tbf, I got two accidents on feet, one I had a stallion trying to kick me on the stable and pushing me against the wall when I was a teen, and last one was 3 years ago, a rider didn't control his horse and it went on me ful galloping - so ofc he broke 5 of my bones in my left foot). So usually I groom them outside the stable, I try to force myself and I always take the same Haflinger who is a really good natured horse and chill, and he makes me trust horses again, but still if you have any advice I take them.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

RSVP for my Groundwork Webinar happening this Sunday! Groundwork is a great way to build your confidence with horses! amelianewcombdressage.com/free-groundwork-webinar/

[@lm_equestrian6522]

This helps a ton! The only question I have is, I ride a lesson pony so a lot of people ride him. I ride him the most and that’s mainly why I’m watching this video right now because he is so lazy, but the other people that ride him are mostly beginners in riding. If I work on his laziness with him every time I ride (twice a week, sometimes more), do you think he will stick with it always? I’ve found that the beginners ignore his bad behavior and then he does it with me, so I’m wondering if the other people who ride him don’t practice this with him, will he just forget and I’ll have to start over? Thank you!

[@bettinalykke5151]

If he knows you, you can correct his behavior, and he will know to step up his game with you while continuing to be lazy with everyone else. horses are smart enough. Or who knows perhaps he will become a better horse allround

[@lm_equestrian6522]

@@bettinalykke5151 Thank you! I’ve been working on his behavior for awhile now, and he usually is worse for beginners and sometimes he will try to do the same bad things with me, except less bad because he knows. He definitely is better with me than with beginners and most of the time he is pretty good, besides the laziness. Thanks again

[@astooka]

Great Tips .. Thank You 🙏🏼❤️

[@meretesrheim4867]

Change of habit from now on!!! 🐸🐸🐸

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Oh yes!! The boiled frog!!

[@ellaryan8380]

I found it hard to learn from this because to me , this horse isn’t lazy. At my riding school there is this horse called Bella , she is completely immune to your leg , and sometimes a whip , she walks slower than a horse walking in a field, hardly moving , you kick and kick and whip and she will only move faster until she feels like she wants to. She’s a pain. The horse in this video responded to your leg after 2 kicks and was forward in the trot. Bellas trot is the speed she should be walking and the only time you can get her to speed up is the few strides before a canter. They have tried to sell her before because of this but nobody would buy her because she was so lazy. Do you know how to work on this? If I take my leg off and wait a few strides before kicking again , she will stop completely because she sees a chance. We are giving long whips for her and at the beginning of the lesson she can sometimes respond to it but within 10 minutes after using it twice she’s ignoring it completely

[@yoishio]

I think maybe she needs to be put on lunge and ride her regularly but on a lunge line. Reinforce your leg and use whoever’s lunging to your advantage. Do TONS of transition work with her. Keep her interested. If she seems just uninterested then I suggest maybe trying new things. Get her interested and back into it! And REWARD her!!!!! Let her know that responding to leg is good and that it’s easier to just do what you ask instead of ignoring you and making it harder for her. I say if your advanced enough and know how to use them correctly. Maybe try out ball point spurs until you feel like she’s forward enough without them!

[@ellaryan8380]

@@yoishio Thank you so much!!

[@vaba8608]

she sounds like a perfect tourist horse tbh - boring but safe (hopefully)

[@yoishio]

@@ellaryan8380 ofc girly! Glad to help!!

[@itsaaliya1628]

Amelia I hv a lot of problem while cantering with both hands I sit like as if I’m literally a statue plzzz help me with that n I can feel my hands becoming stiff as stone while cantering plzz help

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I should do a video on this - what to do with your hands in the canter...

[@itsaaliya1628]

Thx 😊

[@Eka7rbii]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage yes please i need that, what to do with my hands while cantering. Thank you Amelia.

[@coragreer4426]

Pretend your horse is a rocking chair move with the horse with your lower half that’s what I dud

[@dharmarachuri2821]

Super

[@KimH11]

Brilliant !!