Congrats @Shelly Smith for reaching level 5 and unlocking another free course! Our level 4s getting close to level 5 are now @Kaitlin Tucker 35pts, @Natalie Jauregui 42pts, and @Janet Wilson 82pts.

Came across this video of spur use. Makes me sad. Do you think this is abuse? https://youtube.com/shorts/RmucR_K9_8w?si=ZPwZGhPwAhNPrMkOhttps://youtube.com/shorts/RmucR_K9_8w?si=ZPwZGhPwAhNPrMkO

I am unveiling my rider training pyramid today! Each day this work week we will look at each level and talk about what it means and what the rider can do to achieve each level. Today we start at the bottom with Rhythm. Just as in the horse training pyramid, the rider pyramid follows. The idea is to spend more time developing the skills at the bottom of the pyramid - click on the attached photo to see all of it. 🏇Rythm - what does that mean? For the horse it is ✔️energy and ✔️tempo. With energy we mean marching forward at walk, covering ground at trot and canter (stepping more under with the hind legs). Articulating the joints picking up the hooves, not just ambling along sluggishly. With rhythm we are also talking about the horse's tempo meaning how fast they are going and maintaining the same tempo (not speeding up or slowing down). ❓What does this mean for the rider? ❓What things can a rider do to be aware of the horse's energy and tempo? ❓What things can a rider do to help regulate the horse's rhythm (energy & tempo)? Let's see what you all think and later this evening I will post a reply as well!

@Shelly Smith reached level 4!!! Now you have unlocked 4 short courses in the classroom!

Welcome new member @Lyn Shelton!! We are so glad you are here!