Past Questions
of the Month
Listed below the arch-chives
(These are posted chronologically, oldest at the top. Page down for the newest ones.)
Was Gal's freestyle really the best that's ever been? CLICK FOR ANSWER HERE
Is It for the Journey or the Blue Ribbon? CLICK FOR ANSWER HERE
Can I learn to train my horse as I'm learning to ride or do I really need a fancy schoolmaster?
CLICK TO REVEAL BILL'S THOUGHTS
We're always taught to maintain impulsion. How come in pirouettes the horses are allowed to slow down?
Question of the Month? (Sorry, another interlude this month) It's all about "Morgan Western Dressage"
I guess they look “happy” in a bored sort of way. I think there must be something MORE.
More like—an edgy quality--- like riding a horse whose expression might just look not quite in
control- Your comments? D Neibling, Tucson, AZ
"EDGY" OR NOT?
Received via e-mail from a Western-trained observer:
I was watching a
student of yours working with a horse in training
and making turns on the forehand. You should both know that turning on
the
forehand will not engage the horse’s hind end. In fact, turning on the
forehand disengages the hind end and basically stalls the horse’s
motion. You
cannot get collection with the horse in neutral. To teach a horse to
engage his
hind end you must teach a horse to turn on his haunches. This will put
his hind
end under him and teach him to use himself in a correct manner.
Regards,
SEE HOW BILL ANSWERS THIS . . . .
What about riding PSG in a snaffle? ANSWERS HERE
I’ve been working on the walk-canter transitions which we schooled at the end of our clinic lesson. I put him on the 20 meter circle in shoulder-in at the trot and ask for the canter transition. He obediently did it. After bringing him back to walk on the 20 meter circle, I again put him in shoulder-in, then asked for the canter transition. After a minor rearranging of feet (which is a timing issue and why I’m emailing you), he went into canter with no resistance. Yesterday, I was working on this again and got the right lead walk-canter transition dead-on with no trot steps. Now that I know what it feels like to do a “real” walk-canter transition, I need help with my timing. Basically, I’m asking for the Betty Crocker version so I can develop the “feel” of when to ask.
Kayla, Shreveport, LA CLICK FOR THE ANSWER
In my lessons I get mixed up when asked to make a turn on the forehand or a turn on the haunches. Is there an easy way to keep the aids for those two movements straight?
What do you think about riders having the option of rising or sitting to the trot throughout First Level?
What do you like or dislike about the new tests? BILL SEZ THIS ABOUT THAT
There are changes in Intro and in the Freestyle requirements too. Any thoughts? HERE 'TIS
Every time my instructor asks me to make a renvers, he grabs his head and groans. Why is that? Elizabeth from Ocala
My circles to the left bulge out and my circles to the right fall in. What AM I doing wrong exactly and how do I fix it? Karla from Utah
FIND THE CLUE BY A QUICK CLICK
A judge commented on my test sheet, “Incorrect salute!” How should I salute properly?
ALL IS REVEALED -- PHOTOS TOO!
What kind of groundwork do you suggest for most horses? ANSWERED WITH A CLICK
When should I start flying changes with my horse? CLICK HERE
Do you care more about points or placings? And what about year-end awards? CLICK
A minor rant on rule changes regarding "Eliminations" FIND OUT WHY
With the separation of Edward Gal and Totilas, does Dressage need a new star? WELL, DOES IT?
I'm always getting yelled at to "make a half halt," but what should I actually DO, and if they're all different, how can I know what kind to make? Denika Voget, WA
HERE'S THE ANSWER
My horse is scoring pretty well in Training Level. When is it time to move up? BANG IT HERE
Am I really supposed to keep my heels down all the time? WELL, AM I?
Why don’t you dressage people talk about crossing a rein over the neck? THE ANSWER
So what should I make of all those "How to" articles in the dressage magazines? CLICK
Do you find dressage varies very much in different parts of the country? EXERCISE THAT DIGIT
This is off Facebook from Dressage at Devon. What should I think about it? [photo attached]
WHY THE PERSON WHO POSTED THAT PHOTO SHOULD REGRET IT
Why are spurs mandatory in FEI competition? BILL KNOWS -- DO YOU?
I give the aids for the half-halt and my horse either objects by coming above the bit or responds by going faster. What am I missing? THE SKINNY HERE
Sometimes I don't feel very motivated to go out and ride…What does this mean about me? ??????
