So I'm pretty much brand new to bits and types of headstalls, but here's what I know so far. My mare doesn't respond at all to pressure from the bits. Throw her in an O-ring and she'll run right through you, but in a halter it's a whole different story, and in her Martha Josie bit, she's a...

What is your opinion on draw reins? Let's discuss the pros and cons of both. If you are against draw reins, what is your alternative to them (if that makes sense)? :cowboy:

Hi all, I just bought a sweet sweet quarter horse mare named Honey that my trainer rescued from a kill pen in colorado. She's perfectly healthy according to the vet just not very well muscled. I've ridden her exactly 2 times, the first time went awesome, second time (today) went... not so...

Hay yall! I've finally gotten myself an English saddle, and I'm in love. I'm planning to show him, but not in anything big, just an end of the week horse camp show at which I'm a CIT. CJ has pretty beautiful gaits if I do say so myself, but when he trots, he isn't collected at all. I've done...

I recently bought an Off the track thoroughbred. She has been off the track a little over a year. She is jumping and has a wonderful rounded neck over the jump, but on the flat she keeps her head up, she doesn't hollow out her back but she looks uncomfortable. I've been looking around online on...

Hi Guys. I'm brand new here, so bear with me. Just seeking out a little advice... I have a 6 year old quarter horse mare. I've had her just over a year and when she came to me she had 60 days cutting training, and 30 days reining training. She was primarily used in team penning and trail...

So i'm trying to work on getting my twh to stay collected. He's very heavy in the mouth and I really want to work on his gaits so he isn't so pacey or doesn't throw his head up at the canter. I'm wondering if there is a certain bit I could use that won't be harsh on his mouth but will help him...

Hi everyone, I'm very confused about collecting my horse and I'm afraid that my trainers provide me with vague answers that don't particularly help me understand the concept of collecting a horse, what it implies exactly and how can I do it correctly, since I am having so many problems I'm...

Hi everyone, I'm very confused about collecting my horse and I'm afraid that my trainers provide me with vague answers that don't particularly help me understand the concept of collecting a horse, what it implies exactly and how can I do it correctly, since I am having so many problems I'm...

So, I have always been taught that collection is when a horse carries himself on his hind end and lifts his shoulders/forehand creating a shortened stride and a roundness through his neck and back. That has always been called "collection" by every trainer I've ridden with but today I was...

I'm trying to really understand what collection is, so is this a good video explaining it? I remember when my trainer had me starting to teach my horse to "follow the reins" by loosening them, and pushing him forward into them, while having him stretch his neck. Was this collection being...

For the last few months I've been riding my horse with no real plan in my head about what to do and we're both getting bored. I think an important thing to work on before anything else is getting him to collect himself. Does anybody know of any exercises that would help teach him how to do this?

I have just recently started working with a horse that is new to me about 1 month ago. I have been working on collecting while at the walk and trot.I have also been working on backing up. But I am a bit confused and I feel as if my horse is too. My trainer has told me that in when you start your...

Hi, I thought i would ask you dressage experts (:P) if you think she is on the bit/behind the bit or what. I have never ridden a horse that is on the bit or collected before? Also is she working through her back? She hasn't quiet got it in a trot yet, she continues to like her giraffe...

Scooter, the Quarter horse I've been riding for the last few months has his issues... His entire family were multi thousand dollar Barrel Racers, but I guess he didn't get the genes because he's such a little eventer. More jump then turns, I guess. But we've been having an issue with collection...

Alright so all I have ever done is small shows and im starting to move up to bigger and better things. As I get into the more competitive side of the horse world im noticing the horses who keep beating me have nicer lopes. They all reach nicely under themselves and their power is driven from the...

View My Video He has come a very long way and I am so proud. Anyway, I see that he kind of "bobbles" in and out when on the bit. Will stillness of the head come as his neck muscles become stronger? Or is there something I'm doing wrong? Any help/suggestions are welcomed! Thank you.

He has come a very long way and I am so proud. Anyway, I see that he kind of "bobbles" in and out when on the bit. Will stillness of the head come as his neck muscles become stronger? Or is there something I'm doing wrong? Any help/suggestions are welcomed! Thank you.