Beginner

Ready to trade bouncing chaos for a smooth, balanced ride? The rising trot—also called the posting trot—keeps you in sync with your horse while making the trot comfortable for both of you. Here’s how to master it from your very first stride, with tips you’ll actually use in the arena.

Your first trot can feel exciting and terrifying all at once. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect, how to stay balanced (without bouncing right off!) and tips to build your confidence so your first trot becomes a memory you’ll treasure.

Changing direction in the arena isn’t just about turning—it’s about balance, timing, and clarity. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the different ways to change direction (yes, a reverse is just one!), and how to ride each one with feel, focus, and confidence—even if you’re brand new to riding.

Before you can trot, canter, or jump—you need to truly understand how to walk, stop, and turn. In this guide, I’ll walk you through these essential beginner riding skills with step-by-step instructions, rider tips, and the feel-based approach that helps both you and your horse stay calm, connected, and clear.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the things your body is supposed to do at once in the saddle, you’re not alone. In this rider-to-rider guide, I’ll walk you through how to actually use your aids—legs, seat, hands, and voice—so your communication with your horse becomes clear, effective, and beautifully simple.

Finding the correct rein length isn’t about guessing—it’s about feel, alignment, and connection. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to know when your reins are too long or too short, and how to find that just-right length that supports soft, steady contact with your horse.

Adjusting your reins shouldn’t feel like a juggling act. In this hands-on guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to shorten and lengthen your reins while riding—smoothly, quietly, and without disrupting your position—so you can stay connected with your horse and ride with confidence.

Your hands are one of the clearest ways you speak to your horse—and how you hold the reins makes all the difference. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through the correct English rein hold just like I would in a riding lesson, with simple tips to help you ride with quiet, confident hands your horse can trust.

Dismounting a horse sounds easy—until you realize how high up you are! If you’re nervous about getting off without tripping over yourself or startling your horse, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through the safest way to dismount, step by step, so you can land on your feet with confidence every time. Plus, I’ll cover common mistakes to avoid!

Mounting a horse for the first time can feel overwhelming—what seems effortless in movies is trickier in real life! If you’re standing beside a horse, wondering where to put your foot and how to swing into the saddle without toppling over, this guide is for you. I’ll break it down step by step so you can mount safely and confidently.

As you place your foot in the stirrup and swing your leg over the horse’s back, your heart races. The ground seemed miles below, and