Table of contents for Practical Horseman Extra Volume 30 in Practical Horseman

Like many upper-level eventers, I’ve ridden every kind of horse you can imagine. I enjoy taking a horse who is a little unsure of himself—whether in dressage, cross country or even just in the state of his life—and figuring out a program to give him confidence. In the long run, my goal is stronger communication and a better partnership with my horse. That’s when I feel ready to take on any challenge because partnership is what it’s all about for me. I don’t have a set program. I use the basic principles I’ve learned from some of the best riders in my sport to individualize everything I do. I’d like to show how my approach works by talking about two contrasting horses I’ve taken to CCI**** level or higher—River King…

A major challenge in bringing Quincy to CCI**** level has been developing his ability to rebalance himself, a project made more difficult by his natural downhill conformation. This goal is a day-to-day journey with him. When training, I keep in mind that he needs to spend each day getting stronger, engaging his hindquarters better and lightening his front end. I’ve also had to learn to stay true to what I feel going on with him versus what observers think they are seeing. When a horse is built downhill like Quincy, who is also long in his back, it’s easy to get a false sense that he’s lighter in front because he’s higher in the poll. For years I was told to “lift his poll,” but when a horse is built…