new here

[mjb_akagus]

Hello all! I'm new here. I thought this would be a great place to learn more stuff about horses.

well, I have a 4yr. old aqha gelding and we're in dressage. we've actually started it not too long ago, because dressage is very benefitial and I know we'll benefit greatly from it. we've been working on a contact, and that's going good, but now I don't know what to start with next. I want to work on another thing while working with the contact as I'm sure it should better. so, what would be the next thing to work on?

open to all advice:)

Sincerely,
Lisha

[LatonaPandora]

Do you not have a riding instructor to help you with you and your horse's training? A qualified instructor is definitely your best bet.... Well, collection is a good way to go next I guess! Collection comes with good contact and your horse giving to the bit. The more your horse is collected, the more balanced your horse, the more powerful, the more lovely, and the more able your horse is to do more complicated things. Needless to say, your horse won't like it at first because it's hard work, it's using his hind end instead of the front, but once he's got it down, it will be great! Good luck, and don't forget to have fun!

Meghan

[Cheeky]

Heya,

I would have said circles next .. seems borring but boy are they fun to work on!

I work with 20m circles to start with .. do a 20m circle with 4 cones as 'pointers' to where your circle should be (actually measure it out ..). Then do your circles. Are they all even? Each quater (between two cones) should be equal .. for example, between each cone Cheek takes 7 strides in trot. You can then play with this (after getting it perfect ofcoarse :p) but asking for 8 strides inbetween, or 6 .. an instructor can get her 17hh Wb to do 5!

Same goes for canter .. and after that, you can do the 15m circles etc ...

This is a great exercize for you and your horse - dressage or not. The lady also said 'You should be able to do it with your eyes closed'..

and guess what .. I can!!! :p You should tell if your doing it wrong by the amount of strides, and how your horse feels :)

You can also ask for bigger trots and working from the hind quaters to help him round

[mjb_akagus]

hey thanks for all the replies! :) I'll have to try some.

Cheeky,
You live in Australia? that's sweet!!! I've always wanted to just visit Australia if I'm lucky.;)

[coblover26]

Hi and welcome to NR :)

[Cheeky]

MJB - yep .. I'm in Aust!! :p Tis a lovely place to live .. but I am not a fan of summer (Too hot lol ..) .. I was born in England before moving here .. So I'm a bit of both lol!

Hey! If your ever in Aust, give us a bell and we could meet up :p