Saddle fit plays a critical role in your horse’s comfort, movement, and overall performance—but the signs of a poor fit aren’t always obvious. In this article, I break down how to tell if your saddle actually fits, what to look for both in the saddle and on your horse, and when it’s time to bring in a professional. Understanding these details can help prevent discomfort, improve performance, and protect your horse’s long-term soundness.
Why Some Rides Feel Amazing… and Others Feel Like a Disaster
Some rides feel effortless—balanced, connected, and smooth. Others feel like nothing is working, even when you’re trying your best. The truth is, both are a normal part of training. In this article, I break down why horses (and riders) don’t show up the same way every day, what’s really happening when a ride feels “off,” and how to approach those days in a way that still moves your training forward.
What Are Permits in the West Bank? And Who Needs Them?
Permits are an often overlooked part of daily life in the West Bank, shaping when, where, and how people are able to move. While not always visible, they play a significant role in access to work, healthcare, and family connections. In this article, I explain what permits are, who needs them, and how they fit into the broader system that influences movement and daily routines.
EPM in Horses: What It Is, Signs to Watch For, and Why Early Detection Matters
EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis) is a neurological disease that can affect a horse’s coordination, strength, and overall movement. Because the symptoms can be subtle and vary from horse to horse, it’s not always easy to recognize early on. In this article, I break down what EPM is, common signs to watch for, and why early detection and treatment are so important for a horse’s recovery.
What I Noticed Watching the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Dressage
Watching the dressage phase at the three-day event offered an interesting perspective on contact, balance, and self-carriage at the top levels of the sport. While the level of riding is undeniably impressive, it also highlights how easily tension, holding, and loss of true connection can appear—even in high-level tests. In this article, I break down what I observed and what riders can take away when it comes to developing correct contact and balance in their own training.
Contact Explained: What It Should Actually Feel Like (and Why It’s So Often Misunderstood)
Contact is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—concepts in dressage. It’s often thought of as something created with the hands, but true contact comes from the horse moving forward into a steady, elastic connection. In this article, I break down what contact should actually feel like, why it can be inconsistent, and how improving the overall system—not just your hands—can transform your ride.
Half Halt Explained: What It Actually Does (and Why Most Riders Get It Wrong)
The half halt is one of the most commonly used—and most misunderstood—concepts in dressage. Often thought of as a quick rein aid, it’s actually a subtle moment of rebalancing that involves the rider’s entire body. In this article, I break down what a half halt really is, what it should feel like, and how using it correctly can improve balance, connection, and overall rideability.
What Is a Settlement? And Why Do They Matter in the West Bank?
What is a settlement, and why are they such a central issue in the West Bank? While the term is often mentioned, it’s not always clearly understood. In this article, I break down what settlements are, where they are located, and how they impact land, movement, and daily life for Palestinians—offering a clearer picture of how they shape the reality on the ground.
Why Your Horse Feels Different Every Day (And What’s Actually Normal)
Why does your horse feel amazing one day and completely different the next? Inconsistent rides are something every rider experiences, but they don’t always mean something is wrong. From natural asymmetry to muscle fatigue and mental state, there are many reasons your horse may feel different from ride to ride. In this article, I break down what’s normal, what’s not, and how to adjust your riding so those “off” days become part of the progress.
Are You Actually Riding Straight? Why Straightness Is One of the Most Misunderstood Concepts in Dressage
Straightness is one of the most talked about concepts in dressage—but also one of the most misunderstood. A horse can look straight while still moving unevenly through the body, affecting balance, connection, and long-term development. In this article, I break down what straightness actually means, why it matters more than most riders realize, and how small adjustments in your riding can make a significant difference.
Dressage Discussions 