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.
What Happens at a Checkpoint? A Step-by-Step Look at Movement in the West Bank
What does it actually mean to pass through a checkpoint in the West Bank? For many Palestinians, daily movement is not guaranteed—it involves planning, waiting, uncertainty, and inspection. This step-by-step look breaks down what the process can involve, and why something as simple as getting to work or school is often anything but routine.
Why Your Horse Falls In or Out on a Circle — And How to Fix It
If your horse falls in or out on a circle, it’s not just a steering issue—it’s a sign of imbalance, lack of straightness, or missing connection between your aids. Circles are one of the simplest exercises in riding, but they reveal everything about a horse’s balance and biomechanics. In this article, we break down why horses drift inward or outward, what it means for their body, and how to correct it through better alignment, engagement, and rider awareness.
Collection vs. Compression: Why Many Horses Look Collected… But Aren’t
In dressage, the word collection is used constantly—but many horses that appear collected are actually compressed. Shorter strides and a rounder neck can give the illusion of collection, but true collection comes from engagement of the hindquarters and lifting of the forehand. In this article, we explore the biomechanical difference between collection and compression, why the distinction matters for horse welfare and training, and how riders can develop real balance rather than simply creating the appearance of it.
Why Horses Lean on the Bit — And What It Really Means
Many riders assume that when a horse leans on the bit, it’s a sign of disobedience or resistance. In reality, leaning is often a symptom of something deeper—imbalance, weakness, unclear aids, or a horse trying to find stability through the rider’s hands. In this article, we explore the biomechanics behind why horses lean on the bit, how rider position and rein contact influence the issue, and what exercises can help develop true balance and self-carriage.
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