Self Carriage – The Horse Magazine

Ingrid Klimke talks about hind leg development

February 23rd, 2023
“The hindlegs must be energetic under the centre of gravity, that means the hindquarters get much more muscle, the back gets so much stronger, and the horse really shows himself." Read Article Comments Off

Self carriage is essential for all riders and horses

September 29th, 2021
Self Carriage is for horses and riders – Dr Andrew McLean tells us: “The horse must travel in-hand and under saddle free of any constant rein or leg pressure, otherwise he will switch off to them. The concept of self-carriage seems simple enough. It means that the horse self-maintains his own rhythm, tempo, stride length, […] Read Article Comments Off

George Morris Exercise of the Day

September 10th, 2021
The American system of jumping has often been associated with the crest release system, and while George’s system has a place for the crest release – ‘good technique, but over done’ – he is more interested in the more sophisticated automatic release. So as the group of riders approached the rails with alternate ends down, […] Read Article Comments Off

Top Tip – Leonie Bramall on what are the basics?

February 16th, 2021
Leonie Bramall talks about positive tension, is keeping the rhythm, an important part of it? “It also relates to balance. It is not one thing – THE BASICS – it is a combination of balance with the rhythm, with the riders possibly being an interfering part of balance and rhythm. So it is teaching the […] Read Article 1 Comment »

Balance, self carriage, and the importance of rider position

February 10th, 2021
Words Chris Hector, pictures Ros Neave Carl Hester talks about the development of Valegro’s balance, self carriage, power and expression, and that elusive quality, positive tension: Kit Houghton image Can we talk about positive tension? It looked to me, when we have been watching Charlotte working Valegro, that the incredible quality that she was showing […] Read Article 4 Comments »

Carl Hester on self carriage for both horse and rider

September 24th, 2020
Carl Hester talks about self carriage for BOTH horse and rider: “We want the horse in self carriage, and that means the rider has to be in self carriage and without a strong core, that is very difficult to do. Then you won’t need your arms or legs to hold you in the saddle – they […] Read Article Comments Off

Principles of Horsemanship: Part 7 – Self Carriage

December 3rd, 2014
At first, the concept of self-carriage seems simple enough. It means that the horse self-maintains his own rhythm, tempo, stride length, straightness, outline and rein and leg contact and engagement... Read Article Comments Off