Recent content by clairelilley

I like using a chambon ,myself- it is very simple to put on, and allows the horse to really stretch his neck all the way forwards and downwards, teaching him to relax through the back to the bit contact. I wouldn't be without mine in my tack room!:)

My personal favourite is a Chambon. It encourages stretching forwards and downwards- nose towards the ground. It releases as soon as the horse is using the correct back and neck muscles. No fiddly adjustments to be made- the horse creates its own poll pressure if it raises his head. When it...

I like using flax bedding, though the horses tend to eat it. any tips on preventing this? I am trying spraying it with disinfectant at the monemt- seems to help a bit.

I like the Chambon myself. it encourages the horse to stretch forwards and downwards properly- it allows a full 'natural' stretch as though the horse was looking for grass with the nose towards the ground- not looking back at the knees in an 'overbent' position, which can happen with other...

Stick to the scales of training- working in a rhythm, with suppleness into a steady contact (not'on the bit' at this stage, just accepting a quiet hand just in front of the vertical). This then leads on to straightness, impulsion (forwardness in balance- not going faster) and collection (the...

I use the Claire Lilley Lunge Kit all the time- I like it because it is easy to use and each part is specially designed. The Chambon is different to others I have seen and works well with my horses. It is the only kit I have seen with proper side reins- non-elastic ones. Each part is also...

have you tried lungeing him in side reins? If you use non-elastic ones, they will help to keep him straight. Attach the lunge line to the inside bit ring (not over the poll, as this can cause head-tipping) and keep a contact with the bit so you can feel him working into the outside rein - then...

If a horse needs to let off steam, I think it's better to let them do this on the lunge before getting on board rather than riding a horse with a tense back. Once they have settled and stretch down, then its usually safe to get on! The you do not get the issues of being ditched!!

I find the easiest way is to find some music you like first, then fit the moves to the music- it tends to flow better- it is 'Dressage to Music' after all, not 'music to dressage!!'

Hi. I have three horses all competing without shoes. They all have super feet, and my regular farrier trims them.