Bits and Their Importance in the Development of a Young Horse
Video Recommendation:
Bernie’s Big Bag of Bits
Bernie Traurig
Does the sheer volume and variety of bits adorning tack shop walls today overwhelm you? Would you like to have a bit selection guideline that follows classical principals with your horse’s comfort at the forefront? If you answered yes to either of these questions, Bernie has pared down a list of his favorite go-to bits that will simplify and positively influence your bitting choices. As a clinician, Bernie travels around the country and abroad literally lugging around a bag of bits. Extra baggage fees aside, he finds that having his favorite bits at hand, ringside to be invaluable. Time and again he has come to believe that experimentation is key as long as you are listening to your horse’s sometimes subtle, sometimes obvious acceptance of and/or objection to the mouthpiece.
Running Time: 6 minutes and 46 seconds
First Jumps Under Saddle Part 1
Linda Allen
Linda Allen, FEI & USEF Judge and Olympic Course Designer, introduces Palo Blanco bred 4-year-old Warmbloods to their first jumps. All Palo Blanco horses get their first experiences under saddle with Jose Alejos (click here for Jose’s topics) and then gain further confidence and miles with the professional riding staff at this beautiful Guatemalan breeding farm. In this topic we get to see their first jumps under saddle incorporating poles with small obstacles in a series of Linda’s exercises that instill courage, foster trust with their riders and keep their new job as sport horses interesting.
Running Time: 26 minutes and 31 seconds
Fundamentals of Flatwork - Part 1 - Basic
Bernie Traurig
The first of the series, this video outlines a simple, progressive method of flatwork for all jumping disciplines. It focuses on the training of a young or inexperienced horse with the aim to achieve obedience to light rein and leg aids, and assumes the rider is familiar with the proper techniques of riding and jumping. But you do not have to be a highly experienced or seasoned rider because Bernie’s strategies are clear, straight-forward, classic and timeless. The Basic level highlights his favorite exercises that can be incorporated into anyone’s training program.
Running Time: 46 minutes and 25 seconds
Fundamentals of Flatwork - Part 2 - Intermediate
Bernie Traurig
If you have the Basic level down, you and your horse are ready for more of Bernie’s proven supplemental training techniques. In the Intermediate level, you’ll learn how to put the polish on your performance by blending these potent methods into your everyday training program. You will learn how to build on the fluency with which you and your horse have come to communicate. For most horses, mastering this level will be sufficient to perform well in any show ring.
Running Time: 59 minutes and 6 seconds
Fundamentals of Flatwork - Part 3 - Advanced
Bernie Traurig
The Advanced level further illustrates Bernie’s modern, refined and simplified approach. If your goal is a higher level of performance or to achieve a greater brilliance and quality of gait, this video is for you.
Running Time: 51 minutes and 16 seconds
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