The Academic Art of Riding Blog by Bettina Biolik
On the way to collection there is horizontal balance. The horse goes from it’s natural balance to shifting more weight to the hind legs and becoming more free in the shoulders. If you imagine an old fashioned scale, then the scale is about equal.… Continue Reading “Horizontal Balance”
I get many questions by riders who would like advise on how to improve their riding or groundwork. At the same time, many of them seem to focus more on limiting conditions than on what is possible. And it is really true: if you… Continue Reading “You Have to Be Brave Before You Can Become Good”
…is a question I get every now and again from friends and students. What they all refer to is the fact that Nazir cannot be “used” like other horses. Due to his past and also his physical condition, he simply cannot be trained like… Continue Reading “Why don’t you sell your horse?”
Last days I have thought a lot about this. Let me tell you a little anecdote that brought me a step closer to understanding collection: When I was a working student at Bent Branderup’s place, he was talking about collection with one of… Continue Reading “What is collection?”
The power of praise can not be overestimated! Horses will go out of their way if they feel your honest appreciation and love. Etienne Beudant said “„Demand little, repeat often, praise a lot!“. How can we understand this? First, “demand little” does not mean… Continue Reading “The Power of Praise”
It’s all about the vibe. Ever since I have moved my horses to a different stable, I learned that a good atmosphere is worth gold. An equestrian centre can have the perfect facilities and yet you can feel a certain tension in the air.… Continue Reading “Checklist: Does Your Stable Have a Good Atmosphere?”
If you followed my blog for some time you might know that the needs of my horses are always a top priority for me. For years, I have been searching for a stable that would allow the horses to live as naturally as possible,… Continue Reading “New Home, More Freedom”
I still owe you the photos from our wonderful course with Marius Schneider, 22.-23.04.2017!!! First of all thank you so much Marius for coming to us ❤ I know you have more requests for courses than you have weekends, so I really really appreciate… Continue Reading “Clinic with Marius Schneider in Warsaw, 22.-23. April 2017”
When we talk about “lightness” we refer to the horse’s body, to the level of intensity with which we would like to give aids. Softness, however, refers to the horse’s mind. The horse can be light on the aids and yet not be fully… Continue Reading “Lightness vs. Softness”
There is a lot of talk about RESPECT in the horse world. Mainly, that the horse needs to respect the human. For many, respect is the magic ingredient that makes everything else possible. If you have the horse’s respect, then communication and training comes… Continue Reading “Thoughts about Respect and Horse Training”