Riding in the Moment
One thing horses are really good at is being present in the moment. People, not so much. We tend to carry baggage from the past and stress about the future, but not stay present with
Resources for position
Mastering the Canter
Everywhere I go—whether it’s to clinics, expos, conferences or just riding with friends—there are riders working on mastering the canter. Whether it is a novice rider just figuring out how to cue the horse and
Ride Right With Julie Goodnight: Confidence on the Trail
It’s easy to lose confidence on the trail if your well-trained horse has defied you or refused to go forward. A threat to bolt or rear can make a confident rider worry and, in turn,
Episode 804 – I Can See Clearly Now
Julie Goodnight teaches a young jumper to position herself to see the course.
Downhill Tips
When your horse travels downhill, he lifts his back and reaches his hindquarters far beneath him for support and balance. He also uses his abdominal muscles. Help him get into this position by not leaning
Horseback Riding Basics: Position
Photo by: Melissa Arnold Become a more effective rider by perfecting a proper horseback-riding position. Correct body position is as basic as it gets. Without it, you and your horse can’t balance properly, and you
Perfect Positioning Exercise
Build your balance and improve your riding with this simple-yet-challenging exercise from top trainer/clinician Julie Goodnight. http://trailridermag.com/video/perfect-positioning-exercise
Why Should You Post At All?
Ask Julie Goodnight: Why Should You Post at All? Question: Last month I asked about whether all riders should know how to post on the correct diagonal. Now it seems the question has changed to
Balanced Riding Position
Ask Julie Goodnight: Question: How should my upper body be as I ride? Answer: Much focus is given to the rider’s seat and leg position, as it should be, for these are critical areas that
Proper Position In The Saddle
Proper position unites the balance of horse and rider, giving the picture of a team moving as one. If I were to guess at the single most common equitation error I see, what immediately springs
Gears Of The Seat
Gears of the Seat Question: Hi Julie, I got to watch one of your clinics at your horse expo last weekend about using your natural aids and how your pelvis has 3 gears: forward, neutral
Episode 716 – Balance In Motion – Behind The Scenes
Julie Goodnight helps a rider improve her balance and confidence so she can win in the AQHA show ring.
Episode 713 – Little Things That Count – Behind The Scenes
Julie Goodnight teaches a young rider what it will take to show her Paint Horse at higher levels.
Episode 716 – Balance in Motion
Julie Goodnight helps a rider improve her balance and confidence so she can win in the AQHA showring.
Riding Skills: Using Your Upper Body Properly
Question Category: Riding Skills Question: How should my upper body be as I ride? Answer: Much focus is given to the rider’s seat and leg position, as it should be, for these are critical areas
Riding Skills: Improving Rider Position Using Gravity
Question Category: Riding Skills Question: What’s the best way to improve my riding position? Answer: We have talked in previous articles about the importance of a balanced position with ear-shoulder-hip-heel alignment and open and relaxed
Riding Skills: How Do I Get A Secure Seat To Ride Out Spooks?
Question Category: Riding Skills Question: Dear Julie, Last night I watched your TV show on introducing the horse to the surf. It was very informative but the thing that impressed me the most was how
Riding Skills: Gears Of The Seat
Question Category: Riding Skills Question: Hi Julie, I got to watch one of your clinics at the Midwest Horse Fair last weekend. (I had a booth there in the exhibit hall and so I only
Western Posting The Trot
In every horsemanship clinic I teach, I start the mounted session by assessing all the riders in terms of their control, their riding position and skill and their authority over the horse. To do this,
Pronation And Riding Position For A Pain-Free Ride
Disjointed Riders Do you suffer from leg, knee and ankle pain or numbness while riding? As you ride, your legs are spread in an unnatural position, causing pressure on your ankle, knee and hip joints.