communication

Collection: Snaffle vs Curb

The following is an excerpt taken from my private writings to clients. These discussions will cover everything from theoretical or technical discussions, to rider/trainer mindset and beyond. They will range from beginner through to advanced levels of material and are meant to complement our work inside the arena. Enjoy! When exploring the utility of the snaffle and curb bits as they pertain to collection, a brief version of the development process over some years is called for: while still only…

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Guest Appearance on Inscape Quest Podcast

I had a wonderful time on Inscape Quest Podcast: Horsepower with Heart “Ep.8: Racing Hearts: Exploring Horse Racing”, alongside NBC commentator, author, and former top jockey, Donna Brothers, and our host, Trudi Howley. On this episode of the podcast, we discuss women’s involvement in the sport of thoroughbred horse racing, equine welfare issues within the sport, social media impacts, and more…

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Example: Weight Aid and Development of the Hand

Though this post is dedicated to development of the hand, I often pull this photo of Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith aboard 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify when teaching. It is a brilliant example of the effect of correct weight aid and a beautiful hand made more clear to the eye due to the extreme of the rider’s seat, the type of request, and the horse’s speed. Weight The first thing that catches my eye is that Mike wishes…

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The Canter Departure

Canter Aids: Driving Forward or Striking-off? It is possible to achieve an organic canter strike off (left-lead exampled below) with either the weight to the inside OR the outside hip. To learn more about the seat aids, see my two-part article, Fundamentals: On the Seat. The following explanation outlines what happens in each scenario: Method A – Imbalance and Drive Forward Our first example is through the weight to the inside hip. This is a strike off that achieves its aim…

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The Invisible Line: Obedience vs Partnership

Obedience vs Partnership Obedience is required of our horses…in our dressage tests, our jumping classes, and our daily routine whether that routine is to safely cross a street, or simply lifting a hoof to be picked. We obtain it by rote; through repetition and a series of varying degrees of praise or correction, depending on the task at hand. In fact, obedience is a wonderful thing, and when we train for obedience in conjunction with an agenda that is geared…

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Fundamentals: On The Seat (Part 2 of 2)

This article is part 2 of 2, of Adaptive Development EQ’s Fundamentals Series, Fundamentals: On The Seat. To read Part 1, see: Fundamentals: On The Seat (Part 1 of 2). EXECUTION OF THE SEAT AIDS In Part 1 of this article, we have discovered the horse’s center of gravity, aligned with it, and disturb it as little as possible. Let us now move on to how we use our seat through manipulation of our weight in order to communicate our desires.…

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Fundamentals: On The Seat (Part 1 of 2)

This article is part 1 of 2, of Adaptive Development EQ’s Fundamentals Series, Fundamentals: On The Seat. To read Part 2, see: Fundamentals: On The Seat (Part 2 of 2). THE SEAT It is with the seat and legs that we obtain the greatest influence in communicating with our horses. Of primary importance, we use our seat to anchor ourselves, and remain in balance with (and aligned to) the horse’s center of gravity. We also use the seat as an aid…

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Euki Binns offers sustainability-based equine wellness programs, instruction, and training in the art of creating fine riding and show horses. Find success and reach a deeper level of connection with your equine partner!

Serving equines, equestrians and enthusiasts in the Greater Denver Metro. 

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