Are you feeling stuck in your riding? Maybe you’re struggling with confidence, fear, confusion under saddle, or just not seeing the progress you hoped for. You’re not alone—and chances are, you might be missing an important training principle.
In this video, I share my top five training principles that will guide you and your horse toward success. These are the pillars I wish I had known earlier in my journey—especially when I was 14, trying to train my young warmblood, Geronimo. Without these principles, it’s easy to go off course and find yourself (and your horse) frustrated and overwhelmed.
These principles act like a compass—keeping you on track, building trust, and helping you enjoy the process along the way.
1. Consistency
Make time for your horse regularly. It doesn’t have to be a long or intense session—even just showing up daily for grooming, groundwork, or a short ride can build positive habits for both of you.
If you struggle with fear or nerves, this is especially important. Small, frequent sessions will gradually build your confidence and help your horse feel more secure with you as well. Progress comes from repetition and routine.
2. Groundwork
Groundwork is a powerful way to build communication, trust, and safety. You can teach your horse how to respond to the leg, rein, and voice before ever getting in the saddle.
If you’re ever struggling under saddle, take a step back and check how things are on the ground. A responsive, connected horse on the ground usually mirrors that behavior when you ride. Start simple, stay present, and use groundwork as your reset button.
3. Simplicity
When things get complicated or overwhelming in your riding, simplify. Take a deep breath, let go of tension, and check in with your position. A relaxed, centered rider gives clearer aids.
Then go back to the foundation—rhythm. It’s the first step on the Training Scale and often the key to fixing many common problems. Simplicity creates clarity, and clarity leads to results.
4. Clarity
Clear communication is essential. One of my favorite tools for this is the “ArRR”: Aid, reaction, Release, Repeat. For example, if you want your horse to walk forward, apply your leg (aid), wait for the response (reaction), soften your leg (release), and then repeat.
This system builds your horse’s understanding through consistency. Whether you’re asking for something simple or advanced, ArRR helps your horse connect the dots and rewards them for trying.
5. The Power of Positivity
Your energy matters more than you think. Smile when you’re with your horse, take a moment to enjoy their presence, and let them know you believe in them.
Celebrate the small wins—like a better transition, a stretch in the walk, or a calm reaction to something new. When you focus on what’s going right, your horse feels that positive energy and starts to offer more of it in return.
These five principles are the foundation of all great horse-and-rider partnerships. They’re simple, practical, and they work—no matter what your discipline or goals may be.
Happy Riding!
Amelia 🐴💛
P.S. Have you heard? I’m hosting a Free Flying Changes Webinar coming up in the first weekend in October. Flying changes don’t need to be a struggle, and I am excited to share with you my three secrets to training the flying changes with ease! Save your seat here.
