Want To Become A Better Dressage Rider? - View our FREE Resources!
Youtube Facebook Instagram Podcast
Academy Login
Login

Stop Nagging Your Horse!!

Are you guilty of nagging your horse? I think we all are sometimes…

I sometimes find myself riding around and suddenly wonder why am I kicking and clucking every stride and nothing is happening?!?!

It is really easy to get lulled into this habit and then you are kicking so hard every stride just to keep your horse going. What are you going to do when you need to ride a transition or a half pass or tempi changes?!

Here are some tips for how to install cruise control on your horse so that you can stop nagging:

Step 1 – Get your horse going the speed that you want them to go.

Step 2 – Put your heels down, take your spurs out of your horse, but stay following the motion with your seat.

Step 3 – When your horse slows down without you asking, the correction is that they have to go EVEN FASTER than you originally wanted them to go. For example if you want your horse to trot at 4 mph and they slow down to 3.5 mph, push them up to 6 mph for a half of a lap. There needs to be a consequence for them slowing down more than you wanted!

Here are some things to consider:

  • Notice where in the arena your horse tends to slow down – many horses always slow down when they are headed away from the gate.
  • If your horse makes the mistake of going too fast when you correct them, (like if they canter off when you wanted trot), let them go for a bit.  Don’t right away punish them and bring them back.  If they make the “mistake” of going too forward, this is a good thing!!
  • You must be quick to correct your horse the instant they slow down.  And you must be consistent about this if you want to get your horse to stay in front of the leg.
  • Be sure you have independent aids – when you correct your horse with your legs, you must NOT pull back with your reins and your seat must stay with the forward motion of your horse.

In the end, you want your horse to be a “self going” horse – this is going to be a process if you horse has gotten used to you nagging constantly! You want to use “reminding” aids to keep your horse going forward rather than “supporting” aids.

Hopefully this is helpful!

Let me know in the comments if you find yourself nagging!

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
A smiling woman wearing a helmet and riding gear stands beside a chestnut horse with a black bridle and white saddle pad, holding its reins outdoors in a sunlit, green setting.
Hey there.
I'm Amelia
I help foster a trusting, confident bond between horse and rider. By combining natural horsemanship with classical dressage, I create a holistic training approach tailored to the unique needs of each horse and rider.
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
WhatsApp
RELATED POSTS
A person in riding gear is riding a white horse in a sandy arena. Text on the right says, How to ask for balanced canter transitions correctly, in white and aqua letters on a navy background.
  • Dressage Training
The Key to Smooth, Balanced Canter Transitions
Three images highlight the action: equestrian award ceremony on a podium, scoreboard inside an arena, and a rider performing dressage. Overlaid text reads: “BEHIND THE SCENES WORLD CUP 2026.” Spectators appear in the background.
  • Dressage Training
World Cup 2026 Recap & Highlights
A woman confidently riding a brown horse at a canter in an outdoor arena. Large text reads: How to Canter With Confidence—sit the canter with ease! A beginners guide to horseback riding. Arrolo Equestrian Program logo in the top right corner.
  • Dressage Training
How to Sit the Canter: A Beginners Guide
A rider in a helmet and boots cantering on a white horse in an outdoor arena. Text reads: 1, 2, 3, CANTER! Master perfect canter transitions with these three simple horse training steps!.
  • Dressage Training
Three Simple Steps to Perfect Canter Transitions
A person in riding gear is riding a white horse in a sandy arena. Text on the right says, How to ask for balanced canter transitions correctly, in white and aqua letters on a navy background.
  • Dressage Training
The Key to Smooth, Balanced Canter Transitions
Three images highlight the action: equestrian award ceremony on a podium, scoreboard inside an arena, and a rider performing dressage. Overlaid text reads: “BEHIND THE SCENES WORLD CUP 2026.” Spectators appear in the background.
  • Dressage Training
World Cup 2026 Recap & Highlights
A woman confidently riding a brown horse at a canter in an outdoor arena. Large text reads: How to Canter With Confidence—sit the canter with ease! A beginners guide to horseback riding. Arrolo Equestrian Program logo in the top right corner.
  • Dressage Training
How to Sit the Canter: A Beginners Guide
A rider in a helmet and boots cantering on a white horse in an outdoor arena. Text reads: 1, 2, 3, CANTER! Master perfect canter transitions with these three simple horse training steps!.
  • Dressage Training
Three Simple Steps to Perfect Canter Transitions
Like this article & video?

There are hundreds more! View the entire library here.

A person wearing a helmet, patterned long-sleeve shirt, and riding pants is smiling while riding a chestnut horse outdoors on a sunny 2024 day. The scene highlights a joyful moment inspired by the principles of the Training Scale. Trees blur in the background.
FEATURED COURSE
Inside Leg to Outside Rein
Everyone knows the phrase- but do you know how to use it to take your riding to the next level? Learn the theory and exercises to utilize 'Inside Leg and into the Outside Rein' to make your horse more ridable with this workshop. When you get your horse connected from inside leg to outside rein it will improve their focus & attention, suppleness, engagement of the hind end, and more!
Enroll Now
A person wearing a helmet and blue patterned shirt stands outdoors holding the reins of two brown horses, one on each side, with trees and bushes in the background—like a perfect image for a Sales Page Template.
Amelia Newcomb
LATEST POSTS
Two women are with a black horse outdoors; one is riding, the other demonstrates correct stirrup foot position for horse riding. Large orange text reads, How to Keep Your Heels Down. Trees and a fence are in the background.
Stirrup Foot Position: How to Keep Your Heels Down Correctly
A dressage rider in full riding attire rides a chestnut horse in an arena. Text reads “Ride Your Test with Confidence.” Dressage show tips and a test score sheet are shown in the lower left corner with an arrow pointing to it.
Dressage Training Tips: How to Ride with Confidence on Show Day
A rider in full gear is guiding a white horse in an outdoor arena. Next to them, bold text reads: Best horse training method to fix and prevent training problems.
The Horse Training Method Every Rider Should Know
How to Hold the Reins Correctly
How to Hold the Reins: A Simple Guide to Better Contact in Dressage
Two women are with a black horse outdoors; one is riding, the other demonstrates correct stirrup foot position for horse riding. Large orange text reads, How to Keep Your Heels Down. Trees and a fence are in the background.
Stirrup Foot Position: How to Keep Your Heels Down Correctly
A dressage rider in full riding attire rides a chestnut horse in an arena. Text reads “Ride Your Test with Confidence.” Dressage show tips and a test score sheet are shown in the lower left corner with an arrow pointing to it.
Dressage Training Tips: How to Ride with Confidence on Show Day
A rider in full gear is guiding a white horse in an outdoor arena. Next to them, bold text reads: Best horse training method to fix and prevent training problems.
The Horse Training Method Every Rider Should Know
How to Hold the Reins Correctly
How to Hold the Reins: A Simple Guide to Better Contact in Dressage
LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEO
Rated 5 out of 5
I want to thank Amelia from the bottom of my heart for creating this group and learning module for us. I've followed your suggestions religiously even when it felt like we were hitting a wall at times. Finally, it all came through, all at once! I never thought I'd get a connection and have such light hands in the left lead canter, and yesterday we pulled off a 7 in left canter and an 8.5 in right canter in our WDAA Basic 1 test, with a total score of 67.3!
Amber Primm
Amber Primm
Holy Moly. I just learned that I earned 1st place at Training 1 with 5 entries in the class in a virtual show. I received a 65.00. Wow. This is starting to work. Thank you Amelia. Thank you supportive new friends. I encourage you all to try virtual shows. I have tried Greystone, Lower Puget Sound and Oregon. Very helpful for building confidence. I really support this idea. It works like this: you ride at home, send in your video, and then you receive your test with judge comments and your ribbon in the mail. See you all in Strides!!
Joanna Sachs
Joanna Sachs
We see and feel the difference!! Thank you Amelia for this difficult but very helpful program. Our #1 issue was giraffe head in transitions. Downward as well as up. Don't look at my position, I was giving everything to the aids for him to maintain roundness in the trans. Now it will be time to work on our position more!
Carol Anne Marano
Carol Anne Marano
I can't stop making progress, thanks to this awesome program. Today my horse and I could do the counter canter on both hands on the first attempt without our trainer.. Thank you so much for explaining my missing parts! I have to wait until tomorrow, 8 hours of time difference, to see who is the lucky one, but I think we are all lucky to join this incredible program!!
Sandra Künkel
Sandra Künkel
VIEW TESTIMONIALS
NEWSLETTER

Sign Up Now To Get Free Training & Tips In Your Inbox!

🔥 HOT RIGHT NOW 🔥
A person wearing a helmet and floral shirt smiles while standing beside a brown horse, holding its lead and gently touching its neck—a perfect moment showcasing horse training and the importance of good ground manners on a sunny day.
Our team is growing! Come join us! Summer 2026
VIEW POST
A smiling equestrian stands next to a saddled horse outdoors. Text on a dark background reads: “5 Training Principles Every Rider Should Know”—perfect rider training tips—with an arrow pointing to the number five.
Five Training Principles Every Rider Needs to Know
VIEW POST
A rider in a black helmet and outfit is riding a chestnut horse in a sunlit arena. On the left, bold text reads Arena Rules with a subtitle: Follow horse riding rules to stay safe and have fun on a dark blue background.
Riding in a Crowded Arena: Five Rules Every Rider Should Know
VIEW POST
A rider in riding gear stands beside a horse, gently guiding its head while the horse steps sideways. The text reads: What is Turn on the Forehand? Every Rider Needs This Horse Training Exercise!.
How to Teach the Turn on the Forehand Step-by-Step
VIEW POST
A person wearing a helmet and floral shirt smiles while standing beside a brown horse, holding its lead and gently touching its neck—a perfect moment showcasing horse training and the importance of good ground manners on a sunny day.
Our team is growing! Come join us! Summer 2026
VIEW POST
A smiling equestrian stands next to a saddled horse outdoors. Text on a dark background reads: “5 Training Principles Every Rider Should Know”—perfect rider training tips—with an arrow pointing to the number five.
Five Training Principles Every Rider Needs to Know
VIEW POST
A rider in a black helmet and outfit is riding a chestnut horse in a sunlit arena. On the left, bold text reads Arena Rules with a subtitle: Follow horse riding rules to stay safe and have fun on a dark blue background.
Riding in a Crowded Arena: Five Rules Every Rider Should Know
VIEW POST
A rider in riding gear stands beside a horse, gently guiding its head while the horse steps sideways. The text reads: What is Turn on the Forehand? Every Rider Needs This Horse Training Exercise!.
How to Teach the Turn on the Forehand Step-by-Step
VIEW POST
Explore More with Our Featured Courses and Workshops

We’ve curated a selection of courses, workshops, and masterclasses designed to help you refine your skills and achieve your riding goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, these offerings are here to support your growth. Explore and take your riding education to the next level!

A person wearing a helmet, patterned long-sleeve shirt, and riding pants is smiling while riding a chestnut horse outdoors on a sunny 2024 day. The scene highlights a joyful moment inspired by the principles of the Training Scale. Trees blur in the background.
Inside Leg to Outside Rein
Everyone knows the phrase- but do you know how to use it to take your riding to the next level? Learn the theory and exercises to utilize 'Inside Leg and into the Outside Rein' to make your horse more ridable with this workshop. When you get your horse connected from inside leg to outside rein it will improve their focus & attention, suppleness, engagement of the hind end, and more!
ENROLL NOW
A person riding a horse with an independent seat is silhouetted against the bright sun, creating a lens flare effect. The rider is wearing a patterned shirt and sitting in a saddle. The background is softly lit and slightly blurred.
Independent Seat
A focused, step-by-step workshop to help you develop a secure, balanced, and independent seat so you can move in harmony with your horse. Through simple, practical exercises both in and out of the saddle, you’ll learn to follow the motion, give clearer aids, and create a more relaxed, connected ride. Perfect if you struggle with sitting trot, stability, or feeling truly in sync with your horse.
ENROLL NOW
Amelia Newcomb schooling a dark bay horse in a dressage arena.
Transitions Workshop
Learn to ride fluid and smooth transitions with this workshop. Transitions are a test of your communication and connection with your horse. They are also a test of your horse’s balance and suppleness. Learn the theory and a number of new exercises to improve your transitions!
ENROLL NOW
A person wearing a helmet, patterned long-sleeve shirt, and riding pants is smiling while riding a chestnut horse outdoors on a sunny 2024 day. The scene highlights a joyful moment inspired by the principles of the Training Scale. Trees blur in the background.
Inside Leg to Outside Rein
Everyone knows the phrase- but do you know how to use it to take your riding to the next level? Learn the theory and exercises to utilize 'Inside Leg and into the Outside Rein' to make your horse more ridable with this workshop. When you get your horse connected from inside leg to outside rein it will improve their focus & attention, suppleness, engagement of the hind end, and more!
ENROLL NOW
A person riding a horse with an independent seat is silhouetted against the bright sun, creating a lens flare effect. The rider is wearing a patterned shirt and sitting in a saddle. The background is softly lit and slightly blurred.
Independent Seat
A focused, step-by-step workshop to help you develop a secure, balanced, and independent seat so you can move in harmony with your horse. Through simple, practical exercises both in and out of the saddle, you’ll learn to follow the motion, give clearer aids, and create a more relaxed, connected ride. Perfect if you struggle with sitting trot, stability, or feeling truly in sync with your horse.
ENROLL NOW
Amelia Newcomb schooling a dark bay horse in a dressage arena.
Transitions Workshop
Learn to ride fluid and smooth transitions with this workshop. Transitions are a test of your communication and connection with your horse. They are also a test of your horse’s balance and suppleness. Learn the theory and a number of new exercises to improve your transitions!
ENROLL NOW

Enjoyed this article? 

Saddle Up and Search for Your Next Read!
Canter, Rider Position, Strides, Tips
A person wearing a helmet and patterned shirt smiles while riding a brown horse outdoors on a sunny day, with green trees in the blurred background.
Free Resources
Unlock Your Potential as a Dressage Rider with Our Free Resources!

Are you passionate about dressage and eager to enhance your skills? Our Free Resources section is here to support your journey, offering a wide range of courses, guides, and tools designed to help you become the rider you’ve always wanted to be.

Access Now!
Download Our Free Resources
A simple white envelope icon on a light background, outlined with bold lines to represent a closed envelope.
Free Training & Tips In Your Inbox!

Say goodbye to the fluff and hello to real value. Our newsletter delivers actionable insights, expert tips, and the kind of motivation that pushes you to the next level in your dressage journey. Ready to make strides in your riding? Let’s do this—straight to your inbox. You in?

Join the community

Get weekly training to your Inbox

Enter your name and email below and you’ll be added to my list to get weekly training videos each week. You’ll also be the first to hear about all my news, courses and offers! You can unsubscribe at any time!

PS-Good things are coming. Please be patient with this form, it sometimes takes a moment to submit your details!

Free Training scale webinar

Tuesday, May 19th, 4pm PT

Please be patient with this form, it sometimes takes a moment to submit your details!