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	First impressions When it comes to working with young horses, you only get one chance to make a good impression! Make it count!			Foundations for self-carriage Proper training to develop the horse – and the horse’s understanding of what is being asked – are the keys to self-carriage and collection.
	A sense of balance I thought we should look at what is at the heart of self-carriage. And that is balance – both your horse’s balance, as well as your own. That balance begins, not with the centre of gravity (as you may have thought), but with the poll, neck and shoulders.			The only bit a horse needs is a bit of understanding When I first said this, I had no idea the impact it would have. But as people discover the benefits of working bitless, they remark how well it captures the experience.
	Transition to a bitless bridle The lack of a bit can reveal 'holes' in the training of horse and/or rider, but the skills and principles required for using any bridle – bitted or bitless – remain the same.			The only bit a horse needs is a bit of understanding - A bit more on going bitless Can any horse go bitless? How long dies it take to transition a horse to being bitless?
	Trail riding basics... part two Trail riding is fun – but it’s about being aware and prepared to help your horse to handle new situations; like managing the excitement that comes with ‘riding out’ and helping your horse to become more comfortable socialising with other horses. You can’t afford to be simply a passenger…it’s time for you to become a trainer!			Considering the Hackamore Learn about the hackamore from a traditional point of view.
	Self-carriage – the basics Wherever I go, I see some very unrealistic expectations being put on horses. Many of these expectations are based on achieving a 'look' or demonstrating an exercise (such as flying lead changes), yet show a lack of understanding about the nature of the horse, as well as the foundations of how to properly achieve that 'look' or successfully perform an exercise.			Natural horsemanship Whether or not you will be successful with your horse doesn't depend on how many books or videos you've watched. What horses watch for is whether you are a Confident, Consistent and Kind Leader to whom they can give their Trust, Obedience and Respect.
	Trail riding basics... part one To me, there’s nothing better than taking my horse out on the trail. It’s by far a more natural environment for the horse, so it’s little wonder that many horses are more forward going in the bush.			Horsemanship The inability to catch or 'meet' your horse in the paddock is merely a symptom of one or more of the elements lacking in your relationship with your horse.
	Compassionate These days, you hear a lot of people talking about putting the horse first and considering the wellbeing of the horse above all else. Well, I share that passion, but I believe you have to put the passion into compassion to have a successful relationship with your horse. That means learning to see things through the eyes of the horse, always.			Whisperingacres newsletter – September 2011 Ireland – from the back of a horse New equipment now available from whisperingacres.com
	Getting focused When your horse is focused on you, understands what you are asking,and sees you as a good leader, he'll be less concerned about what's going on around him.			Understanding versatility Versatility is fundamental to training and working with horses. It helps you to build a strong foundation on your horse; much like building a house. A house can only be as good and as strong as the first brick that is laid. If that brick is laid crooked, or has a crack, it can’t support what is added next and the whole structure is weak.
	Canter departures As you progress in your riding, developing your sense of feel and improving communication with your horse, you will also start to ‘mirror’ your horse’s movements.			Lost and found Meet the babies...this is a story about how five vulnerable little foals came to be oprhaned. It’s not a nice story, but if we don’t talk about it,we can’t change what happens!
	Creating confidence Confidence is all about being brave, believing in yourself and being able to trust in your ability to make good, fair decisions. In short, it means being a good leader.			Becoming aware To have a great relationship with your horse, you first have to have a great relationship with yourself. Get to know how you think and act, what your body language is saying and what things you focus on.
	Team Work It’s important to remember that every time you work with your horse you are essentially training himor her, for better or worse.			Developing feel Feel not only gives you a better understanding, focus and ability to recognise things before they happen, but also the ability to know when your horse has understood and responded to your request.
	In Front The concept of leading your horse starts on the ground with what your horse thinks of you. How your horse sees you on the ground shows you exactly how he will behave under saddle.			Freedom of Choice This 24-page article appeared in the online magazine, Horses for Life. It tells the amazing tale of the starting of Spinifex, a Northern Territory brumby, in outback Australia. The file size is 7.4 Mb so please be patient – we think you will enjoy it.
	InSights Taking the time to understand how horses learn and see–through their eyes–will give you the ability identify and respond to issues as they arise in a positive way.			A leading question... What does your horse think of you? How your horse sees you on the ground shows you exactly how he will behave under saddle.
	Being balanced Balance is when you feel your horse working straight and nicely forward, you are aware of how your body affects his movement, and you have the ability not to interfere with that movement.			Awareness Awareness is what will give you the skill to notice when your emotions affect your own mindset and how you look at things, as well as when something is causing your horse to get stressed or defensive.