PROFILE
Richard Shrake
"The Master Of Horsemanship"

CREATOR of the Resistance Free™ Training & Riding Methods

JUDGE of all major breed World & National Horse Shows

INSTRUCTOR of over 2000 clinics

DEMONSTRATOR at over 80 Horse Expos & Fairs

AUTHOR of three best selling equine books

LECTURER at over 75 Universities & Colleges

PRODUCER of 18 equine educational videos

DESIGNER of saddles & bits for
major equine companies

WRITER of "Bridle Wise" & "Strides to Success" two syndicated monthly columns for 160 horse publications

ORIGINATOR of the Accredited Resistance Free™Trainer/ Instructor Program

OWNER of "Miss Resistance Free," Breyer model horse for 2000

For information on the Richard Shrake products & upcoming programs: A Winning Way, Ltd., P.O. Box 4490, Sunriver, OR 97707

Call 1-800-635-8861.

Homepage: http://www.richardshrake.com Email: rshrake@empnet.com

Resistance Free™
Riding The Hunter/ Jumper

The hunter jumper rider who uses the Resistance Free™ riding methods can become a super star. Whether you are facing a two-foot vertical in hunter hack classes or a five-foot Oxers in a jumper class, you can use Resistance Free™riding to give you a softer and better trip around the course.

Striding becomes easier when you feel the "ripple effect" in the movement of your horse. If you are fully aware of the ripple and flow of your horse's gallop, your line for a four stride in and out lets you make it perfect each time. It will become no more difficult to meet the fences in stride and finding your spot than it is for you yourself to step over a curb.

Using an open eye will help you take a look at the course as a whole, always looking on to the next fence. One of the most common mistakes that riders make is to stare at the jump itself. Riders tend to end up where they look, and if you are starting at the ground, you may soon get there. This is especially true when jumping natural obstacles, such as ditches. Instead, as you come to each fence, look ahead to the next and let your open eyes keep you oriented in the arena.

You must not cut the corners in hunter and hunt seat equitation classes over fences because that may cause the horse to drop a hind lead or put you in a bad line to your next fence. For the hunter rider, cutting corners to tightly, especially in the first round, can result in dropping rails. As the combination and lines become tougher, good breathing keeps you relaxed and confident in your horse.

Remember to continue breathing because nervous riders have a tendency to hold their breath from start to finish and that results in tension as well as bad judgement. As your horse approaches the fence use preparatory commands and pre-signals. Help keep your horse steady and soft. Collect your horse with your upper body by shifting your weight back and lifting your shoulders. A soft horse is able to round his back and take himself over each fence.

Be confident that you will do well on the course and feel good about each trip. You can't let past performances or certain "boogy" fences bother you. If your horse senses that you are nervous about a certain fence, he may rush or refuse it.

The Resistance Free™rider will not interfere with his horse over fences. He will allow his horse to perform at his best and softest. The average hunter has a good idea of how to get over a fence, if he leaves his horse alone.

The very best horse is a well-mannered schooling horse that doesn't refuse and that takes good safe care of the rider. More advanced riders will be able to use the ripple effect and preparatory commands to change and improve the performance of more difficult horses. Today's open hunter and open jumping rider needs to have the correct angles to the legs and body position. Resistance Free™ riding will give you that special feel and finish. Always be aware of your horses rhythm and energy level by using the ripple effect.

When you use your eyes correctly and stay relaxed by exhaling, it will intensify and focus the feel of movement. Remember preparatory commands develop trust and confidence. Keep a strong positive attitude each time you ride and you will find my Resistance Free™ methods on top. The more the rider knows about all riding disciplines the less fear and the confidence they will gain.

May you always ride a good horse