Expert Scott Hassler

Questions (For answers, scroll down or click on question)

My 8 year old is ridden in a Kk snaffle, has started piaffe, passage, half-pass and has changes. Is light in mouth, on the seat and leg, and has just discovered sticking out tongue. Should I just ignore it or tighten up the flash?

My horse is a national show horse and is doing quite well. We have progressed to the point where he is doing one-tempi changes and grasping the aspect of the pirouette. How can I begin to train the piaffe and passage?

When is the proper time to begin training my dressage horse to the double bridle?

Does breeding the stallions interfere with their training?

Questions and Answers

Q: When is the proper time to begin training my dressage horse to the double bridle?

A: Basically, there is not a so-called proper time. When the horse is schooling the development of collected movements well and understands with confidence, the double bridle can be introduced in small short periods of time.

Q: Does breeding the stallions interfere with their training?

A: Actually it depends on the individual stallion. In general, I feel the opposite. When they are busy in breeding season, April-September, the consistency keeps them satisfied. All breeding at Hilltop is done by artificial insemination.

Q: My horse is a national show horse and is doing quite well. We have progressed to the point where he is doing one-tempi changes and grasping the aspect of the pirouette. How can I begin to train the piaffe and passage?

A: This is not easy to answer in a few words. It is more suited to time spent with an instructor during a riding lesson.  You could also look for a training video to help. Feel free to contact me by phone (410-658-9898) and I'll discuss ways to introduce piaffe and passage.

Q: My 8 year old is ridden in a Kk snaffle, has started piaffe, passage, half-pass and has changes. Is light in mouth, on the seat and leg, and has just discovered sticking out tongue. Should I just ignore it or tighten up the flash?

A: I recommend solving this problem soon. Experiment tightening the noseband, raising or lowering the keepers, etc.