Ever wonder what actually makes a 1D run? It’s not luck, it’s detail. It’s knowing exactly where your horse’s feet need to land, especially the inside hind foot, through every part of the turn. The perfect run might be impossible, but that’s the standard we aim for every day in our slow work. Because the closer you get, the faster you clock.

Ever heard me say “stay on the tracks” and wondered what that actually means? Picture train rails laid out on the ground: one for the left feet, one for the right. Now imagine keeping every part of your horse’s body on those tracks… at all times. No drifting, no leaning, no parts flying off the path. If that sounds easier said than done, you’re not wrong.

Before a horse ever sees a barrel, they should know how to move each part of their body on command. These aren’t fancy tricks, they’re the foundation for everything that comes later. This post breaks down the exact body control I expect every horse to have before pattern work ever begins(or any work): hips, shoulders, ribs.

Vertical flexion isn’t just about a pretty headset, it’s about a horse giving more than you ask, even in motion and under pressure. In this post, I break down what true poll softness looks like, when it matters most, and how to build it into every part of your training.