Use this lesson as a warmup or a full ride.

✅ This lesson is great for...

👉 Straightness

👉 Rhythm

👉 Green horses - Holly is on a 4 year old OTTB

👉 Rider position cues

✅ Some skills to expect

👉 Transitions between walk, trot, and canter

👉 Spiraling a 20m circle in and out at the walk and trot (down to 12-13m at trot)

👉 Canter on a 20m circle

✅ Where to ride

Holly is in a 20x60m arena, but this lesson is easy to adapt to to a field or alternate arena size

✅ Before you ride

Go for a hack or walk around the ring

✅ Lesson plan

1:00–Walking around the arena

5:00–Walking, 20-meter circles, in both directions

9:45–Trot work, spiraling 20-meter circles, around the arena, in both directions

20:40–Walk break

24:10–trot to canter work, 20-meter circle, in both directions with a bit of a walk break in between

34:00–Walk and pat your horse!

✅ Time spent in each gait

Walk: 13 minutes

Trot: 11 minutes

Canter: 10 minutes

✅ Meet Your Coach: Holly Hepp Hudspeth (Eventing)

Holly Hudspeth, née Hepp, is a seasoned eventer who first competed at the 5* level in 2003 under the guidance of Karen and David O’Connor. She represented the U.S. at the 2003 Pan American Games and has completed major 5* events including Kentucky and Luhmühlen. Known for her clear instruction and dedication building strong rider-horse partnerships, Holly is a well-loved Ride iQ coach!

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Release of Liability: In consideration of my use of this audio lesson provided by Ride iQ, I expressly agree and contract that Ride iQ and its insurers, employees, officers, directors, and associates, shall not be liable for any damages arising from personal injuries (including death) sustained by me or my horse as a result of the use of the audio lesson, regardless of whether such injuries result, in whole or in part, from the negligence of Ride iQ. By using this audio lesson, I accept and assume full responsibility for any and all injuries, damages (both economic and non-economic), and losses of any type, which may occur to me or my horse, and I hereby fully and forever release and discharge Ride iQ, its insurers, employees, officers, directors, and associates, from any and all claims, demands, damages, rights of action, or causes of action, present or future, whether the same be known or unknown, anticipated, or unanticipated, resulting from or arising as a result of the use of said audio lesson. I understand and acknowledge that activities with horses, including the use of this audio lesson, involve risk of serious injury, including permanent disability and death.