Ellen Murphy Sporthorses

08/30/2025

🐴✨ The AHS Foundation’s Breeder Advancement Scholarship is now open!

This scholarship—funded in part by the Don Kapper Memorial Fund—supports and empowers U.S. breeders, helping to strengthen Hanoverian and Rhineland breeding programs and elevate the quality and competitiveness of the breeds.

💰 Awards up to $2,000 annually
📌 Application Deadline: September 15

👉 Apply today: https://ahs-foundation.org/the-breeder-advancement-fund/

Let’s invest in the future of Hanoverian & Rhineland breeding—together! 🌟

08/30/2025

08/20/2025

Helpful visual! This also shows where your 20 meter circles should be in a small and standard size ring. Geometry matters!

08/20/2025

This is something new that KDA is excited to bring to our western dressage riders who want to compete and receive feedback without the expense of traveling to a recognized show. Really cool opportunity!

08/20/2025

🐴DT MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY!🐴 Equestrian biomechanics' expert Susanne von Dietze offers advice on how to develop a balanced, soft position and following hands for a more engaged ride.

Click on the link in the Comments below for more tips on how to perfect your upper-body and hand position.

08/14/2025

By preparing your horse, you let him know that you are about to ask him to do something. This improves your horse's responsiveness and allows you to give a lighter aid, making the whole movement smoother and more harmonious.

The preparation for each movement is slightly different, but things to think about are:
👉 Your horse's pace, rhythm, and tempo
👉 Your horse's straightness and positioning
👉 Your horse's current balance
👉 Your body position and aids

You need to get these things right BEFORE you ask your horse to perform the movement.

08/14/2025

08/08/2025

HANDS DO NOT PULL BACK - HAVE "FEELING FINGERS"

Remember, you are holding a piece of metal that's inside your horse's mouth. If you pull back on the reins or jiggle your hands around, your horse will likely shorten his neck, stiffen through his back, hollow away from your seat, lift his head above the bit, and/or come against/behind the contact.

Pulling back on the reins can also encourage your horse to get stronger in the contact, as he, too, will pull against the pressure. This often leads to a tug-of-war scenario that sends many riders down the rabbit hole of using stronger rein aids and bits.

The rein length should be held by your thumb pressing on top of your index finger. The rest of your fingers should be light and supple so you can give subtle communication aids down the reins. If your fingers are gripping the reins tightly, then any light communication down the rein will be blocked. Therefore, if you want to give your horse an aid, you will need to grip even tighter or pull backward on the reins, which is not good.

Keep your elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers supple, and allow them to "breathe" with your horse's movement, rather than remaining fixed and rigid. The aim is to have "feeling fingers" which open and close to give your horse the required aids. It may only be a slight movement, but trust us, your horse can feel it.

08/07/2025

😍😍😍

"Really pretty!"

"It looks amazing on my grey horse, is high quality, and comes with replacement stones, and it matches the pearls on my ES lavender dressage pad perfectly- will order more!" - M. Osborn

The elegant Pearl Cream Crystal Browband features a row of large cream Swarovski pearls accented by smaller rows of clear crystals above and below.

08/07/2025

08/07/2025

Sweet Gold™ Bit incorporates advanced materials and thoughtful design, ensuring optimal comfort for your horse while promoting a steady connection between rider and mount. With its unique composition, Sweet Gold™ the bit not only maintains its natural glossy appearance but also provides lasting durability for years of reliable use. The perfect balance – a material rich in copper, soft yet durable, with a stunning gold hue that maintains its brilliance over time.

💛 Naturally glossy gold hue
💛 Gentle on the mouth – encourages acceptance
💛 Built to last – no tarnish, no fuss
💛 Smooth communication, every ride

Experience the difference with Sweet Gold™ - where innovation meets tradition to elevate your riding experience to new heights. Say goodbye to frustration and hello to seamless communication with your horse. Choose Sweet Gold™ Bit and ride with confidence.

08/03/2025

Save the date!!!

Save the Date 🎉 Join us on November 15th at Copper Roux in Lexington, KY for our Year End Awards Banquet! 🏆✨

We'll be sharing more information soon regarding RSVP details and important award application deadlines.