Cedar Ridge Equestrian

21/12/2025

Know the rules for 2026! A full revision of the FEI Eventing Rules was approved at the 2025 General Assembly – here is an overview of the main changes that come into effect on 1st January 2026 (read more in our latest News article - link in Comments below)

17/12/2025

14/12/2025

If lateral work feels like a brain teaser on horseback, you’re not alone.

Most riders have heard things like:

“Bend… no, not in the neck!”
“Shoulders in, ribcage yielded, hindquarters straight — nope, now you've lost the shoulders!”
“Forward… but sideways… but don’t lose the rhythm!”

And at some point your brain just says:
“I’m sorry… you want me to coordinate what??”

The truth is, lateral movements are incredibly powerful tools for improving the horse’s balance, straightness, and rideability — but only when we understand what we’re asking for.

So today I want to break down a few of these movements in simple, rider-friendly terms you can take straight into your next ride.

⭐ Leg Yield — Where it All Begins

Form: Slight flexion away from the direction of travel, moving forward and sideways.
Function: Teaches the horse to move off your leg and keeps the body mostly straight.
Feeling: Like the horse is “gliding” sideways with soft ribs.
Why it matters: This is the foundation of all bending and straightening work.

⭐ Shoulder-In — The Engagement Builder

Form: Slight inside bend, shoulders brought just to the inside on three tracks.
Function: Encourages the inside hind to step under and carry more weight.
Feeling: The horse feels “wrapped” around your inside leg, with lifted shoulders.
Why it matters: This movement improves almost everything — straightness, strength, balance, suppleness.

⭐ Travers (Haunches-In) — Teaching the Horse to Sit

Form: Bend around the inside leg, hindquarters step inward.
Function: Builds hindquarter strength and prepares for half pass.
Feeling: The inside hind steps more underneath your seat with a soft, even curve.
Why it matters: Essential for developing collection and power.

⭐ Half Pass — The Diagonal Dance

Form: Like travers but on the diagonal, with bend in the direction of travel.
Function: Combines strength, balance, bend, and coordination.
Feeling: Like the horse is carrying you diagonally uphill.
Why it matters: This is advanced work, but it grows out of all the basics above.

⭐ So What Do Lateral Movements Do as a Whole?

Regardless of discipline — dressage, eventing, hunters, western, trail — lateral work makes your horse:

More balanced

Straighter

Softer in the body

More adjustable

More responsive to leg, seat, and rein

More confident carrying weight from behind

And they help you, the rider:

Coordinate your aids

Feel correct bend

Influence shoulders and hindquarters separately

Develop timing and body awareness

Build a more educated seat

Understand when the horse is truly straight and connected

When riders truly “get” lateral work, everything else becomes easier:
Transitions, circles, straight lines, jumping, even hacking out.

If lateral movements have ever felt complicated or overwhelming, I promise—they don’t have to.

I’ve put together a resource that breaks down each movement into:
Form • Function • Feeling • Rider Aids
…in simple, rider-friendly language you can instantly apply.

The link is in the first comment if you want it.
But whether or not you grab it, I hope this explanation helps something click in your next ride. 💛

06/12/2025

Great visual

✨ That moment when your horse actually starts to collect feels like magic that you just can’t quite put into words.
Everything becomes quiet. Light. Effortless.
Almost like you’re just floating on air.

But here’s the part that still blows people’s minds 🤯
That beautiful feeling isn’t coming from “holding the front up”.
It’s coming from allowing the horse to lift their thoracic sling, which will shift their weight back into their hindquarters.

In today’s post, you’ll see Eric in 2 phases
Left side is his non-collected, everyday posture with open joints, a higher croup, and little abdominal tone.
Right side shows his collected posture where he
• Takes more weight behind
• Flexes his joints more deeply
• Lowers the croup (see arrow)
• Activates his abdominal muscles much more clearly

These are the moments where real muscle building happens 💪🏻
The joints become protected,
the passive structures get relief
and the body starts changing from the inside out.

Small note before you compare 🔍
The right photo is zoomed in a little closer, so look at the angles and lines instead of the frame size.

Have fun analysing and let me know what you feel when your horse begins to lift and carry in this way 🤓👀✨

26/11/2025

𝐄𝐇𝐕-𝟏 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐇𝐌 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

𝟏𝟏/𝟐𝟓/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝟏𝟎:𝟒𝟎𝐚𝐦

The current EHV-1 case total associated with the Waco, TX outbreak is 32, 26 of which are the EHM/neurologic form. Affected states at this time include Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, South Dakota, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Washington state. There are not reported numbers of mortalities to present.

What do we predict will happen over the next few weeks? Dr. Buchanan at Brazos Valley Equine has put together a great explanation of what we can expect as far as timeline, waves of the virus and how exposure is defined. This is why we will still expect to see new fevers and new cases, and why continued monitoring and biosecurity practices remain crucial so we can mitigate disease spread. Rather than continue to panic and cause distress, this is an expected flow of EHV and we can continue to all slow spread and identify cases to the best of our ability.

The total cases reported at this time do appear to skew the numbers and make it seem like there is a significant amount of horses with EHM over the respiratory form of EHV-1, however we know that the majority of exposed horses will not develop neurologic disease. Additionally, cases are likely under-reported and all exposed horses may not be getting tested.

𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:

𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐝𝐚 (𝟏𝟏/𝟏𝟗)

- Entry permits required until January 1, 2026
- 21 day rule applies (has not been at a premise where a confirmed case of EHV-1 has been in the last 21 days)
- Health Certificates/CVI’s are valid for 30 days from date of issuance, though it needs to be sent with supporting documentation to obtain an entry permit
- Supplemental statements required on CVIs

𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐚 (𝟏𝟏/𝟏𝟗)

- Health Certificates/CVIs for horses coming from a state with a confirmed case of EHV-1 (TX, OK, LA, SD, CO, NM, AZ, WA) in the last 30 days are only valid for 5 days
- Non-positive origin states: 30 day health certificates accepted
- Supplemental statements required on CVIs

𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐚 (𝟏𝟏/𝟐𝟏)

- CVIs/health certificates must be issued no earlier than 72 hours prior to travel in MT
- Horses potentially exposed to EHV-1 within 14 days of inspection are not eligible for import/travel into MT
- Horses displaying clinical signs of EHV-1 or EHM are not eligible for import/travel into MT

𝐎𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐧 (𝟏𝟏/𝟏𝟗)

- No current restrictions, but event producers need to register their event with the OR Dept. of Ag. 20 days prior to event, collect records of attendees and horses present and have a designated isolation area available at events.

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐚 (𝟏𝟏/𝟐𝟓)

- No current restrictions, but horses returning from exposed events/facilities are recommended to be isolated for 21 days with twice daily temperature monitoring and increased biosecurity.

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨

- Supplemental statements required on CVIs/health certificates
- No current restrictions

*not all states have posted restrictions, even those with positive cases - these are the only valid restrictions/reccomendations I was able to find*

The majority of states are not accepting 6-month passports (Extended Equine Certificates of Veterinary Inspection/EECVI) at this time. Shorter term health certificates (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection/CVI) are still being accepted and can be issued by your veterinarian for travel. If you are traveling, you and your veterinarian should contact the destination state for the most current regulations.

Additional states may require supplemental statements on CVIs/health certificates - it is recommended to contact the destination state when traveling to find out the most current regulations.

- Dr. Cooper

NV recommendations, supplemental statements and updates can be found here: https://agri.nv.gov/Animals/Animal_Disease/Import_Requirements/

AZ recommendations, supplemental statements and updates can be found here:https://agriculture.az.gov/sites/default/files/Letterhead%20Color-NEW%20LOGO-MOVEMENT%20RESTRICTIONS-SIGNED.pdf

MT recommendations and updates can be found here: https://news.mt.gov/Department-of-Livestock/Equine-Import-Alert

OR recommendations and updates can be found here: https://www.oregonvma.org/news/oda-implements-rules-to-help-prevent-the-spread-of-equine-herpesvirus

CA recommendations and updates can be found here: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/equine_herpes_virus.html

CO recommendations and supplemental statements can be found here: https://ag.colorado.gov/animal-health/reportable-diseases/equine-neurologic-disease/equine-herpes-virus-outbreakey o

23/11/2025

𝐄𝐇𝐕-𝟏 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐇𝐌 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

11/23/2025 09:00am

The current EHV-1 confirmed case count is 27, with 21 of those cases being the EHM (neurologic) form of the disease. The affected states are Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Washington state.

There has been a significant amount of speculation on how high the case load actually is. It is important to remember that while there is a delay in positive test reporting, all owners may not necessarily choose to have their animals tested. Additionally, it was speculated that some animals passed prior to testing being performed, falsely decreasing positive numbers. It is quite important to realize that there is no way to verify these speculations without data present, which was the instigator for this series to be written - we’d like to keep you all up to date on the facts that have been presented. These outbreak situations are stressful enough as it is without guesswork and the proverbial social media firestorm that is happening as a result. The fact of the matter is, we all only what want is best for our horses & to keep them safe.

That being said, Arizona and Nevada continue to be the only states with updated travel regulations.

𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐚 (𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝟏𝟏/𝟏𝟗)

- Previous 30-day health certificates will only be valid for 5 days if the origin state has had an EHV-1/EHM detection in the previous 30 days
- Supplemental statements are required on the health certificates (found here: https://agriculture.az.gov/sites/default/files/Letterhead%20Color-NEW%20LOGO-MOVEMENT%20RESTRICTIONS-SIGNED.pdf)
- Extended (6-month passports) health certificates are cancelled and availability will be paused for the next 30 days
- Additional rules due to early November vesicular stomatitis outbreak listed on site

𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐝𝐚 (𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝟏𝟏/𝟏𝟗)

- Implementation of an Entry Permit System - All health certificates (CVIs), test results and supporting documents must be faxed/emailed to the permit office for review, then details submitted to the online permit system to obtain an entry permit number
- Entry permits will be required until January 1, 2026
- Health certificates must have supplemental statements (Found here https://agri.nv.gov/Animals/Animal_Disease/Import_Requirements/)
- Animals will be denied entry if they have been on a premise or at an event with a confirmed case of EHV-1/EHM in the last 21 days ( Extraco Events Center, 377 Arena, Lazy E Arena, Jackson County)
- Additional rules due to early November vesicular stomatitis outbreak listed on site

The National Finals Rodeo & Junior National Finals Rodeo is planning on continuing as scheduled with additional rules & regulations in place with the safety of their equine athletes at the forefront.

Major events that are being postponed or rescheduled include the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway and the 2025 National Finals Breakaway Roping. A significant number of large barrel races, professional rodeos, horse sales and other western performance events have also been cancelled in multiple states in an effort to reduce spread during this time.

- Dr. Cooper

Update:

MT Dept of Ag has released the following regulations:

“- All equines entering Montana must be traveling on a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) issued no earlier than 72 hours prior to travel into Montana. This 72-hour restriction also applies to equines who are issued a CVI in Montana to travel out-of-state and are returning to Montana on the same CVI.
- Equines that may have been exposed to EHV-1 within 14 days prior to CVI inspection are not eligible for importation into Montana until this order is lifted.
- Equines exhibiting any clinical signs consistent with EHV-1 or EHM, including a fever, are not eligible for importation into Montana until this Order is lifted.
- All other importation requirements for equines eligible for entry into Montana pursuant to this Order remain in place

Up to date confirmed cases can be found here: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/news/article/Equine-Herpesvirus-Myeloencephalopathy-(EHM)-Outbreak

Arizona equine travel regulationscan be found here:https://agriculture.az.gov/sites/default/files/Letterhead%20Color-NEW%20LOGO-MOVEMENT%20RESTRICTIONS-SIGNED.pdf

Nevada travel regulations can be found here: https://agri.nv.gov/Animals/Animal_Disease/Import_Requirements/wng

20/11/2025

Good visual

Straightening your horse is a lot like riding a bike.🚲

When you ride too slow on a bike, you wobble, drift, and lose your balance.

The same happens with your horse.

If you ride forward into the bridle and you receive the connection in your hand, your horse gives you the chance to steer, to balance him, and to influence the whole body.

Forward energy makes the contact more stable and makes straightness possible.

Ride too slow and the balance drops onto the forehand.

Ride forward from back to front into the bridle, and suddenly the steering, the balance, and the reaction to your hand all fall into place.

Just like on a bike, when the forward flow is there, it becomes much easier to keep balance and direction.

Do you feel this with your horse too?

rienvanderschaft dressagetrainer dressagehorse dressagerider dressagetips

18/11/2025

United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to introduce new rules on permitted stirrups from 1 December 2025.

Two common types of stirrups will be banned in USEF events on safety grounds!

Effective Dec. 1, 2025, rule GR801 regarding saddle attachments states that “no piece of equipment shall be attached to a saddle that has a rigid upward pointing projection, hook, or similar object capable of catching a rider’s clothing or person when dismounting, including stirrups.”

https://www.usef.org/media/equestrian-weekly/what-to-know-aboutus-equestrians-new-stirrup?

04/11/2025