From Smooth Canters to Perfect Lines – Natural Horsemanship Training with Leah Van Ewijk
- Phil Goodwin
- Aug 13
- 2 min read
The round yard was alive with focus this week as Gigi and Leah fine-tuned every detail for the upcoming Junior Rider Challenge. From perfecting centre-line precision to achieving the slowest, softest canter yet, each ride brought new layers of skill and connection.
“If you’re aware of where you should come through the centre, you’ll get high points. Most kids just go everywhere.” – Leah
Gems of Wisdom from Leah
Key Lessons in Natural Horsemanship Training with Leah Van Ewijk
On fixing issues early: “Don’t bandaid things… if she’s pulling, back her up. She should do everything off a loose rein.”
On canter control: “Hold her back when you ask, so she goes—but she goes slowly.”
On building lasting habits: “Don’t let her practice doing it wrong… fix it every time until it becomes her norm.”
On obstacle work: “Everything, you’re going to have more control the slower you go.”
Small Wins, Big Impact
Precision on the Centre Line
Leah had Gigi aim for the judge as her visual anchor in patterns. The difference was immediate – straighter lines, smoother corners, and more consistent rhythm.
Slow, Collected Canter Breakthrough
In one standout moment, Leah beamed:
“That was the best she’s done for a bit… perfect, Gigi, perfect!”
Paige not only transitioned into canter softly but held it in collection, ready for both show ring patterns and cattle work.
Spins and Rollbacks Coming Alive
Spins are no longer just turns—they’re starting to pop. Leah worked on freeing up Paige’s shoulders and sharpening her response to Gigi’s legs. The challenge? Building enough leg strength so Paige can’t lean through the aids.
Utility Obstacle Prep
Gate work was on the menu, using two posts and a string as a stand-in. The focus: approach slowly, position precisely, and move both hindquarters and shoulders with finesse.
Why This Matters
These are more than just technical upgrades—they’re confidence builders. Each tiny gain is banked in both Gigi’s muscle memory and Paige’s understanding, so that in the heat of competition, calm precision comes naturally.
Natural horsemanship training with Leah Van Ewijk is about shaping every interaction so the horse wants to work with you, not just for you. As Leah says:
“Once she realises a little hard work gets her a stop, she’ll want to do that hard work.”
Looking Ahead
With a few more sessions before show day, the plan is to keep layering the details—slower corners, softer transitions, and confident obstacle work—while keeping sessions calm and rewarding.
Gigi’s steady improvement is proof that consistent, thoughtful practice beats last-minute cramming. Come competition weekend, she won’t just be riding patterns; she’ll be riding with feel, flow, and quiet confidence.
Follow Gigi’s journey at Golden Glade Ranch as she takes on her first Junior Rider Challenge, blending natural horsemanship with the grit of competition. Share your own training tips in the comments below, or explore our other posts on building trust, connection, and skill in young horses.
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