Problem: Article: By the time you start training for dressage, your horse should be used to being on the bit. But that doesn't mean that all bits are the same. Try some different ones to see which your horse responds well to. Some horses prefer a softer bit, while others require a firmer bit. For most horses, a double-jointed bit works best for dressage training. Help your horse loosen their muscles by lunging them out. Hook a simple lunge line to the halter or bridle and lead them in a circle around the enclosure. A typical warm-up session should last about 15-20 minutes. During the warm-up, you can practice changing gaits and directions. It's a good idea to head into the training session with an idea of what you want to work on. Maybe you want to teach a particular stretch or jump. Keep in mind that horses have moods, just like people. If your horse is acting difficult or uninterested, they might need to work on something else that day. Instead of working on a new skill, go back and polish up a skill that you've worked on previously. If your horse is really low energy, try just going for a leisurely ride. You can also try a new skill again the next time. Let your horse know that you are in control by giving clear orders. Use the same types of clucks and verbal commands (like "whoa") during each session. Don't let your horse get away with pulling you or changing directions without being asked. Your horse will feel confident knowing that you are in control. If your horse is having a bad day, give them plenty of breaks. They might just need a rest. Before you can train specific skills in dressage, you need your horse to be able to maintain the same gait for an entire dressage test. Warm your horse up by walking, trotting, and cantering for a few minutes each. Then, ride your horse around the ring several times in a trot. This will help them find their rhythm. Responsiveness is key in dressage, and your horse will find it easier to respond when they're easily able to move and follow cues. To practice circles, place a traffic cone or jump standard in the center of the ring. Practice riding your horse in 20 metres (66ft) circles around the cone. Using the reins, press the horse against your inside leg while turning in the circle. Their nose should be pointed slightly towards the cone as you ride in circles. Spend equal amounts of time riding clockwise and counterclockwise. Horses can get bored with routine. Mix things up by finding different ways to spend time together. You can take trail rides or practice low jumps in place of a more focused training session.
Summary: Choose a bridle and bit that your horse will tolerate. Work your horse on the lunge line to warm them up. Adapt your training plan to fit your horse's mood. Demonstrate clear leadership so that your horse feels comfortable. Establish a steady, consistent rhythm for the duration of the workout. Ride in circles to improve suppleness. Include variety in your training to keep your horse sharp.

Problem: Article: The key component of your bucket drum set is going to be the bucket. A 15 liter (4USgal) bucket is usually a good size for someone of an average height. You can find large plastic buckets at hardware stores or by asking friends or family if they have an empty plastic bucket you can use. You will also need a stool or another bucket of equal or lesser height that you can sit on when you drum. The second key component of your bucket drum set is a pair of wooden drumsticks. Look for drumsticks at your local music supply store or online. You can also use metal drumsticks, but they are often heavier and more difficult to use for beginner drummers. If you plan to move around with your bucket drum set, you can make it portable by making a strap for the bucket drum out of duct tape and rope. Begin by wrapping duct tape around the bucket, a few inches from the bottom of the bucket. Wrap the duct tape around once and then once more again. At the end of the second layer of tape, pinch one inch of the tape to make a loop. Continue wrapping the tape once you make the first loop for five to ten inches and then pinch the tape again to create a second loop. A wider gap between the loops works best if you want to tie the bucket around your waist. A narrower gap between the loops works best if you plan to carry the bucket via a shoulder strap. Wrap the tape around the bucket one more time, layering over the loops so they are double layered. This will make them strong enough to withstand the pull of the rope. Turn the bucket upside down, with the opening on the ground. Then, put duct tape on the bucket vertically over the wrapped section to secure it further. Do this three to four times. Thread the rope through the loops and tie the bucket to your waist or make a shoulder strap with the rope and carry the bucket that way.
Summary: Look for a large plastic bucket. Get wooden drumsticks. Consider making a strap to carry your bucket drum.

Problem: Article: The bully likely interrupted you doing something like class work, reading, work for your job, or just talking to someone else. Ignore them by focusing back on what you were doing. Concentrate on your classwork, or project, go back to reading your book, or keep talking to your friend. Aim for a short period of hard focusing at a time, about 10 minutes. It's easier to focus in short bursts and by the time you are done the bully likely has moved on. Do more difficult tasks first. These tasks will require more of your attention and focus, drawing your concentration away from the bully. Reward yourself for successfully refocusing your attention. Rewarding yourself now will help train your brain and make it easier to refocus next time. If you are in a situation like being on a bus, at work, or in a class, you won't have the ability to get very far away from the person, and walking away entirely is not a solid option. Just try and move as far away from the bully as you can. Move to the other side of the classroom, or the other end of the bus, and stay away from them. It will be easier to distract yourself and get back to what you were doing, and if you happen to be closer to an authority figure they may witness and intervene. If a bully is physically threatening you, immediately move towards an authority figure. If you are in a classroom move towards the teacher. If you are on a bus move towards the driver. You may be concerned about what the bully will think if you move towards an authority figure, but your safety comes first. You can just walk away if you don't feel like saying anything. If you feel like you have to say something, keep it short and simple like "I don't have time for this." A great way to drown out the voices of the bullies is to listen to music you like. Carry headphones with you and put them in when the bully is around. This will help you focus on your work and keep you from reacting to whatever they are saying. Create a playlist that is positive and makes you feel good about yourself. Music will help calm you from painful or stressful situations. Music helps reduce stress and anxiety. Music can help aid in better memory. If you have a friend with you or nearby, enlist their help. Engage them in a conversation or ask them to tell you about their night or their weekend plans. The more distracted you are the less you'll be affected by what the bully is saying and they will lose interest. Talking to a friend will also help with any anxiety you are feeling. The internet can be a great distraction tool, just be careful not to do this during a class or so much during work that it gets you in trouble. You are just looking for something to distract you from the bully until they lose interest. Go to your favorite website. Look for something cute or funny. Check out online resources for bullying. Stop Bullying www.stopbullying.gov National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org/topics/bullying International Association on Workplace Bullying and Harassment www.iawbh.org
Summary:
Concentrate on your work. Move far away or to a safer area. Listen to music. Concentrate on a friend. Use your phone or computer to check out something fun online.