RSM Equestrian, LLC

04/14/2026

Congratulations to Lee and her new horse Novel-T on their Championship at HITS Ocala Spring. So excited for this new partnership.

03/28/2026

This!

Riders often equate effectiveness with effort. If the horse is strong, we hold tighter. If the horse is quick, we pull harder. If something feels uncertain, we reach for the reins first.

“You have to add your hands last,” Carleton Brooks writes. That single sentence reframes how many riders approach control. Hands are not the first solution—they are the final refinement.

Riders are constantly trying to look smooth or subtle, but Brooks points out that even that can become counterproductive. “Or, the rider may carry their hands too low, sometimes trying to be ‘smooth’ or ‘subtle’ or ‘stay out of the way,’ which can become detrimental to the horse being light, forward and balanced.”

Quiet does not mean passive. Soft does not mean absent. Effective hands are supported by a stable body and an engaged leg.

It’s instinct. The reins feel like the steering wheel and the brakes. They’re visible. They’re immediate.

But if your reins are slack and you suddenly pull, Brooks is clear about the result: “If your reins are droopy or slack, your pull becomes a jerk.” A jerk creates resistance. Resistance creates heaviness. Heaviness leads to more pulling.

It becomes a cycle.

Instead, Brooks emphasizes preparation before contact. When slowing down, he advises riders to “try slowly letting out a big breath and settling in.” You are making a suggestion with your body before your hands ever enter the conversation.

📎 Continue reading this article at https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2026/03/26/quiet-hands-effective-aids-the-art-of-invisible-riding/
📸 © The Plaid Horse

11/29/2024

We currently have a few spaces available for retirement or layup board. PM for details

04/06/2024

We are so excited to congratulate Emily DeMoske for qualifying for the IHSA National Championships! It’s so much fun to see her hard work come to fruition. Congratulations Emily and best of luck at Nationals!
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01/16/2024

Top Small Junior Hunter available for sale. Qualified at first show for Junior Hunter Finals and winner of the Small Junior 3’6 Classic at WEC Ocala. Handsome Harvey draws attention with his incredibly good looks and sweet personality, but more importantly he’s a blast to jump. Tons of scope. Tons of stride. Never looks at a jump. Rubber snaffle. Can be tried in Ocala. PM for details.

10/13/2023

Congratulations to Schuyler Dayner, APANAGE and Team Shadow Ridge on being champion 3’3 Large Junior Hunter 16-17!

09/01/2023

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World Equestrian Center Magazine VOL III 2023 is out now! Grab your FREE copy at either venue or read it online now at wec.net! Our cover story pays tribute to Hannah Serfass, the talented young rider who lost her life in a riding accident in April. During her touching memorial service, Hannah’s f...

08/07/2023

We currently have a great group of sales and lease horses:
3 hunters For Sale:
1) That elusive 2’6-3’0 unicorn hunter. 10 years old. Gelding. 16’2. Jumps anything you point him at. Extremely well balanced with an auto change. Super quiet but not numb. Huge stride. Hack winner. Same horse everyday. I can’t say enough good things about this horse. Mid to high fives.
2) Winning Large Junior hunter. International Hunter Derby winner. 16’2 hand 11 year old gelding. Quiet. Easy. Scopey. This one has all the talent and is ready to win for his next rider. 6 figures.
3) 6 year old gelding 17’0+. Great balance, outstanding jump. Beautiful look. Very simple. Currently showing and winning in the 3’0 green. For the rider looking to win at the top shows. 6 figures.

For lease only: THE BEST Children’s/Adult Jumper. Will take your rider from .65m-1.0m. Has his own motor, but is easily controlled. He loves to win, but is also happy to go slow until his rider is ready. Lessee must have good references. Mid 5’s for year lease.
All 3 are available to be tried in Ocala.
We can also help you find your next champion in Europe. PM for details.

08/05/2023

Congratulations to UNTAPPED. Champion first time out! Another great import found by Anoeska Van Osch & Robin Swinderman Mitchell. Special thanks to Eric Dirks for his faith in us

06/16/2023

Monte showing off ❤️

Horse Show Photo of the Day from the Summer Series at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala!!! Move over Special K - Special T is in the house and bringing it!