02/01/2025
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๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค ๐๐ฑ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฌ
If your horse is unbalanced, heโs more likely to fall in or out on turns, or be unable to maintain momentum without you supporting him. Balance is an important part of self-carriage, which is where your horse is able to carry himself correctly without input from you. Try these exercises:
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Ride some three- and four-loop serpentines down the arena, but only go as far as the centerline before looping back to the track. Changing the direction of the bend tests your horseโs balance and helps you stay focused. Because serpentines require you to bend in both directions, youโll be working both sides of your horse equally.
**For less experienced riders:
Simplify the Loops: Start with large, gentle serpentines with only two loops instead of three or four. This reduces the complexity of the exercise.
Walk Before Trot: Begin at a walk to help beginners focus on steering and maintaining balance through the changes in direction. Progress to a trot only when they feel comfortable.
Shorten the Length: Ride the serpentines within a smaller section of the arena (e.g., just between two markers) to make the exercise less overwhelming.
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Trot down the long side of the arena. Use your inside rein to flex your horse to the inside, so that his shoulders and forelegs move onto the inside track. Your inside leg helps to create the bend and keep him moving forwards, while your outside leg supports his shoulder. Use your outside rein for additional support and, if youโre attempting shoulder-in for the first time, initially only bring your horseโs shoulders in slightly. Once he understands what you want him to do, you can start to ask for a little more angle.
**For less experienced riders:
Focus on the Feel: Instead of a full shoulder-in, start by asking for slight inside flexion (turning the horseโs head slightly to the inside) while maintaining a straight line.
Walk Through It: Perform the exercise at a walk to give the rider time to coordinate aids and feel the movement.
Reduce the Angle: Keep the angle of the shoulder-in minimalโjust enough for the rider to learn how to guide the horseโs shoulders without overcomplicating the movement.
Frequent Breaks: Allow breaks to encourage relaxation and avoid frustration for both the rider and horse.
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In the corner of the arena, ride a demi-volte, finishing on the track. Carry on down the track and smoothly turn into two half 10-metre circles in the middle of the school, so youโre riding an S-shape from one side to the other. When you reach the track again, ride straight, then do another demi-volte so that you end up back on your S-shape. Try this exercise in walk first until you get the hang of it, then give it a go in trot.
**For less experienced riders:
Larger Shapes: Instead of demi-voltes and 10-meter circles, use larger 15- to 20-meter circles to make it easier for beginners to guide the horse.
Start with One Shape: Practice simple, large circles or wide figure-eights first before introducing the S-shape.
Walk the Pattern: Begin at a walk so the rider can focus on planning their lines and steering effectively.
Use Cones or Markers: Place visual aids in the arena to help riders stay on track and create smoother turns.
Other Tips for Less Experienced Riders:
Encourage Relaxation: Keep the pace slow and steady to allow beginners to focus on their aids and maintain balance.
Provide Feedback: Give clear, positive feedback to guide riders on improving their technique.
Emphasize Core Skills: Use these exercises to reinforce seat, leg, and rein coordination without overwhelming them.
Adjust Goals: Success for a beginner might simply be maintaining rhythm and direction, rather than perfect ex*****on of the movements.
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