Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Weekly Exercise #5

Whoa!! Time got away from me! It's already Wednesday and I owe you a weekly exercise so without further adieu...

As the horse becomes looser his gaits become more expresive. This week we will focus on loosening and softening the horse.

The little trot transition:

Small transitions made often will have a softening effect on the horse's body. To ride this exercise start at the walk on the rail. Go large (continue on the rail around the entire arena), after 10-12 strides of active walk ask for a slow trot. Trot for only 4-5 strides then ask for the walk. Execute these small transitions numerous times and in both directions.

Be comfortable with a small slow trot, don't push your horse. Do this exercise for 10-15 minutes. You want to feel your horse soften and make very smooth transitions between the gaits.


Happy riding! - Erin 

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