Strides for Success

Tag: flexion

  • How Flexion can Transform Your Riding

    How Flexion can Transform Your Riding

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1248_How_Flexion_Can_Transform_Your_Riding.mp3″ title=”How Flexion Can Transform Training for You and Your Horse” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Check out this episode on Flexion while riding your horse… ” hashtag=”equestrianpodcast” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    I find it a little mind-boggling how, the longer we spend developing ourselves as riders, the more we need to unlearn. Especially when it comes to those first one or two initial horse riding lessons!

    Using your hands and arms to ‘steer’ the horse is one of those things. And, flexion is often one of the best concepts to help riders become clearer on this. And more open to other possibilities when it comes to their aids, their riding, and steering their horse.

    Flexion versus Bending

    Flexion is bending. In the truest definition of the word, it is often attributed to the bending of a limb; an arm or leg. And when we are talking horses, this can also be true. Many vets will do a flexion test to assess soundness.

    However, flexion when riding is a little more subtle. instead of it being a bend, it is more like a suggestion towards a bend…

    I often describe it to my younger riders as being like the indicator lights on a car (also called blinkers, or turn signals). The point is that the indicator merely suggests to other drivers that you’re about to go a certain way, but they don’t actually steer the car.

    I feel that ‘bending’ while riding is more about the channel of the energy. Where the energy flows as the horse and rider move together.

    When Do We Use Flexion

    As I said, flexion can often suggest or indicate to your horse other things. So, for example, if you were preparing to track to the left, you could ask for a slight flexion to the left first. Or if you were preparing to ask for canter on the right lead, you could ask for flexion to the right first.

    When I’m in the saddle, I like to think of flexion as being a very subtle ‘nod’ in the right direction. Like a little prompt or cue for your horse to follow.

    Flexion is also how we determine ‘outside and inside’ when it comes to our aids. Flexion to the right will result in your right side becoming your inside. And therefore your left side becomes your outside.

    So rather than using your position in the arena to determine inside and outside aids, the flexion of the horse will dictate what’s what 🙂

    [convertkit form=3477209]

    Flexion for Suppleness

    Finally, flexion can be introduced to your daily riding work in order to increase suppleness throughout your horse’s body. And I think this is the key defining element when it comes to really understanding flexion and its true meaning when we are working, training, and developing horses.

    As riders, we can use slight but very intentional flexion as a tool to help develop suppleness and increase elasticity throughout our horse’s bodies

    This brings me to go a little deeper into the word ‘slight’. I’ve already mentioned that bending is more of a way to channel the energy through a turn, on a circle, or around a corner.

    Flexion, when riding, is often far more subtle than bending, and can be achieved anywhere in the ride; riding on the straight or through a bend

    True Suppleness = Flow & Ease

    And what makes flexion so important is that, for many horses, this slight shift in how they carry themselves can allow new pathways to open. Both in how they ‘think’ they can work. And in how their body actually can work.

    Flexion is often the key to softening something that has become hard or rigid – and this is because true flexion allows the energy to continue to flow

    So in instances where a true bend is difficult for the horse and rhythm or relaxation is lost, flexion can be a great introduction to the whole ‘idea’.  This is while still moving forward in relaxation and rhythm. A good example of this is introducing shoulder-fore before riding true shoulder-in.

    Also, because flexion is ‘slight’ and merely an indicator, the horse learns to continue to move forward until another aid or another question is asked

    By working on developing true flexion, even the slightest incline towards it, the horse will begin to create new ways of using his body.  And continuing to implement previous training principles.

    Start on the Ground

    So, like so many things to do with horses, the best place to begin your work with flexion is on the ground. Beside, not on, your horse. I will do a follow-up training on this which you can get delivered to your phone by ENTERING YOUR DETAILS HERE.

    Begin Implementing Flexion into Your Riding

    From here, you can begin to work on this principle with your horse using a simple technique that I will talk about in a step-by-step audio training. This training will be delivered a day after the first one for groundwork. Make sure you DOWNLOAD THE FREE TRAINING HERE

    This is a key concept that can literally transform both you and your horse.  From being hollow and wooden to becoming more ‘loosey goosey’, supple, and ‘able’ in your work together.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Get Support & Guidance in Your Riding

    More on this Topic

  • Creating Space for Better Canter Transitions

    Creating Space for Better Canter Transitions

    [fusebox_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dailystridespodcast/1198_Creating_Space_for_Better_Canter_Transitions.mp3″ title=”Creating Space for Better Canter Transitions” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Here’s how you can begin riding better transitions into the canter…” hashtag=”equestrian #podcast” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    A couple of weeks ago, I gave you an audio horse riding lesson on the Daily Strides Podcast.  It was all about self-carriage and awareness in your body.   Today’s episode is focused specifically on creating the space for better canter transitions with your horse.

    Getting into canter can be a challenge for many riders.   Okay, let’s get a little more specific; transitioning into a good quality canter is a challenge!  This is why I want to specifically chat about how creating space for better canter transitions is so important.  I am a firm believer in putting the basics’ onto autopilot.  And your posture and position as you transition into the canter are just some of those basics.

    What do you want and where?

    So, yes, you want to canter :) But what are you specifically looking for in each particular transition?  Straightness or responsiveness? A clean strike at a specific place on the correct lead?  Maintaining rhythm before and after the transition?  Smooth shifts in the tension levels, otherwise known as relaxation both before, during, and after the transition itself?  All of the above?

    It is a mistake to think that all canter transitions are the same.  Get specific about what you want to work on for each individual transition and then be intentional about doing just that. 

    Once you are clear about what you want, you can then begin to plan where you want it to happen.  It is easy to say ‘in the corner’ or ‘between  A and K’ and if the horse, rider, or both are green, this is all good.  However, as you become more developed, it is essential that you begin to get a little more specific with your questions.

    What is the goal of the transition and where do you want it to take place in the arena?

    Use Flexion like an Indicator to Your Horse

    If you have been having any sort of issues with your transitions into the canter, this is probably one of the first places I would suggest working on.  Too many riders are failing to include flexion in their riding in general.  And especially in their canter transitions.  And I get it… There is a lot to remember, and flexion is just another ‘thing’ to add to the list!

    However, forgetting to include flexion in your canter transitions is like forgetting to use your indicators when you drive your car… It makes it very difficult for anyone else to know what you’re thinking and planning on doing!

    Obviously, when you are preparing to transition into the canter, it’s your horse that ‘needs to know’ your intentions.  Correct use of flexion tells him a lot.  When combined with your other aids, in a certain way, it clearly communicates to him that you do indeed want to transition into the canter.  And it also lets him know what lead you want him to canter on.

    Positioning Yourself for Canter Transitions

    The next key area to look at in order to really work on and improve your canter transitions is your own position. Well-balanced and correct position and posture are key to creating space for your horse to move into the canter.  I have spoken about this in previous Daily Strides Podcast episodes HERE, HERE, and HERE.

    Simply put, the better your position, the easier it is for your horse to hear what it is you want to say.  

    Many riders have the right aids to canter.  They apply the aids correctly.  However, they are let down by poor position or posture because it changes both the placement of your aids and how your seat and weight aids work. Not exactly great for when you are trying to work on improving your canter transitions!

    Poor posture blocks the energy from flowing.  Poor position means that your aids are often asking something different – or nothing at all!   

    Timing Your ‘Ask’ for the Canter Transition

    This is another key element riders fail to consider when they are asking for the transition into the canter.   Asking at the wrong time makes it very difficult for your horse to respond.  He will either have to give a little ‘jig’ so that he can strike the canter.  He might pick up the canter on the incorrect lead.  Or, he might just not canter.  This can often be seen when a horse trots faster, rather than transitions into the canter.

    Asking at the incorrect time for the transition can also cause your horse to become unresponsive in the long term.  

    From working with a lot of different riders over the years, I often find that it is easier for the rider to begin perfecting their timing in the walk.  Obviously, that means that they are riding a walk to the canter transition, rather than trot to canter.

    Working on this in the walk gives you more time, but also a more distinctive feel of what is moving where underneath you at any given time. 

    Obviously, over time, it is also important to work on the trot to canter transition.  However, I have found that this can often be a little more difficult for riders to continue to hold all of the pieces together.  My advice to novice riders is to practice feeling what is moving under you in the walk first.  And then from there, progress onto the trot.

    Allow Your Horse to Step into the Canter

    The final piece is to make space for your horse to then do what you asked him to do.  Many riders have a habit of shutting down the canter before it ever gets started!  This can be done in a lot of different ways, but the two most common are either with their seat or their hands.

    Your job, once you have set up the transition, is to simply get out of the way and allow it to happen.

    Collapsing your upper body, tilting your seat, leaning one way or the other, closing your reins and hands down are all ways you can unintentionally block the canter transition.  Start to become aware of how, maybe, you are doing all the right things to set the transition up, but then blocking it from actually taking place and happening.

    Good, clean, spacious canter transitions take work.  It requires a mental development of the rider, as well as a physical suppling.  I suppose my final piece of advice is, if you are noticing your canter transitions are less than great, perhaps it may be time to stop focusing on your horse.  Rather turn your attention to yourself and what you can do to improve your canter transitions.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Additional Links to Help You:-

  • Understanding Inside and Outside in Your Riding

    Understanding Inside and Outside in Your Riding

    Understanding What Inside and outside means in your Riding

    What this episode is all about & how it can help you:-

    • Understand what inside and outside are when it comes to your aids
    • Take the confusion out of applying your aids correctly
    • Get started reframing how you think and apply your aids
    • Think and ride with your horse…

    There is one thing that I notice time and again when working with riders in the arena…  The confusion that shows up regarding left and right.  Now, bear with me here; of course these riders understand and know their left from their right. Most riders over the age of 6 can do that.

    However, the confusion seems to occur when coupling left and right with a specific aid.  Such as left leg, or right hand.  Even ‘track right’ or ‘ask for flexion to the left’ seems to throw many riders off their game.

    [smart_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1101-Understanding-Your-Inside-and-Outside-while-in-the-Saddle.mp3″ title=”Understand Inside and Outside in Your Riding” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Are you struggling to coordinate your aids? Here is a simple way to think about them that relates to your horse…” hashtag=”equestrian #horseriding” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    I have found that using the terms ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ so much easier for all involved.  But in order to successfully do this, the rider must first understand those terms and how they relate to their horses.

    In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast I will explain ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ with regards to your horse, rather than where you are in the arena. This concept is not only useful for smoothing out those pesky directional issues in the arena. 

    It is essential for you to really understand and apply your aids when on your horse. 

    Begin By Using Your Location in the Arena

    If you are new to these terms, the easiest way for me to explain outside and inside is to use the arena or space you’re working in.  Your outside is the side of your body closest to the rail or fence of the arena.  Your inside is the side of your body closest to the middle or centre of the arena.

    If using your location in the arena to determine outside and inside, remember to ‘swap’ each time you change rein.  Your inside will become your outside and your outside will become your inside.

    Practice thinking of your aids as being ‘outside’ or ‘inside’, rather than right or left.  Once you have become comfortable using this, you can take the next step in your riding.

    Using Your Position on Movements & School Figures

    The next step to correctly using the concept of outside or inside in your riding is to be aware of where you are at any given point in a movement or figure.  This is regardless of where the shape or movement is being ridden in the arena.

    A circle is simple enough to understand.  The outside is the side closest to the edge of the circle.  The inside is the side closest to the centre of your circle.  This is regardless of where your circle is being ridden in the arena.

    For example, your inside leg is the one closest to the middle of your circle.  Your inside leg is the one your horse is bending around. 

    Sometimes you have to ‘break’ or divide shapes up in order to identify inside and outside.  For example if you are riding a serpentine.  Think of it as being a series of semi-circles connected by short straight lines.

    Your Horses Flexion Determines Inside and Outside

    The aim of starting off using your position in the arena or during an exercise is to become familiar with thinking inside and outside.  However, it is only a stepping stone on the way to the real ‘meaning’ of inside and outside in your riding.

    Inside and outside is truly dictated by our horse and the flexion present through your horse. 

    If your horse is flexed or bending to the left, your left becomes your inside. The same applies to the right.  Flexion to the right means the right side is the inside.

    This is important as there are many exercises that have your horse flexing differently to the ‘shape’ you are riding.  Counter canter is a good example of this.  Leg yielding is another example of where it is important to understand that it is your horses flexion, rather than where you are in the arena that decides inside and outside.

    Start Today – And Say Goodbye to ‘Right’ and ‘Left’

    I really believe that you must begin thinking this way in order to move your riding forward.  It is confusing to continue to think in terms of left and right when in the saddle.

    Thinking inside and outside really connects you to what you are doing and what your horse is doing at any given time.  It helps you to work with your horse. 

    Take time to allow yourself to feel confident thinking about your aids as being inside and outside.  Every time you apply an aid, ask yourself is this inside or outside?  Question what makes it one or the other.

    Soon, inside and outside will become second nature to you in the saddle.  And you can banish any confusion of right and left forever!

    Happy Riding

    Lorna

    Other posts, episodes and resources that relate to this topic:-

    Daily Strides Premium

    If you want to learn more about your aids and the application of your aids, Daily Strides Premium is packed full of trainings you can use.  With specific sections on leg, rein and seat aids and then also schooling, you can begin becoming clearer on your aids immediately.

    Couple this with the live Q&As, the monthly review and planning live calls and the members only private group ~ we are here to help you remain accountable as team leader for you and your horse.

    All of the trainings are easily accessed using your phone, meaning that you can take them with you where ever you are going.  These trainings and so much more are available for you immediately when you join Daily Strides Premium. Find out more HERE

  • Asking for The Correct Canter Lead when on the Straight

    Asking for The Correct Canter Lead when on the Straight

    Asking for the Correct Canter Lead when on the Straight

    What this episode is all about & how it can help you:-

    • Understand why correct flexion is everything
    • Get clear on the role of your seat
    • Use your legs to ‘ask’ the question
    • Actually allowing the horse to actually canter

    [smart_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/1064-Asking-for-Canter-on-the-Straight.mp3″ title=”Asking for Canter while on the Straight” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Struggling to strike a correct canter lead on the straight? This episode of the Daily Strides Podcast will help” hashtag=”horseriding #canter #podcast” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    Do you find that canter leads end up getting you and your horse in a bit of a muddle sometimes?  You’ve perhaps noticed that if you ask in the corner you are usually okay…   But, if and when you ask on the straight, well, it seems to be down to chance!  A fifty / fifty chance, but a chance all the same!

    In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast I am focusing about cantering, and the correct leads in canter. I want to help you to strike the correct canter lead 100% of the time, regardless of if you are on a bend or on the straight.

    For many riders, the transition to canter is one that is initially mastered on a corner or bend.  This is because the bend will naturally help ‘set you up’ for success through the transition itself.  However, it is when the same transition is asked while riding a straight line, muddled communication becomes apparent very quickly!

    If you have experienced this, firstly don’t worry.  It is a common issue for many riders and one that is easily ‘straightened out’ when you understand the mechanics behind it all. 

    Correct Flexion is Everything

    I cannot stress enough the importance of correct flexion in cantering.  I find that often riders are so busy trying to get the horse to go forward and into the canter – that they completely forget about the flexion.  The flexion that really must be there if the transition is going to be a successful one.

    I believe that correct flexion is one of the foundational pieces necessary for the correct transition to occur

    With canter you want to have a slight flexion to the inside. Remember that flexion is not a bend. Bending is when the horse’s nose and tail get closer together on the one side of their body, as they bend that way.

    Flexion and Suppleness

    Flexion is more like a slight ‘give’ to one side. What is really important about flexion is that there must be a certain degree of suppleness present in horse and rider.

    If you are fixing or forcing the flexion, then it is not flexion. 

    If you do this then the horse cannot move through the transition into whatever you want him to do. It is important to understand that for flexion there has to be movement.   There has to be suppleness and it has to be ‘loosey goosey’.

    Flexion is not dictated by which rein you are on, it is dictated by whichever canter lead you are asking for.  It is important to decide which is your inside and which is your outside and make that clear to your horse before the transition

    Let’s say you were to ask for a little flexion to the left, then you are going to be setting the horse up to canter on the left lead. It doesn’t mean that you horse veers off to the left, because we are riding a straight line. That is why I said that flexion is not bend, it is just a little ‘give’ – it is an indicator, or a ‘nod’ in that direction.

    Understanding the Role of Your Seat

    Your seat…  We could go deep into what your seat should and should not be doing. However I have covered it in detail in past episodes HERE & HERE.  There is also a complete list complementary episodes on this topic at the bottom of this blog post.

    I see so frequently with riders, that their seat is actually incorrect.  It often shows up in that they are not sitting straight; meaning that there is more of their body on the one side of the saddle than the other side.

    If you are riding on the straight, make sure you are straight in the saddle!  Otherwise you are giving conflicting directions, or asking questions that don’t make sense, to your horse

    How is Your ‘Scoop’?

    The second common mistake I see when it comes to the seat is riders confusing a ‘scoop’ with a ‘dig’.  You can ask for the transition, and the correct canter lead, with your seat.  Very often the term used is to ‘scoop’.

    Unfortunately, what very often happens is that riders will ‘dig’ instead of scoop. Trust me, your horse will not enjoy the feeling of having a hole dug in his back!  He will try to move his back away from you. This usually results in him either go crooked through his body, or hollow through his back. Neither are good when it comes to successful transitions, especially canter transitions.

    Think of your ‘scoop’ as being light, almost like an indicator. You are subtly asking for something ‘more’ or bigger to happen.  And remember, you and your horse must be ‘fluent’ in the seat in order for the ‘scoop’ to work :)

    Using Your Legs to ‘Ask’ the Question

    If you and your horse are not quite proficient in the language of the seat just yet, don’t worry. The easier way ask for the correct canter lead it to use your legs to ask the question.

    In a previous episode HERE we spoke about the ‘legs first or the seat first’ combination. The egg and chicken of horse riding for many riders.  I believe that they are both usually influential on each other.

    This is good news for you as it means that you can use your legs to influence your seat, and your horse, when asking for the canter transition initially

    The simple canter aids are that your inside leg is ‘on’ and your outside leg is slightly back.  However, instead of your outside leg remaining too far back, it is almost as though it plays tag

    Where you ‘tag’ your horse is important.  You don’t want to touch him too far back, closer to his flank (you would be surprised what I have seen riders try and do in an effort to get into canter!).

    I am going to suggest that you be more subtle and let the ‘back’ be just an inch or two behind your usual outside leg position.  Most horses will understand.

    Both Your Legs Have Important Roles in the Transition

    After touching him (tagging) your outside leg will stay a little more back when compared with your inside leg.  This is because your outside seat bone is a little back and your inside seat bone a little more forward as your horse canters.

    It is equally important to realise that it is not just your outside leg doing all the work.  When your outside leg is ‘tagging’ your horse,  your inside leg will be asking for ‘more’ energy.  This can be with your inside seat bone, and this is where the scoop comes in.

    Allowing the Horse to Actually Canter

    Once you have asked the question, you now have to actually allow your horse to canter!  We spoke about straightness through your body at the beginning of this post, and this is where it is really key to remain ‘straight.  Equal amounts of your body and weight on both sides of your saddle.

    It is also really important to make sure that you haven’t allowed your body to tip forward as your horse took that first step into the canter.   Your correct position is essential to allowing your horse to canter

    When it comes to ‘allowing’, I personally believe that it is all about your seat.  If you are shut down the energy through your seat, your horse can no longer go forward

    A simple way to imagine this is to imagine yourself sitting up and allow your seat to lead.  Your body must simply follow through from your seat.

    I believe there is an invisible connection between your seat and your hands, and by allowing through your seat, you allow through the hand.  This, in turn, allows your horse to move into the canter.

    Practicing the Correct Canter Lead While on the Straight

    Like all things in horse riding, this too is going to require practice. I would strongly suggest schooling on this using the centre line or a quarter line.

    A simple exercise you can do which will allow you to keep moving forward in your riding is to work on the quarter line.  Ask for the canter while on the quarter line.  Then change rein across the long diagonal.  As you change rein, transition down to trot and use the time to rebalance and establish your trot.  Then simply ride down the opposite quarter line ask for the other canter lead.

    Of course, there are many different schooling exercises and movements you can use to practice this.  What is important is to remember the flexion and ‘how’ you are asking your horse for the canter transition.

    Happy Riding

    Lorna

    Links mentioned in the episode:-

  • Exercises to Help Loosen a Stiff Horse

    Exercises to Help Loosen a Stiff Horse

    Exercises to Loosen a Stiff Horse

    Does your horse find doing things on one rein a lot easier than on the other?  Or perhaps you’ve noticed ‘something’ as you round a corner or bend?  Maybe even as you ask for a lateral movement?

    It feel like, rather than responding how you want him to, he bulges to the wrong side or against you?

    Horses, just like humans, become stiff in certain areas of their bodies for many reasons.  When we say the word ‘stiff’, we are referring to a lack of suppleness in that area.  A certain looseness and ease that is missing when performing a particular movement or exercise.

    [smart_track_player url=”https://op3.dev/e/traffic.libsyn.com/dailystridespodcast/551-Exercises-to-Loosen-a-Stiff-Horse.mp3″ title=”Exercises to Loosen a Stiff Horse” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” tweet_text=”Is your horse not as ‘loosey goosey’ as you would like? This will help supple things up…” hashtag=”equestrian #horseriding #makeeveryridegreat” twitter_username=”strides_success” ]

    In this episode of the Daily Strides Podcast I discuss stiffness in your horse.  Stiffness is a lack of suppleness; which is essential to your horses correct development.

    What is Suppleness?

    Suppleness is basically a measure of how loose, flexible or pliable your horse is through his body.  A lot of horses, just like us,  need to loosen out quite a bit before they can use their body to the fullness of its potential.  This is why a good, well planned and then ridden warm up is vitally important to set the tone for the quality of work that will happen in the schooling session.

    Your horse needs to work through any stiffness if he is to be able to fully use his body to perform any tasks you require.

    Very often stiffness shows up in bad behaviour.  An unwillingness to do what is asked.  It can also be reason for loss of balance or rhythm.

    A lack of suppleness is tightness or tension in an area when asked to stretch, lengthen or even, in more pronounced cases, move in general.

    Working With Your Horse – Not Against

    Confirmation can play a large part in how your horse uses his body and it is important to realise this when working with your horse.

    Work to his strengths rather than focusing on his weaknesses.

    You will never change a short neck, however you can learn how to work with it!  Keep in mind that all horses can be improved upon with time and consistent, correct, sympathetic exercises which help loosen up any areas that they are experiencing a lack of flexibility in.

    Types of Suppleness in Your Horse

    When supplying our horses, we must think both longitudinally and latitudinally, so as our horse can fully perform his job to the best of his ability

    Longitudinal suppling is from tail to head over the topline of your horse.  It helps to loosen out the back as well as the joints in the legs and can be done with stretching long and low, raising the back, and basic transitions up and down between the gaits.

    Latitudinal suppling is sideways movements.  Asking your horse to cross one back leg, or one front leg, in front of the other and so on.  This helps to loosen the shoulders, and hips as well as the leg joints and, to some degree back as well.

    Latitudinal suppling exercises can also help to loosen up the poll and neck areas of your horse through sideways flexion.

    Noticing Where Your Horse is Stiff

    Very often knowing where to begin will become evident when you pay close attention to how your horse performs the same movement or exercise on both reins.  Is the movement and way of going equal on both sides?  Or is there any bracing or loss of balance and rhythm on one side over the other?

    Stiffness is far more common than most riders realize.  In fact, a lot of issues that are often put down to a lack of discipline or attentiveness or just being downright naughty is actually the result of a horse being stiff.  Being stiff will cause the horse to be unable to really perform the movement in the first place

    So we have already mentioned that your horse may show resistance if stiff.  Or he may be unable or unwilling to bend and flex if any stiffness is present.  There may also be a shorter range of motion in that area.

    So whether it be through the muscles, or joints, stiffness will feel like your horse is ‘resisting’ you.  It becomes even more evident if you ask him to ‘use’ himself and move out of what your horse perceives as his comfort zone.

    Identifying the Stiffness & the Cause…

    Unfortunately with many riders, the initial reaction is to use the reins, particularly the inside rein, to ‘fix’ the problem.  They do this by essentially forcing the horse into the desired shape…  This will inevitably lead to more stiffness in other areas as the horse tries to compensate.  It also can often cause your horse to ‘bulge’ even more!

    So once we have identified any stiffness, and before we begin working particular exercises into warm-ups and schooling sessions, it is important to find the cause of the problem so you can remove it if possible

    • Have the tack, particularly the saddle, checked by a qualified saddler
    • Make sure that you are not sitting lopsided or crooked in the saddle
    • Assess yourself for stiffness – I highly recommend Yoga – which you may be transferring to your horse
    • Rule out any physical problems such as joints, hooves, teeth, back etc

    And once you are sure that there is nothing external or internal adding to the problem, you can then begin working towards loosening your horse out by formulating a long-term plan or program to help him

    Working with a Stiff Horse

    Take things right back to basics and back to the beginning.  Notice when any resistance or stiffness shows up as you perform simple movements.  This is important both during both your warm up and when schooling.  Take note of which side is the stiffness more pronounced and what type of movement it is more evident; lateral or longitudinal.

    More than anything, keep in mind that consistency is king and time will play a huge part in working through any hardness or stiffness that your horse is experiencing.  Consistency in how you ask and how you respond.  This means asking the correct way and then expecting a certain result.  Remember to reward any move in the right direction, no matter how small.

    If you have ever experienced any stiffness in your own body, you will know that while you can do a lot in one day, generally the problem will resurface again the next day, and will require just as much attention and patience to loosen out again

    Also keep in mind that if the stiffness is due to age, a past injury or wear and tear, you may have to find ways to work around it rather than thinking of ‘fixing’ it

    Where to Begin Loosening Your Horse

    Start by aiming to loosen your horse along his back and topline.  Transitions up and down between halt, walk and trot to help longitudinal supplying.  Later lengthening and shortening within the gait itself will also help to eradicate any excess tension or stiffness that is lurking there.

    You can then begin adding some sideways, or latitudinal, suppling into your warm up or schooling sessions.  Bending your horse left and right, both while keep your horse straight – such as on a circle or center line –  or while moving sideways such as shoulder in or haunches in will help him.  Also the slight flexion required for leg yielding works well to help him begin moving more freely through his body.

    Working Through Any Stiffness – The ‘Right’ Way

    Whatever you decide to do, it is really important that you take time, and lots of it!  Don’t just drill your horse for hours and hours constantly stretching the ‘stiff’ area.  Rather than loosening your horse up, this will most likely cause an injury or end up creating another problem elsewhere as your horse tries to compensate for the discomfort you are causing him.

    Rather work a few small but correct steps in throughout the overall session and then, as he begins to loosen up over the coming weeks, increase the difficulty for him – step by step and inch by inch.  If you feel you are forcing him into an uncomfortable or difficult position, you are pushing too far.

    Slowly and consistently riding correct exercises is what will work best in the long run to help your horse either work out or manage any stiff areas in his body.

    Happy Riding

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  • Lightening Up on Your Inside Rein

    Lightening Up on Your Inside Rein

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    When we first learn to ride, turning is often explained to us as merely a ‘tug’ or pull on one rein or the other to turn our horse’s head. There’s a general consensus being that where his head turns, his body will go…

    However, anyone who has ridden a determined pony or horse will know that this is very often not the case… You can point the head where you ‘want’ to go. But, very often, your horse will crab along sideways, almost following his hindquarters. This is usually in the opposite direction; which 90% of the time is the same direction as the stable!

    Later as we become more accomplished in the saddle, what started out as a simple instruction in our first lesson, has become an ingrained habit.

    Something that we often feel nervous or anxious about giving up control over!

    Early Riding Lessons

    So why are we thought to turn this way if it is indeed incorrect? And why, later when we get into the nitty-gritty details of riding, are we constantly hearing about softening or lightening our inside rein?

    Lightening Up on the Inside Rein

    I think the reason that we are thought this initially is threefold…

    Firstly, we get a quick win under our belts which then leaves us wanting more (translate into booking more riding lessons!).  Secondly, even the best-coordinated person struggles when they first get into the saddle to use their different limbs and body parts in different ways all at the same time to produce the desired result!  And lastly, it’s a control thing and one that we need to learn to let go of!

    The Importance of the Inside Rein

    However, the inside rein is a vitally important part of riding, for flexion, support and balance.   Today I want you to begin thinking of your inside rein as having more of a supporting role rather than being the lead character in your riding performance

    Often we have become so set in our ways of depending completely on our inside rein, that the only way to get out of this habit is to go cold turkey before we can then begin thinking about and practicing lightening up on it.

    So, let’s think about being on a 20m circle to the right in the walk.  If you were to drop your inside rein, what would happen?  You will notice I said ‘drop’ here…  Yes, cold turkey means that – nothing; letting go; surviving and riding on without it!  You would probably think, well my horse will just begin walking large around the arena again… Or, he may even begin to track left!

    And initially, you may be correct, he might just do that.

    The key to getting over your dependency on the inside rein is to start thinking of all the other aids you have at your disposal to help communicate with your horse that you want him to continue tracking right on the 20m circle.

    A Balance of Your Aids

    Firstly, there is your seat and weight aids.  Think of sliding your inside seat bone forward and, in doing so, the inside seat bone becoming a little more weighted.

    Then, shift your attention to what your inside leg is doing…  This is particularly important and often the key to keeping your horse going in the direction you are looking for.  If you are only now holding your outside rein (which in this case is your left rein) your inside leg or right leg is the aid that will balance that strong or leading outside rein.  We can often see this better in action if you were to drop your inside rein while traveling down the long side of the school.

    Without the inside leg, your horse would completely bend to the outside, however your inside leg regulates the ‘pull’ of the outside rein.

    Then we have your outside leg.  This is probably the most forgotten aid of all in your toolbox.  Use your outside leg to indicate to your horse to move around your inside leg.  Again, using our 20m circle to the right, your outside leg being your left leg, it will literally pick up the slack from your inside rein and keep ‘indicating’ to your horse to continue on around the circle, or more to the point, around your inside leg.

    You may initially find that your horse is just wandering around the school or arena, but I really encourage you to keep continuing to try ride the circle without any use of your inside rein.  

    Your Mind is an Aid Too…

    I also advise having a quick ‘check-up’ with what is going on in your head and translating it to your body…  Are you feeling nervous about the ‘lack of control’?  It could be that you’re feeling a little stiff, wondering what will happen?  Or maybe you are trying to influence your horse with your upper body by leaning or shoving – please don’t!

    Or has your outside rein gone on vacation, across the withers, to the ‘other side’ in an unconscious attempt to neck rein your horse to the right?!

    Keep focusing on just asking correctly with your aids; seat, inside leg, outside leg and outside rein, and slowly you will begin to see that your horse begins to pay attention to what you are asking…  He may even begin to walk on a ‘circle’ (of sorts!).

    Remember to keep verbally rewarding your horse when he makes a move in the correct direction.

     Keep in mind that you have trained him to follow your inside rein and retraining him to rather look for other indicators and signals will take time, consistency and patience from your part as a rider.

    Work in Both Directions

    Once you have begun making progress on the right rein, begin working on the left rein.  Swap your inside for your outside and vice versa and then, letting go of your new inside rein (left rein), ask your horse to now pick up a 20m circle to the left.

    Continue to practice this on both reins until you have begun to believe that you can indeed influence your horse to turn without pulling on your inside rein.  I think believing you can do it, is a big part of overcoming your dependency on it!

    You can also, once you have mastered your circles in walk and if it is safe to do so depending on your level of experience and your particular situation, pick up trot and even canter on the circle.  You may notice that initially things may go a little haywire. They can when you factor more speed and movement into the equation!  But, again, stick with it until you can communicate to both yourself and your horse that the inside rein is not what is turning your horse!!

    Re-Introducing Your Inside Rein

    So, we mentioned at the beginning that your inside rein is a vitally important part of your riding.  Now it is time to invite your inside rein back on stage.  But keep in mind all the time that it merely has a supporting role in your whole performance.

    In riding, just like acting, timing is everything and knowing when and how to use your inside rein to influence and support your horse is vitally important.  A badly timed squeeze or softening of the rein can be the difference between your horse staying balanced and your horse falling onto his forehand. 

    This is due to the fact that the inside rein, when used, will affect the inside hind leg and your horse’s inside hind leg is where most of his forward propulsion and balance stems from.

    I would first suggest beginning to practice ‘timing’ this with a very loose inside rein where you really don’t have any contact.  Practice ‘allowing’ with your arm, more notably your elbow, and then taking it back or resisting.

    However with your inside hand, rather than thinking of resisting, think of ‘indicating’.  It is merely a suggestion rather than a hard and fast order.

    Influencing the Inside Hind Foot

    Your aim is to communicate what needs to be said when your horse’s inside hind foot is on the ground.  When he is lifting his inside back foot off the ground and bringing it forward, any pulling or resisting on your inside rein will result in the hind leg not coming as far forward as you would like. This will result in a loss of balance or impulsion for your horse.

    Said differently, your aim is to be soft or light with your inside rein as your horse’s inside hind leg is in the air and moving forward

    Your horse must be schooled, obedient and responsive to then follow through with that suggestion himself in order for your inside hand to truly be effective.  Again, this comes back to consistency on your part. And, also, saying goodbye to the dependency you may have built up on your inside rein.

    Creating Contact with Your Inside Rein

    Once you feel comfortable with giving and taking the loose inside rein, begin to develop a contact by shortening your inside rein.  Make sure you do this slowly, in gradual little increments, so as to not grab it and undo all the work you have just put in.

    Test your effectiveness while riding up the center line.  Can you flex your horse’s poll one way or the other using your inside rein, without losing any forward momentum or your horse stepping to the inside, which will happen if he feels unbalanced?

    You can also go back to your circle and using your other aids to maintain the circle, just use your inside rein to ask for flexion through the poll to the inside.  You should find that your horse will have a more active gait on the circle, have more balance and just be a happier horse overall!

    Remember your inside rein is only the supporting character and without your other aids, the whole performance is pretty much guaranteed to be a flop!

    If, over time, you feel that you are beginning to pull or depend a little too much on your inside rein again, take it back to riding without it for a few minutes in the arena to reassert your other aids again.

    Happy Riding
    Lorna

    Additional Resources for Equestrians

    Lightening Up on Your inside Rein