Everything Horse magazine Magazine, October 2014 | Page 45
WELCOME TO OCTOBERS ISSUE
If your horse is clipped out, an exercise
sheet, which can be fitted around the
saddle is ideal as it means that you can
remove it without having to remove the
saddle. These are ideal for warming up
and cooling down your horse after winter
riding, however if it is windy, be careful it
doesn’t blow around and spook your horse.
If your horse uses your schooling sessions
as an opportunity to mess around, then
you need to plan your time carefully. I
would suggest working on lateral work
such as leg yield and shoulder-in to get
him listening and moving away from your
leg and also get him connected from leg to
hand. I would incorporate lots of changes
of rein and also transitions to get him
listening and relaxed over his back. Horses,
which are spooky, tend to be tight over
their backs and resistant in their contact,
so you need to work quietly in order to
get them soft and through, otherwise your
schooling work will not have the desired
effect on his muscles.
Concentrate on rhythm and straightness
and ensure that he is in front of your leg
at all times. If your horse chooses to spook
at the same end of the arena each time,
then work away from that area until he
is listening your aids and concentrating
on you, then gradually spiral nearer and
nearer until you are able to ride the full
length of the arena without the drama.
Make sure that you after schooling you
cool your horse down correctly, however
safety of both you and your horse are
important so if this means you cannot
stretch him down fully on a long rein
because he is still fresh, then I would
suggest allowing the hand forward with
some stretch, so that if he does decide
to play up –you can regain some control
quickly!
For more information on Jane’s sponsors
visit www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk
Tuition - Jane Lavington is based in
the South-East, but teaches and runs
clinics all over the UK.
Email: [email protected]
October 2014 • Issue 13 • Everything Horse UK Magazine
45