About the author: Julie Alonzo and her home-bred Andalusian mare CDC Memoria, currently compete at the Intermediate
A level.
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forehand. When this is not being achieved, the horse will fall on the forehand as he changes bend. This is especially important when performing the canter changes because the hind leg properly stepping forward will create the necessary balance for the new lead.
A great exercise to work on teaching what has been mentioned here is riding serpentine figures. The figure gives you plenty of time to create bend/flexion, ask for a turn, and gives you straight strides into change of bend into the new direction wherein you repeat the process. You can also use lateral exercises to strengthen the hind legs. The leg stepping forward and sideways under the horse’s center of gravity causes that leg to bear more weight and improves flexibility. This will help you to build better engaging ability.
Possible Ways to Increase the Single Slalom Score
The Single Slalom Assessment Criteria in the Working Equitation rulebook states, “The judge will evaluate the horse’s calm, precise action; fluid and continuous movement; quality of gait; overall manner in performing this obstacle; and the quality of the lead changes.”
Horses that understand bend/flexion, and change of bend, will naturally maintain regularity of the gait and promote relaxation. The symmetry and geometry of the Single Slalom figure/movement will also improve.
Wrap Up
The horse's ability to properly bend, flex, and change bend are a major foundation to the Single Slalom and many other obstacles and movements too! You should school this ability from the start. Holes within this skill will show up in the quality of the horse’s gaits, relaxation, and balance, and in the ability to ride figures with the proper geometry and symmetry. Over time, as your horse gains strength, you will add more collection and be able to perform proper bend within more advanced gaits and movements.
About the Author
Erica Peet has been a horse lover all her life, but she did not ride her first horse until she was 21! Once was all it took before she was hooked. Erica specializes in training and showing Andalusians. She has done well in many of the English divisions, earning National Championship titles in Hunt Seat, Dressage Suitability, Saddle Seat, and Dressage, as well as Sport Horse In-Hand, Best Movement, Halter, and Driving. Erica has been competing in Working Equitation since 2014 and was promoted to ‘r’ Judge in 2018.
Erica Peet Photo by Howard Peet