by Judy F » Fri Sep 16, 2005 6:35 pm
If he's not coming 'through', he may not be strong enough behind yet,#ed_op#br#ed_cl#no flexible enough. If he's getting 'choppy' then you don't#ed_op#br#ed_cl#have proper rhythm established and this is the first and most basic#ed_op#br#ed_cl#building block for dressage (and most other types of riding). #ed_op#br#ed_cl#Continuing to ride forwards into a light contact is fine, but you can#ed_op#br#ed_cl#help get him to work under more by doing a lot of trot-canter-trot#ed_op#br#ed_cl#transistions and by making him walk backwards, either in hand or #ed_op#br#ed_cl#while you're riding. Don't over do it, if he begins to resist,#ed_op#br#ed_cl#stop and go forwards again, just a couple of steps is enough at a time.#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
The other thing to remember is that, in order to step under, the horse must #ed_op#br#ed_cl#
lighten the fore-hand, in effect, raise himself UP. This is very hard to do and#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
is the major difference between training level and first level. It's called 'self carriage'.#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
Backing up will help with this. Also, every time you groom him, tickle his belly #ed_op#br#ed_cl#
midline a little behind the girth zone so he learns to lift his back. #ed_op#br#ed_cl#
#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
To ride well is the mark of a gentleman. To ride too well is the sign of a mis-spent youth. Athena the owl in "Outfoxed" by Rita Mae Brown.
-- Distrust any enterprises that require new clothes. EM Forster