U – IS FOR UP

In the early stages of your training all transitions can be progressive, but most benefit will be gained if your horse is sharp from the leg and goes straight into the new gait with one tap of the leg.

Don’t let your horse fall onto his forehand in the transition. Think ‘ UP ‘ on the transition down and again don’t let the horse fall onto his forehand.

Ride a half halt and use the power you have created to engage the hindquarters. You will then be swapping / exchanging forward momentum for elevation.  And once again, think ‘up’.

Here’s what to do … the key exercise for developing uphill balance is shoulder fore.  This is an exercise that helps develops straightness and also helps your horse to carry himself.

Walk straight down the long side; at B or E make a 10-meter circle, the bend on the circle positions the shoulders slightly to the inside, as it needs to be for shoulder-fore. Maintain the bend as you complete the circle and walk the next few strides on the rail in shoulder-fore: your horses hind feet on the track and his  front feet slightly displaced to the inside, use the outside rein ONLY to balance him.

Maintain tempo and rhythm at all times!

Patricia – The Dressage Tipster