I don’t usually gallop my young horses until they are at least at novice level although this can depend on their breed. I also try to train all my horses on natural terrain similar to what they would compete on, as opposed to synthetic surfaces, as much as possible.
Keeping your horse straight on the centre line can be quite tricky. Always think of using your legs rather than your hands and then check on your effectiveness by giving one rein away for four strides and taking it back, and then repeat on the other rein. Come down the centre line again and ask…
Whether you have an arena or a field, its very useful to place two poles at a random distance apart form each other and alter the strides between in canter. For example, you might ride 15 strides and then 10 strides. It teaches the horse to adjust and it keeps your eye in. If you get…
It’s really useful to use the centre line to see if your transitions are straight. I do a lot of transitions on the centre line and very often I will bring the horse back as if to prepare for a halt transition and then ride forwards and out so that they don’t start to predict you.…
During the warm up, or the first session, have the horse soft and loose and in front of your leg. Then let him have a stretch so that the oxygen can go round to his muscles The warm up will depend on the time of year, whether your horse has been stood in the field…
Always use your corners and try to ride thinking shoulder in through the corner. You will be amazed how much more time and space this gives you in your test. It will also help you prepare your horse for movements and while keeping him engaged.
Whether you are a happy hacker or hacking an elite event horse its really important to work the horse evenly on both diagonals and leg leads rather than letting the horse favour one lead as over time this will create weaknesses that can lead to injuries and stiffness. For example, if I was out cantering…