The dressage rider’s top exercise for improving straightness in the canter.
AIM WHATEVER you do with your horse, the more evenly he can use himself, the more effectively he’ll use his muscles, and the stronger and more supple he’ll be. A straight horse can work evenly off both hind legs and the rider has control of the shoulders.
This exercise is a simple way of encouraging straightness in the canter and can be used with young as well as advanced horses.
EXERCISE
STEP 1. Start by cantering a metre in off the track to make sure you’re in control of the shoulder. Horses are naturally drawn to the track, which often results in the rider not being independently in control of the shoulder.
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