covid challenge #13

1- 10 minute walk on long rein.

2- Trot and canter warm up with light contact.

3- Flat exercise: - Quarter line straightness. Use the quarter line to achieve straightness. Start in walk and then trot and canter. Use a visual target to guide the horse straight. You want to keep your hands on either side of the neck. Do not allow the hand/rein to pass over the wither or to move to far away from the neck. Fill the space between the rein with straightness from the hind end. If you get the hind end stepping up straight you can easily guide the shoulder with both reins as a unit. Straightness needs to come from coming forward from the hind, not by steering with the hands. If it is not coming from the hind you will look like a drunken sailor trying to walk the quarter line. I have attached a video, this is probably my most favorite video of all time. It helped me with a new level of feeling. No matter what level you are, it has the potential to reach an "ah ha" moment for you. Enjoy.

4- Repeat your pattern again and fix anything that needs it.

5-Jump exercise: I will set up two exercises. The first one will be a simple single jump with pole in front and behind. Be sure to go the correct direction as the entry pole will be tighter than the exit pole. Check ground line for direction. Before starting, canter over a small jump off each lead as a warm up. Then canter through this a few times and let it educate your horse for a nicer jump.

The second exercise will be a gymnastic with three elements, with v poles for straightness. It will be a one to a one. Jump through until your horse figures it out. This is also a directional exercise. Follow the v poles for direction.

6- 3 minute long trot.

7- Finish with walk around yard.

click here for video
​