The Use of Corners
Gymnastic exercises for horse and rider – Part 1
by Alice Trindle
What a fun ride this has been over the past five years, writing for Northwest Horse Source! As I reflect upon the beginning humble conversations regarding the desire to bring the discussions, skills, and exercises of the clinic situation to the readership of the magazine, and now look back over the volume of thoughts, maneuvers, and principles we have expressed through these articles, it is impressive! Our desire these past few years has been to present specific topics that inspire readers to go "Beyond the Basics" to increase their awareness and observation skills and encourage thoughtful practice of specific maneuvers.
It's going to be another fun year of reading here in NWHS's "Beyond the Basics" series, so let’s get started with some great January exercises to warm up both horse and rider.
Warm it Up
Every true master horseman I have read, or had the good fortune to listen to or watch, has referred to the importance of developing a supple, flexible, strong and athletic horse. In fact, most animals--including humans--seem to be happier, and in the end more relaxed, when they are in shape. In almost every athletic pursuit, we humans are beginning to recognize the importance of not only learning the skills and building strength, but also adding other exercises to gymnastically supple, lengthen and flex. Predatory yoga postures should be commonplace in the gym and in the arena.
Previous articles have mentioned good habits to develop in warm-up routines that elastically limber both horse and rider (see www.tnthorsemanship.com/articles - NWHS ‘06 June, August, and September or visit the www.nwhorsesource.com article archives). It is important that we start any routine that gymnastically develops our horse with a mindfulness toward the ultimate goal. For example, if I am looking to perfect my half-pass, I need to select gymnastic skills that supple the ribcage, strengthen the back and hindquarters, and encourage balance in the shoulders with extension in the forelegs. With a clear picture of the goal in mind, I can select from a menu of gymnastic exercises to help my horse perform that maneuver. It does not matter what discipline or jobs I want to accomplish with my horse. This attentiveness to understanding the reason for selecting a certain set of gymnastic exercises is critical.
Let’s look at two of my favorite gymnastic exercises and thoughtfully examine each one regarding purpose and benefits. (Note: Find diagrams, more exercises and the rest of the story online at: www.tnthorsemanship.com/articles.)
Square Corners
What: Geometrically ride your horse in a square pattern or 90-degree turn.
Why: Engage and strengthen the inside hind leg, hip, and hock; flex ribcage, soften jowl, establish outside rein, balance shoulders and prepare for shoulder-in postures.
When: I use the Square Corner geometry with horses at all stages of development. For the young horse, it helps to establish patience, get him listening to your aids, and connect both of you to your focus, positioning, and use of the rein right down to his feet. For the advancing horse, I use the Square Corner for a warm-up and reminder prior to shoulder-in postures and exercises.
How: Initially, I use the corner of the arena to help me and my horse focus. I ride on the track (let’s say traveling to the right) until I am about three horse-lengths from the wall. At this point, I will ask for a softness in the jowl, a slight bend in the neck to the right (only enough to see the horse’s eyelash!) and begin to start a circle to the right. My balance is ever so slightly in the direction of travel to the right and my shoulders and torso are starting the turn as well. As the front feet begin to align on the new line, I will half-halt or put a bit of suggestion in the outside rein and simultaneously caress with my right lower leg, inviting the horse to step under with his inside right hind foot. At this point my balance is right down the middle of the horse and my outside (left) elbow is just a little heavy. As my horse progresses, I can build this "feel" (riding inside leg to outside rein) into many maneuvers. From sideways or shoulder-in on a circle to actual shoulder-in exercises, Square Corners are a great place to start.
Cautions: The most common error we all make in riding is trying too hard! Remember to relax, breathe and keep a positive tension in your body. If you get stiff and rigid, your horse will also. Go back and try baby steps, remembering to reward the slightest try, particularly in the beginning stages.
Reverse Bend or Counter-bend Corners
What: Geometrically ride your horse in a 90-degree change of direction with the nose slightly away from the direction of travel.
Why: Free up the shoulders while remaining in balance; flex ribcage, soften jowl, establish outside rein, and strengthen hip and hocks.
When: I use the Counter-bend at the same time in my progression as the Square Corner exercise.
How: Tracking right as I approach the corner, I will ask for a soft feel in the jowl and slightly tip the nose and eye to the left or toward the outside wall. Next, I will bring my balance slightly to the right and put a ‘feel’ or caress in the right rein. Simultaneously caress with the lower left leg and focus on the right ear of your horse. Once the shoulders have aligned with the new direction--in other words, followed the 90-degree turn--change your aids back to riding a straight line to the right with a slight bend to the right (no more than an eyelash).
Cautions: Remember, you are not pushing the shoulders sideways, rather balancing your weight in the direction of travel, inviting the horse to flow into the suggestion of the outside rein. Another pitfall is looking too far in the direction of travel. This tends to put you out of balance with a tip in your shoulders or stiffness in your neck. It will cause the same reaction in the horse. Keep your shoulders parallel to the ground, keep an eye on your horse’s ear, and enjoy the flow.
This January as you head out to the arena, try riding both of these gymnastic exercises on your two-leg horse. This will allow you to become flexible and balanced, maybe even rhythmic, before you reach your horse. Once on board, try starting your lesson plan for this entire month with these routines. I will guarantee a better ride with a softer, more flexible and happy horse.
by Alice Trindle
What a fun ride this has been over the past five years, writing for Northwest Horse Source! As I reflect upon the beginning humble conversations regarding the desire to bring the discussions, skills, and exercises of the clinic situation to the readership of the magazine, and now look back over the volume of thoughts, maneuvers, and principles we have expressed through these articles, it is impressive! Our desire these past few years has been to present specific topics that inspire readers to go "Beyond the Basics" to increase their awareness and observation skills and encourage thoughtful practice of specific maneuvers.
It's going to be another fun year of reading here in NWHS's "Beyond the Basics" series, so let’s get started with some great January exercises to warm up both horse and rider.
Warm it Up
Every true master horseman I have read, or had the good fortune to listen to or watch, has referred to the importance of developing a supple, flexible, strong and athletic horse. In fact, most animals--including humans--seem to be happier, and in the end more relaxed, when they are in shape. In almost every athletic pursuit, we humans are beginning to recognize the importance of not only learning the skills and building strength, but also adding other exercises to gymnastically supple, lengthen and flex. Predatory yoga postures should be commonplace in the gym and in the arena.
Previous articles have mentioned good habits to develop in warm-up routines that elastically limber both horse and rider (see www.tnthorsemanship.com/articles - NWHS ‘06 June, August, and September or visit the www.nwhorsesource.com article archives). It is important that we start any routine that gymnastically develops our horse with a mindfulness toward the ultimate goal. For example, if I am looking to perfect my half-pass, I need to select gymnastic skills that supple the ribcage, strengthen the back and hindquarters, and encourage balance in the shoulders with extension in the forelegs. With a clear picture of the goal in mind, I can select from a menu of gymnastic exercises to help my horse perform that maneuver. It does not matter what discipline or jobs I want to accomplish with my horse. This attentiveness to understanding the reason for selecting a certain set of gymnastic exercises is critical.
Let’s look at two of my favorite gymnastic exercises and thoughtfully examine each one regarding purpose and benefits. (Note: Find diagrams, more exercises and the rest of the story online at: www.tnthorsemanship.com/articles.)
Square Corners
What: Geometrically ride your horse in a square pattern or 90-degree turn.
Why: Engage and strengthen the inside hind leg, hip, and hock; flex ribcage, soften jowl, establish outside rein, balance shoulders and prepare for shoulder-in postures.
When: I use the Square Corner geometry with horses at all stages of development. For the young horse, it helps to establish patience, get him listening to your aids, and connect both of you to your focus, positioning, and use of the rein right down to his feet. For the advancing horse, I use the Square Corner for a warm-up and reminder prior to shoulder-in postures and exercises.
How: Initially, I use the corner of the arena to help me and my horse focus. I ride on the track (let’s say traveling to the right) until I am about three horse-lengths from the wall. At this point, I will ask for a softness in the jowl, a slight bend in the neck to the right (only enough to see the horse’s eyelash!) and begin to start a circle to the right. My balance is ever so slightly in the direction of travel to the right and my shoulders and torso are starting the turn as well. As the front feet begin to align on the new line, I will half-halt or put a bit of suggestion in the outside rein and simultaneously caress with my right lower leg, inviting the horse to step under with his inside right hind foot. At this point my balance is right down the middle of the horse and my outside (left) elbow is just a little heavy. As my horse progresses, I can build this "feel" (riding inside leg to outside rein) into many maneuvers. From sideways or shoulder-in on a circle to actual shoulder-in exercises, Square Corners are a great place to start.
Cautions: The most common error we all make in riding is trying too hard! Remember to relax, breathe and keep a positive tension in your body. If you get stiff and rigid, your horse will also. Go back and try baby steps, remembering to reward the slightest try, particularly in the beginning stages.
Reverse Bend or Counter-bend Corners
What: Geometrically ride your horse in a 90-degree change of direction with the nose slightly away from the direction of travel.
Why: Free up the shoulders while remaining in balance; flex ribcage, soften jowl, establish outside rein, and strengthen hip and hocks.
When: I use the Counter-bend at the same time in my progression as the Square Corner exercise.
How: Tracking right as I approach the corner, I will ask for a soft feel in the jowl and slightly tip the nose and eye to the left or toward the outside wall. Next, I will bring my balance slightly to the right and put a ‘feel’ or caress in the right rein. Simultaneously caress with the lower left leg and focus on the right ear of your horse. Once the shoulders have aligned with the new direction--in other words, followed the 90-degree turn--change your aids back to riding a straight line to the right with a slight bend to the right (no more than an eyelash).
Cautions: Remember, you are not pushing the shoulders sideways, rather balancing your weight in the direction of travel, inviting the horse to flow into the suggestion of the outside rein. Another pitfall is looking too far in the direction of travel. This tends to put you out of balance with a tip in your shoulders or stiffness in your neck. It will cause the same reaction in the horse. Keep your shoulders parallel to the ground, keep an eye on your horse’s ear, and enjoy the flow.
This January as you head out to the arena, try riding both of these gymnastic exercises on your two-leg horse. This will allow you to become flexible and balanced, maybe even rhythmic, before you reach your horse. Once on board, try starting your lesson plan for this entire month with these routines. I will guarantee a better ride with a softer, more flexible and happy horse.
Labels: alice trindle, Beyond the Basics, January 2009
posted by NWHS at
8:08 AM
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