5m loops

[MGG]

Do you change the bend when doing a 5m loop in from the track? ie make them bend to the outside while they are on the loop? Not very clear sorry, but can't think how to put it and I do realise this is a bit of dopey question the answer to which is probably blatantly obvious to everyone else...but it isn't to me!

 

[Starbucks]

Yes, I think thats what it's supposed to show, think train track.

 

[ann-jen]

Yes you should show an obvious change of bend through the middle of the loop.

 

[sfward]

Yes think of it like a mini serpentine

 

[K27]

Yes- ditto above- I always try to really show the change of bend when I reach the track again as well as it shows that your horse is supple on both sides- hope that helps!

 

[Partoow]

Yes, this movement is about rythmn, balance, suppleness and connection. It really starts in the corner before the loop. In the corner use it to give you flexion and gain the connection in the outside rein, thinking of the outside rein against the neck and hence taking the shoulder in a closed way and the inside leg on the girth to activate the inside hindleg and open the inside rein away from the neck to take the shoulders down the 'corridor' of connection, almost like you are going to do a mini change of rein. Just before the centre of the long side, i.e on the E-B line 5m in from the track, change diagonal and as the new inside hind leg comes to the ground[when your bum is in the saddle on the correct diagonal, thats why we DO bother with diagonals!] Turn your hips shoulders and draw back in the elbow , which is bent and above the hip with the hand carried. Point his nose and his shoulders and your shoulders in the new direction , all supported by a inside leg on the girth and outside leg behind the girth. the inside leg slightly pushing the ribs away up and forward to the outside rein , aiming for a point before the marker , changing diagonal and aimiing to use the corner to really establish the flexion.
Hope that gives you some clear guidance as this is actally an exelent movement in developing the principles along the scales of training.
Goodluck.

 

[MGG]

Thanks that's really helpful. We'll give it a go. It's Prelim 14 tomorrow and everything seems to come into that one and all the movements come rather quickly one after the other. I will try to explain it to 10 yr old daughter and see how it goes! We weren't sure and I said I would get some expert advice. (That's you) Thank you.