Any tips?? - Dressage...

[H-J]

Any tips for horses not working from leg to hand?

Mac as you will all probably know is a Sjer (Grade A) And I am at the moment fittening him schooling him to event - just need to get him working from leg to hand.

He comes round and works through very easily but the concentration can be lost instantly and he can be looking around then come soft again. Also at a show his head and neck gets tense and he gets hard in the mouth and I feel as though there is nothing there in front!!

He is nice and forward going so have done a little bit in draw reins to try and get that strength over his back, and lunging in bungees etc.

Does anybody have any tips to help???

 

[dressagespain]

One of my favourite exercises is to get an active working trot and then on a long side reduce the trot as much as possible without losing it for about 3 strides and then go straight back out making sure the horse goes back to the pace you asked for. It will improve his reaction to your leg.

 

[annaellie]

[ QUOTE ]
One of my favourite exercises is to get an active working trot and then on a long side reduce the trot as much as possible without losing it for about 3 strides and then go straight back out making sure the horse goes back to the pace you asked for. It will improve his reaction to your leg.

[/ QUOTE ] Yes i was taught taht and it really works only I was told just for a few second then push forward, you really feel the horse sitting on its hock for the brief moment and it gradually becomes longer

 

[Tempi]

when he gets hard through the neck you need to make his head and neck as low as possible by asking him to take the rein forwards and playing with your fingers down the rein so hes working more long and low. obviously whilst doing this you need to keep the activity behind. do some transitions from walk to trot a few times until he relaxes, then ask him to work up into the contact again. As soon as you feel him tense and 'harden' get him to work lower.

 

[Taboo1968]

Biggest tip I got was only last week and it worked really well for me and my giraffe who loves being nosey!

Block with outside rein, lift inside rein and nudge/kick/apply inside leg, horse may fight a bit, but will give eventually, when he/she does, release to him/her

When that has been established as Parisienne Girl has said, chat with the reins, my instructor last week stood there shouting left (rein) right (rein) leg (inside)

And we went out on Saturday just gone and was placed in every class! Although every horse is different and it might not work for you or yours!
Good Luck!

 

[mat]

When you warm up at shows, dont be scared to do loads and loads of transitions!

They activate the quarters (if you dont use too much rein) and give the horse something to concentrate on.

Dont work too hard on all the fancy movements as you should have practised them at home..


Also be brave and let the horses walk on a long rein when warming up and at regular intervals when you are working. It will give them a chance to look around and realise its not scary/as interesting as they think.

Hope that helps... x

 

[Mel85]

I would also do lots of bending to release the tension in the neck and get him nice and soft. It will also help him to come through from behind. On a circle ask for a big bend to the inside and when he gives, then soften the hand. This will naturally put him in a deeper, softer outline, but once he is soft and working over the back you can then bring him up into a more correct outline.