Bit ideas... Horse leanng on left rein

[Lippyx]

We have a weak backend too! Transitions deffo getting them off the forehand and transitions within the trot or canter help improve longitudinal suppleness but if you think about it if the hindlegs aren't pushing and loading as evenly as possible it is hard to get the transitions as through as possible because some of the energy will get lost or stuck on the way to the bit (escaping through shoulder, drifting etc) - lateral exercises are really good at helping to strengthen the hind quarters by improving the suppleness of the joints.

http://academicartofriding.com/free-online-course/ - I found this website really interesting...there is a free e book you can download.

I'd also recommend Charles De Kunffy's book "The Athletic Development of the Dressage Horse" if you find reading about schooling useful - it has some good ideas for exercises and explains the rationale behind them as well as how to string them together and develop their difficulty as the horse gets stronger.

Thanks for the link. I've been reading 101 dressage schooling exercises which I've found has given me some really great exercises, and I live reading about others that will specifically help our issues, so thank you!

 

[Micky]

Give it time, dont change the bit, get a good instructor, who can teach you and your horse....My horse also leans, used to be a driving horse, transitions helped him, plus hill work and consistent lessons