Exercises for encouraging a horse to bend.

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Florrie

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I would just like to know some exercises for encouraging a horse to bend correctly around corners?

My gelding came out of racing almost 2 years ago and didn't do much apart from hacking when he came out, so as you can imagine its very back to basics.

It literary does feel like riding a motorbike whilst on him. Instead of circles he does hexagons!
He's very awkward when trying to push out with the leg as he doesn't really "get it".

Can someone please enlighten me with some exercises to help?
I need to encourage him to bring his quarter around and to bend.

I've tried lunging him in a Bungie (I'm sure that is what it is called?) training aid but that didn't really help!
 
Hi Florrie

There is nothing wrong with hexagons or rectangles at this stage. In your schooling area ride him in walk and ride different shapes, including spirals and figure of eights, serpentines.

Over time he will work out how to use his body and he will develop the strength to 'bend' in the corners of your school.

At this stage you can't expect too much and you have to work slowly and give him time.
 
I suggest you start some excercises at the walk, it will be easier for him to understand at the very early stages. Serpentines and figure 8's are good as you go constantly from one bend to another and you can really emphasise the change. You could also try head-to-the-wall (again in walk); if you are going along the wall on the right rein, bend the horse to the outside (left, in this case), use your left leg, left rein - supported by the right rein on the "outside", and let the wall stop him from escaping the aid - very good to explain to horse what legs are all about without hauling away on their mouths.
 
Put jump wings dotted out around your school and ask him to bend round then in walk, not tight, then build up to trot. I foundvwith mine having an object to bend round is easier than not.
 
Forgot to say I've been working him at walk and not expecting anything special in trot!
I've been doing lots of 5m, 10m, 15m and 20m circles with him and I'm seeing slight improvement already.

Thank you for the suggestions (they're excellent!) I'll give them a try and let you all know how I get on :)
 
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