Getting that contact! help please

belle98

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5 January 2020
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I am currently schooling my relatives horse, a cob (10yr old) that has only ever hacked out. She is bending well, moving forwards off my leg, were starting to grasp basic lateral work, will pop a jump...BUT I cannot get her to drop into a nice contact or work long and low. she is quite heavy in my hand. She is ridden in a full cheek snaffle currently (and has done her whole life)

Any tips please!
 
A good instructor will be the best advice but I find I get it when I stop looking for it and just ride well. Inside leg to outside hand. Get everything else in place and it'll happen.
 
As she has never schooled before I would guess she doesn't have the muscle strength or stamina to do what you ask, I would just do short sessions building it up until she has the strength to carry herself correctly. For now just having a couple of strides would be good progress.

I would also be careful working a cob long and low, especially when unfit, as could encourage her to load the shoulder even more.
 
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