How to get a horse into an outline?

[Raych]

I know this has been posted so many times, but i have never really had a clear explanation.

Anyone willing to inform me on how to do it? I've heard about lowering and widening your hands and 'holding' - anyone wish to elaborate?

Thanks in advance x

 

[arizonahoney]

Try this

 

[ossy]

Call me old fashioned but I think too many people worry about the head and neck when trying to ride in an outline, whereas i believe it is more about how the horse is working from the hind legs, its not simplying about getting the horse to curve his neck into the position people associated within an outline.

Your horse needs to be working from the hind legs, engaging the hind quarters, with it's hocks moving well underneath them. In turn this allows the horse to elevate the sholders and carry themself without leaning on the forehand and being held up with your hands. Once the horse is engaged in the hind legs and estabilses the balance and muscles they will begin to hold themselves in an outline, the neck will be arched upwards, with the poll being the highest point, and the head held at an [or an almost] vertical angle from the poll. I do alot of leg yeilding, shoulder in and other simple school excersises and movements to held engage the hind legs, develop muscle and balance to enable my horse to work in an outline. Keeping your hands low and wide is a method of encouraging them round into the outline, when they are balanced to achieve it and I also find it helps me with keeping the shoulders straight and moving freely.

Hope that helps