Outline

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buckaroo2010

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11 May 2010
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I know my horse can be worked into an outline but I'm not sure how. I've seen my instructor get him into it but even she has to work for a long time and is out of breath because she has to work so hard to make him use his hind legs. Has anyone got any tips on how to get an outline and what I should work on?
 
The role of an instructor is to instruct - they must be able to explain to you how to go about working your horse in an outline. If they can't then change to someone who can. I know it sounds a glib statement to make but that's surely what you are paying your money for!
 
She's teaching me but I can have it one minute and loose it the next. I don't feel like I'm asking correctly but I'm not sure even though its been explained to me?
 
It takes time & practice! When I first got my horse, I really had no idea. Instructor showed me when she did it, then taught me over time how to achieve it. When I first started, I could get literally a couple of strides, but low & behold, after practicing & more lessons, we can work in a nice outline now. If you or the horse are just learning, it won't come instantly.
 
If your horse isn' t used to being on the bit then it will be strange to him also and may take some time to get used to accepting it and becoming rounder. Also, if he has an overdeveloped muscle under his neck this will be harder for him. Good news is that if you are managing to experience the feeling - even just for a short time- then its a case of practising and developing your technique. He must be moving forward, and you must have him in a contact. He mustn't be rigid and therefore flexion is important. Keep persevering but if your current instructor is having difficulty and can't explain sufficiently to you then I would suggest looking around for someone who can.
Good Luck!
 
Have you tried lungeing your horse? It would be a good way to teach/encourage your horse to work in an outline without a rider on board which if he/she is not used to working like this will find it easier and may be more willing!?!
As for getting him in an outline whilst you are riding, the best way I find is to move the bit in their mouths almost like massaging the tongue with the bit sounds strange but it does work! as it gets them softening the jaw and then they cant fix against you so easily, and also lots of transitions up and down and also within the paces helps them to engage themselves which all helps them to work properly round. Also flexing helps ie, small flexsions left and right whilst moving the bit around will help soften the jaw and neck.
It does all take time and practice.
I hope that helps?!? Good luck. :)
 
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