Softening exercises

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SilGathien

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Basically, I'm looking for some exercises that I can use to get my boy to soften and work properly through his back in trot.

Trot, I have to say is his worst pace, as he has a lovely canter, and a good walk. But trot is not very consistent, although he does usually work in an outline, but he doesn't usually track up, which I think is related to him not being soft, unless he is pushed out of his natural rhythm.

Any ideas would be fabulous
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Transitions, leg yields, loops off the track, possibly even some pole work.
I'm sure others will have more specific suggestions though.
Fiona
 
Raised trot poles as then he has to look at what he is doing which will help.

Lots of circles and loops are a definate! If he evades alot tho, what is he like out hacking? I do a lot of schooling when out hacking as your horse might not expect it and what horse doesnt love being out hacking???

Actually working your horse on the lunge might help as at least you can see what going on, just in case what you feel isnt actually what he is doing!

Good luck!
 
I did a fabulous exercise on my lesson on Friday, basically we had 8 poles in a 50p shape around a 20ish metre circle, started off going round the outside, then the inside, then 4 out 4 in, then 3 out 3 in, we did this in trot and canter, the idea being to stay as close to the poles as possible, so the horse is responding to your leg all the time, if you steer with your hand then you will not maintain the circle. The result was fantastic, in fact so good that yesterday I went to a dressage comp and 4 different people said how much he has improved. We got an 8 and a lot of 7s for the trot, and 6s for the canter!
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great exercise...another one to pinch for my file
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My boy is a bit choppy in trot and has trouble relaxing. I now do canter work before trot work as he is much looser and ready to accept hard work. I also (on the advise of my instructor) open my inside hand almost to my knee and sponge gently to soften his back and neck - not for long but a few strides here and there on both reins works wonders.
 
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