Standing square

[dwi]

Any tips for teaching a horse to stand square? Daisy has had her pelvis twisted several times now and is being seen by a chiro but I can't help but think that being in the habit of standing at odd angles with her back legs isn't helping.

I tried picking up her feet and moving them tonight but I'm not convinced she understood what I was doing.

 

[dianchi]

Halting in between poles could help!

 

[kerilli]

i find it easier to teach from the saddle than from the ground. first, get them in the habit of always halting with both front feet absolutely level. they'll usually leave one particular hind leg behind. when they're in this pattern of square in front, one hind back a bit, just get someone on the floor to very gently tap the hoof with a schooling whip, or use your leg to tap it up into place. takes a good while, but once learnt, it's there forever.