Straightness!

[Sarah1]

Morning everyone!

Can anyone recommend any really easy (novice rider here!) exercises for improving straightness?
My instructor says I have to bring Bailey's shoulders round with my legs which I can do but I'm very inconsistant with it.
Help please!

Thanks

 

[Foxglove]

I an sure there are more proficient dressage riders than me who will be able to give more detailed advice, but I find a that horses shoulders will generally follow the riders shoulders. My instructor has me turn my upper body in the direction you want to move the shoulders. This has to be counteracted by a strong inside thigh or the horse will immediately fall in. Obviously depending how sensitive your horse is, the degree of turn you need is not as great as you would think.

It will take time to perfect, but it does work!

 

[Ticktockted]

All i would say is it took me a while to grasp this and still am! however i stick to my main points.. make sure your horses neck is straight from infront of your saddle the neck should not be bent round as such. however you do need inside bend/flexion but this must be from the poll, you need only to see your horses inside eye. Then i remember my inside leg to my outside hand. Inside leg asks your horse to come around it or create impultion and your outside hand should 'check and give' this must be a quick sensitive action and must never stick on long enogh to stop the hind legs from stepping through, but will act to contain the energy you have just created with your leg and also If i ask a horse to come around a 20m circle for instance i use my outside rein to bring my shoulders around, and my body and hips almost step round with the horse. for example if you walk on your feet round a circle to the right you step with your right foot first, if you try to step with your left you unbalance your self and loose straightness, so on your horse you would put you right hip slightly further forward to come around a right bend, this also without you knowing should automatically tilt your outsde shoulder back to kee your outside rein! Like i said this is what works for me but some points may help you, good look!