wont let go of left rein - help!

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express_75

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My 5 yr old section D mare is coming along nicely in the school now, however she doesn’t let go of the left rein and as a result I get a sore hand after the session. She doesn’t seem to bend/flex to the left on a circle and even down the long side she’s forever looking outside.

My instructor has told me I need to give her this rein and at the same time kick her on into the contact.

Anymore tips on how to improve this?

Thanks
 
I had exactly the same problem with a 6 year old D. We solved it by doign leg yielding exercises and anything to get him off the (in your case left) leg. Does she go truly straight on a circle and straight both reins? If you improve that you will see a big difference.
 
She falls in on the right rein, these are improving but i get so frustrated when she's looking out and i've got a tense left rein. she gives the feeling like she wants me to pull at it and i don't want to keep doing this but i can't steer her otherwise.

My hand was SO sore last night! She's in an eggbutt french link.......
 
She has more strength than you do, let go of the left rein completely and push her forwards. It may feel precarious but she will have to support herself and will son learn to be responsible for her own weight.
 
I have a similar problem. I broke my left shoulder and I'm having problems with the muscles. My horse has decided this is great! If i try for a contact on left rein he turns his head to the right to the point that my shoulder won't let me take any more contact. My new instructor has taught me the idea of a third rein. It's attached to the left side of the bit but I hold it in right hand. When he wont listen to my left rein I can take up contact on third rein in my right hand so he has to listen and then soften it as soon as he has done. It works wonders for our straightness.
 
I agree with the above, if you havnt got as far as leg yeild yet then i suggest you ride 10m circles in walk flexing her neck and head in by giving and retaking your left hand. You could try this, doing serpentines so that she comes on and off both reins. then when she gets better, proceed to do it in trot.
It could just be bordem too, try changing her exercises every 20mins or so, so you would work on 10m circles and serpentines for 20 and then do transitions for the next. Just keep everything fun, as she is still young.
How are you doing with her generally anyway?, been to anyshows? we've got amman valley dressage comp next and then cothybridge show
crazy.gif
 
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