This week in lessons

This week is a short week for lessons, with the clinic starting on Friday! I have a schedule mostly done, although it is likely Sunday's will change, just waiting to hear from one person.

For the flat portion of lessons we will be working on counter canter around an end/corner. To do this well, and to not let it turn into a wrong lead, it is really important to not let the horse get quicker, or let the inside shoulder drop. To help with both these things is a strong supporting "inside" rein (the rein on the inside of the arena).

For jumping we will be doing some bounces and working on corners. It is important to really keep that outside rein ready to support the horse through the turns, while maintaining enough of the inside aids to counter balance so the horse keeps a relatively straight neck/body. Corners become issues when the horse pops a shoulder in or out, and it is no longer in line with the power of the haunches, nor in line with the control of the nose!

Karen