Send out on Lunge

This will be your steering under saddle. Under saddle we want our horse to follow the bit pressure and move away from leg pressure. Because we can’t apply leg pressure on the ground we apply whip pressure.

Follow your nose Pressure: Single rein bit pressure. Ask to go to the right you will be using the right rein Positioning: Asking your horse to turn right stand at its right hind. Ask: Follow the rein pressure around to the right Vocal: Turn Release: Release the bit pressure when they step around to the right to follow you.

Resistance:  Not really resistance but once they understand this exercise they will try and follow you rather than waiting for the ask. Work on your “stand” cue.  Snatching the rein away from you in the other direction. If they do this your steering is broken!! This is how they will respond to the turning aid under saddle.

Repeat for both reins. Remember to repeat 3 times and change the exercise. You are now getting quite a repertoire of exercises to choose from so spice it up! Finish on a positive note before your horses brain is no longer coping.

Equestrian Movement In-Hand Bitting Exercise Book Page 1

Moving the shoulders In this exercise example we will be asking the shoulders to move to the right. You can reverse the direction by swapping the direction.

Pressure: single rein bit pressure on the right rein. Whip pressure on the left shoulder. Positioning: Standing in front of their nose facing them, so that you can easily apply the bit pressure and the crop pressure. Ask: Follow the rein, no whip Release: Soften the rein pressure for the step

Progression Follow the rein because of the whip. When you apply the rein pressure and they know which direction they are going gently use the whip on their shoulder so they associate the whip pressure with the bit pressure. Progression: Once they are comfortable with the whip pressure, ask from the whip first and then follow up with the rein cue. This will become your leg steering under saddle.

Lunging Now your horse knows how to move its shoulders away from you, you can send them out onto a circle around you. Pressure:  Flicky lead on the shoulder moves the shoulders out. Step into your horse as you send them out  Flicky lead on the hind quarters drives them forward. Stand at a right angle to their flank for “Forward” Vocal:  “out” for making the circle bigger  “walk on” for more walk Release:  Move to their hindquarters once they have moved out on the circle to maintain forward.  Quiet the flicky lead once they are staying in walk  Repeat your ask 3 times. Take a step back and invite them in  Change sides.

You may need to walk the circle with them at this stage as the ground work lead may be a bit small.

Equestrian Movement In-Hand Bitting Exercise Book Page 2