track

his second part of the exercise is quite difficult and can be achieved only if both the rider and horse master it at the walk and the trot. This is the reason why the rider has to take his time to practise the exercise and can practise it over several sessions. To be successful practising the exercise at a canter, the horse needs to be available and the rider needs to anticipate and plan ahead correctly.  The goal is to keep some light and discreet aids. Therefore if the rider has to flail, twist himself, pull or push, or even if he needs to use strength, there is no point in practising this exercise yet. So it is necessary to achieve one step at a time at the lower gaits before trying it at the canter.

This exercise is linked to the sheet A7 of the Training Program 1

We know that horses and riders are all, more or less, asymmetrical: more supple to the right, stiffer to the left for example. It is important to be aware of it as it can affect the correct execution of a movement such as the accuracy of the track. The rider has to aim for a symmetric position and some symmetric aids to avoid confusing and misusing the horse. This is what Michel’s new exercise is intended for. The set-up is extremely easy but it proves to be very effective to challenge the rider’s ability to keep his horse on a precise track. The goal is to direct the horse with almost no hand aid, but simply with the position and a few discrete leg influence. To successfully execute this exercise, the rider has to be able to plan ahead each phase of this exercise.

This exercise is linked to the sheet A7 of the Training Program 1

Through various exercises over ground poles and cavalettis, we worked on controlling the horse, improving the quality of the approaches, keeping the control upon landings, changing leads, choosing the correct speed, and staying on a precise track….Now, we are going to test the rider’s ability to master all these elements that are crucial for a successful course with higher fences.

Michel sets up a short course that requires the rider to stay in control of her position, her mind, and of course, her horse.

In Michel’s opinion, one of the key elements to a successful approach is to be ready for any possible action: to jump, stop, slow down or speed up…Usually, two to three strides away from the jump, riders are already in the position of jumping with their shoulders forward, their eyes fixing the fence. Horses take advantage of this to get away with the rider’s control, or to rush, or even run out. This exercise is a good way to train the horse and rider to stay alert and responsive from landing from one fence to the take of stride of the next one.
 

This course that alternates straight lines and successive turns, is an excellent gymnastic to break down a course  and prepare each part of it. Despite the difficulty of this exercise, it is safe and it will become fun for the horse and rider.

Too often, riders wander in the ring with no specific requirement. The horse drifts one meter to the right or to the left, and the rider doesn’t take any action in response to it. This lack of commitment is a vice leading to setbacks in competitions. Therefore, it is important to become aware of it when schooling via some specific exercises as the one Michel introduces in today’s lesson.

The challenge of this exercise lies in staying on a precise marked track. The rider has to be accurate and has to stay balanced in order to follow the track. At the same time, the rider can test his capability to have a large angle view, to keep the same rhythm, to prepare his actions, and follow the movement between the straight line and the curve where the horse has to change lead. A very interesting exercise for the rider to practise a range of possible movements.
 

To be successful in this exercise, the rider will seek as much lightness as possible in his body motion and his aids: a steady contact with the reins, little leg, lots of fluidity to follow the movement of the canter…