Bending and fluidity?

Question

When I was younger I did a lot of hunter/jumpers, but now I've switched trainers after just selling this amazing horse. My current trainer events, and since that's what I've always wanted to do, I've started to as well. However, I'm running into some problems moving up, main because even though I should be doing Novice stadium I can only do Beg. Nov. dressage on a good day. For those of you who don't event, this approximately the equivalent of Training I or II.

The horse I'm currently riding is extremely stiff. Literall, it's like riding a metal pole. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how I might get him bend? He gets round easily enough, but bending is hard for him. Also, the judge at last weekend's combined test said our transitions were labored. Can someone help me with this too? The horse is pretty responisive so I'm nearly positive the transitions, at least, are all me.

Answer 1

Try LOTS of circles and serpentines!  Circle in each corner as you're working flat and once he starts to bend for you then try serpentines in each corner so that the bottom of the figure 8 is headed toward the center of the area.

Answer 2

There are stretches and things you can do such as if you tempt him with a carrot and get him to stretch to the ground, in the air and around his body (touching his tummy, etc) and you could follow this with his back with lunging or long-reining.

Answer 3

I like the first person's answer, but also, in addition to all of those lateral excercises, half the time, focus on bend and relaxation in his neck.  Then, half the time, keep his neck straight and his nose in the middle of his chest and ask him to bend in his body.  This will hopefully help you get more control of his hind legs.  If that isn't working, stop for a moment and to turn on the forehand several times, then go back to circles and lateral work.  Hopefully after a ride or two of this, he will get his hind legs underneath him and pushing forward which will help immensely to loosen his back, which will allow his body to bend (with the back/body bend ability, the head and neck will come with it).  Also, getting his hind legs pushing underneath him will make your transitions MUCH better and vice versa (doing a transition every few strides will help get his hind legs in control).  Good luck!!

Answer 4

Try getting your horse a massage.  Inability or unwillingness to move laterally is a classic sign of muscle tension.  Your transitions should smooth out as well.

Answer 5

Lateral work!

Flex his neck, and just help him stretch his back out. Since he rounds fairly well, then you know he has the muscle, but he might not have the flexability.

Let go of one rein and pull his head to your boot (or as far as he can go) and don't let him go until he gives into the pressure and stops resisting. You can do that at the stand still, walk and trot. At the trot, don't bend as much, and make sure you support him with your inside leg so he stretches into his neck.

Leg yeilds, shoulder-ins, and if you can-half passes will all really help your horse use his muscles and become a more flexible, better mover.  ( the two track in the link is a shoulder in)

Answer 6

try more ground work, every riding problem can be resolved with proper ground skills and taining.