Trouble with Bending?

Question

the horse i use to have i worked with bending exercises but then i rode a horse for a while that i didn't need to bend but now my new horse needs to be bent and 80% he won't listen to me i know its me i think i forgot how to make my bending techniques work so if any one could give me some tips and just kinda re-teach my how to bend

that would help sooooo much thanks

Answer 1

If your doing it in canter, try working on your leading leg change. Once you've taught your horse to do that, try using it in bending. Push your weight over to one side (lets say left), use some but not excessive amounts of right rein, and put your left leg behind the girth and push, and vice versa. Work on your horse's suppleness if that seems to be the problem, and he/she should come more easily to bending. Start slower, work your way up the speeds, and keep practising. Good luck!

Answer 2

Inside leg outside rein. Rember that also try doing lots of 20m cercles.  

Answer 3

I go two-handed to bend (incase you weren't already).

I walk in a straight line down the middle of the ring to start. Then, begin the circle by checking on the right rein (check: short, quick motions almost like shaking the rein, except pulling back instead of side to side), and pushing the horse around with your outside (left) leg. If the horse is not bending properly, you can also use a check on your left rein at the same time, but not as hard as the right rein. This will bring your horses head down and to the side. Then switch directions.

Good luck!