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| Under Saddle Exercises |
There are many ways to encourage your horse to stretch
while you are riding.
The following are some basic exercises:
*Use circles, spirals, and serpentines as you warm your horse
up; encouraging your horse to bend through his neck and rib
cage and to stretch forward and down with his head and neck.
*Lateral work at the walk and trot, leg yield and half pass,
increasing the amount of cross over in the horses legs as he
gains flexibility and strength.
*Backing your horse will increase flexibility and suppleness, as
well as build muscle in his back and hip.
*Use ground poles to help your horse lift his back and use his
abdominal muscles.
*Continuing on to cavalletti and gymnastics to encourage the
horse to use his neck and back.
*The use of hills is a great way to condition your horse while
keeping him stretching and supple. Start by walking the horse
up and down a slight grade, increasing the steepness of the
hill and the speed at which you traverse it as the horse builds
muscle and stamina.
**A good trainer can help you develop a riding program
appropriate for you and your horse that incorporates exercises
that will encourage your horse to stretch and use his body
correctly while being ridden.**
while you are riding.
The following are some basic exercises:
*Use circles, spirals, and serpentines as you warm your horse
up; encouraging your horse to bend through his neck and rib
cage and to stretch forward and down with his head and neck.
*Lateral work at the walk and trot, leg yield and half pass,
increasing the amount of cross over in the horses legs as he
gains flexibility and strength.
*Backing your horse will increase flexibility and suppleness, as
well as build muscle in his back and hip.
*Use ground poles to help your horse lift his back and use his
abdominal muscles.
*Continuing on to cavalletti and gymnastics to encourage the
horse to use his neck and back.
*The use of hills is a great way to condition your horse while
keeping him stretching and supple. Start by walking the horse
up and down a slight grade, increasing the steepness of the
hill and the speed at which you traverse it as the horse builds
muscle and stamina.
**A good trainer can help you develop a riding program
appropriate for you and your horse that incorporates exercises
that will encourage your horse to stretch and use his body
correctly while being ridden.**