Unlocking Your Horse's True Potential: Exercises To Improve Rideability, Adjustability, And Performance

As riders, we all aspire to achieve the highest levels of rideability, adjustability, and performance with our horses. Whether we ride for leisure or compete in equestrian sports, unlocking our horse's true potential requires dedication, training, and the right exercises.

Rideability refers to the horse's ability to respond willingly and effortlessly to the rider's aids. This key attribute encompasses the horse's obedience, suppleness, and overall responsiveness. On the other hand, adjustability pertains to the horse's ability to adapt and modify its stride length, tempo, frame, and balance as required by the rider's cues. Finally, performance encompasses the overall execution of movements, gaits, and transitions with precision and elegance.

The Importance of a Structured Exercise Program

To enhance rideability, adjustability, and performance, a well-rounded exercise program is essential. By systematically training your horse using a variety of exercises, you can address weaknesses, improve the horse's physical fitness, and develop their mental focus. Moreover, exercises that cater to specific areas such as suppleness, straightness, collection, and extension can significantly impact rideability, adjustability, and performance.

Stride Control: Exercises to Improve Rideability, Adjustability and Performance

by Thomas G. Gunning(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	42104 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	223 pages

FREE

When designing your exercise program, it's crucial to consider your horse's current fitness level, any limitations they may have, and your long-term goals. Always start with a solid warm-up routine that includes stretching exercises, long and low work, and active walk-trot-canter transitions to engage the horse's core muscles.

Exercises to Enhance Rideability

1. Suppling Exercises

Suppleness is a fundamental aspect of rideability, allowing your horse to move fluidly through their entire body. Incorporate exercises such as serpentines, circles, and figure eights which encourage lateral flexion, bending, and engaging of the hindquarters. These exercises improve the horse's ability to respond softly and consistently to the rider's aids.

2. Straightness Exercises

A straight horse is a balanced horse. Straightness exercises are aimed at aligning the horse's body from nose to tail. Leg-yield exercises, shoulder-in, and haunches-in movements promote straightness by engaging the horse's hindquarters and improving their ability to maintain an even contact on both reins.

Exercises to Enhance Adjustability

1. Transitions

The ability to smoothly transition between gaits and within gaits is crucial for adjustability. Incorporate lots of transitions within your training sessions - upward transitions improve engagement, while downward transitions encourage collection and balance. Transitions also enhance the horse's responsiveness to the rider's aids and develop their sensitivity to subtle cues.

2. Lengthening and Collecting Exercises

Developing a horse's ability to lengthen and collect their stride is paramount for adjustability. Use exercises such as lengthening and shortening strides on long diagonals or across the diagonal to enhance the horse's flexibility and adjustability. Gradually increase the demands of these exercises, aiming for a fluid and effortless transition between different degrees of extension and collection.

Exercises to Enhance Performance

1. Gymnastic Jumping

For riders involved in showjumping or eventing, incorporating gymnastic jumping exercises into your training program can drastically enhance both the horse's rideability and performance. These exercises involve a series of carefully arranged jumps that challenge the horse's technique, balance, and adjustability. Gymnastic exercises help horses become more responsive to rider aids and improve their overall jumping style and technique.

2. Canter Pirouettes and Flying Changes

For dressage enthusiasts, specific exercises such as canter pirouettes and flying changes can significantly elevate performance. Practicing these advanced movements regularly enhances the horse's collection, engagement of the hindquarters, and responsiveness to subtle aids. It also strengthens their overall balance and coordination.

Investing time and effort into a well-structured exercise program is paramount for unlocking your horse's true potential in terms of rideability, adjustability, and performance. By incorporating a diverse range of exercises that target suppleness, straightness, adjustability, and specific performance requirements, you can develop your horse's physical fitness, mental focus, and overall partnership with you as a rider. So, set your long-term goals, design a comprehensive exercise program, and watch your horse reach new heights in their abilities!

Stride Control: Exercises to Improve Rideability, Adjustability and Performance

by Thomas G. Gunning(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	42104 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	223 pages

FREE

The only book dedicated to learning to find and ride the ideal jumping distance with fundamental skills and enlightening lessons from one of the best in the business.

Understanding how to count strides helps to develop the rider’s eye and “feel.” Stride control means producing the correct number of strides and quality of stride to jump the jumps at hand—the emphasis is on the quality of strides, not just the number. It is one of the skills that enables the rider to achieve success, whatever the size of the jumps.

Jen Marsden Hamilton has coached countless riders and horses around the world in the striding techniques that brought her success during her own impressive competitive career, and here Hamilton has compiled her knowledge in a concise book of exercises and insightful strategies. Inside you’ll find:

• Detailed setup for specific exercises.

• Connecting flatwork for between ground poles or jumps, such as transitions and serpentines.

• Strategies for completing the exercises and analyzing the outcome.

• Appropriate exercises for the rider’s desired discipline and level.