Читать книгу 55 Corrective Exercises for Horses - Jec Aristotle Ballou - Страница 20

PURPOSE:

Strengthens the core and promotes equal use of both hind legs.

Appearing in high-level dressage competitions, this motion of rocking the horse back and forth is a test—and improvement—of the ring of muscles circling his entire topline, abdominals, and thoracic sling. It vacillates between the muscles needed for propulsion and those for balance and posture. In addition to strengthening the core, it proves immensely useful in equalizing the effort and use of both hind legs.

1 Beginning in a square halt with the horse in a rounded posture on the bit, ride four to six steps backward (fig. 1.8 A).1.8 A: Diamante remains stretching forward to the bit while backing up.

2 Immediately close your legs and walk the horse forward four steps, then halt again (figs. 1.8 B & C).1.8 B & C: I ask Diamante to take one last step backward, while keeping my rein contact steady and my hands closed, preparing to move him forward immediately afterward (B) … and he steps forward with his right hind leg, with which he took the final step backward (C). Here, he shows a nice big step with his hind leg and he remains steady throughout the rest of his body.

3 Ideally, the last hind hoof to step backward in Step 1 is the first to move forward in Step 2.

4 If the horse is not square, take a few steps to square him up. Right away, back up again for four to six steps.

5 Repeat this sequence as long as the horse is staying straight and not tilting sideways.

6 Aim to create the feeling of a carousel horse cycling forward-backward, forward-backward.

Without becoming frenzied, work toward achieving quick responses. You want the horse to step backward brightly and then immediately spring forward. In Step 2, you want him to surge forward promptly when you ask. His movements should be quick and light rather than lumbering or sluggish. If any resistance is encountered, it is best to tune up this movement from the ground.