Bend to a stop from a trot, both directions. You would like this transition to be a relaxed one if possible, so trot, trot, walk, walk, walk, stop. Make sure you do this step through the canter all in one direction and make sure it is good before going to the other side.
- As long as your horse is not being terribly worried, work on getting an ear flick, and rewarding that, before trying the bend to a stop. If you can get their thoughts easily, their head and body will follow easily.
- Do this step and preceding steps all in one direction and make sure it is good before going to the other side.
- Horse stiffens up and doesn’t want to bend: Ensure you reach out to the side slowly and do not bring your hand in towards your thigh until the horse bends.
- Horse won’t bend: As long as you aren’t trying to save your life, reward an ear flick.
© 2023 Warwick Schiller
