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APRIL 2007 • VOLUME 20 • © HORSES For LIFE™ Magazine Manolo’s Message
Head Rider from the Royal Spanish School in Jerez (home of the 2002 World Equestrian Games) discusses, in a series of articles, "Training the Horse"…from the very first kindergarten days all the way to Grand Prix. In this article, he tells us about some of the problems that can occur and how to prevent them. Step by step
You would never expect the kindergarten child to be able to jump straight into a high school level of education. It is the same for the horse: we must never “jump steps” or rush the levels in our training. It is vitally important that the horse understands each exercise, and the rider must ensure that the horse has the physical capabilities, flexibility and balance before attempting the next exercise.
It is vitally important not to start any bending and flexion exercises until the horse is able to walk, trot and canter around the arena in a nice, comfortable rhythm with light and even contact. It is important that the rider learn to use the reins as a pair, not individually. The reins must be of absolutely equal length. Often a rider will use too much inside (or outside) rein, which causes head tilt and stiffness, inhibiting the horse’s head carriage and ability to flex.
Once the horse is happy and confident going large round the arena, we can start a small flexion exercise in each corner. Don’t make the corners too deep for a green horse; just ask him for a little flexion to the inside as you go round the corner.
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