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Needed - schooling exercises

3K views 12 replies 3 participants last post by  Katze 
#1 ·
Hi, I am somewhat challenged in what to do when schooling and would love to get some ideas for a 30-40 minute schooling sessions from go to whoa! I need something I can memorise and not have to think about what to do - and have something meaningful in my head rather than stop start type thing. I work alone and have no instructor within 20 miles. Thanks muchly in advance! Van
 
#2 ·
I can't really help you with pre-selected training sessions for the mere fact that I never plan my rides, but I do work within the structure of the training scale. I work on whatever my horse tells me he needs to work on for that day. For example, if it's cold outside and he's an over-excited tense monster, that day we work on relaxation. Lots of lateral work, suppling and bending at the walk. On hot days when he's behind my leg, we work on getting him in front of my leg. If he's reluctant to stretch into the contact, then we do lots of transitions to get his butt into gear. For every training problem, there are many solutions, but there's no way of knowing which ones will work for you and your horse...unless of course you have some video or pics to show?

Maybe, instead of thinking of schooling sessions as set routines, think of them more as a checklist of the training scale. When you first start warming up, think, "do I have good rhythm?" If so, move onto relaxation and so on. If you find your horse is lacking in one particular area, then most people on here can give you suggestions on how to address it. The only other thing I can think of to suggest is the book 101 dressage exercises. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
 
#3 ·
Thanks




Thanks for that. Good thinking! the mare is really behind the leg - knows I'm nervous and unsure. Guess I will have to toughen myself up a bit. I was just hoping to get a sort of starter programme which I can add to. You sound as though you are an accomplished rider!
 
#6 ·
I ride a TB who used to race, so behind the leg is seldom a problem for me. I have always loved Thoroughbreds, so most of what I've learned over the years about riding on contact was done out of self preservation. TB's are way too smart to just sit up there and not really ride.

I think I have an exercise for you that might put the ball a little more in your court with your mare. Every 8 strides, do something different. Change gait, speed or tempo within the gait, direction, bend, whatever, every 8 strides without fail. Initially she'll be sluggish and possibly a little stubborn, so make the first few things easy. If she's a testing type, eventually this "game" will peak her interest and she'll start looking to you for what comes next. If you see her put one ear on you, you're in business. Ride each move with a plan and be very clear about what you want each change. It's a hard exercise, but very rewarding once the horse is no board. Good luck!
 
#7 ·
That's great! thanks so much. Going out to give it a go shortly.

My horse is a QH and is very well schooled, knows all the movements and is quite sensible. I wouldn't touch a TB or Arabian with a barge pole! Way too smart for me. I don't like worrying about preserving myself!
 
#9 ·
Too bad about the exercise. If she's that sluggish, maybe switch gears to a more assertive approach. Get a nice energetic walk going making sure to not nag with your legs in any way. Then ask politely for a trot. If no response, ask more loudly. If still no response, pop her once behind your leg with your crop and insist on the correct response. Once she does trot, bring her back to walk after a few strides on your terms and then ask for trot again, always politely first and then escalate as needed. Mares can be stubborn, much more than geldings. You're going to have to follow through on your goals. Good luck.
 
#10 ·
Thanks - the exercise will work as soon as she starts to move off the leg. I popped her one when she wouldn't move off in the walk! brought her back and asked kindly again - and she moved off without problem. Will go to trot next. Thanks for the good suggestions. V
 
#11 ·
Hmm try this, consistant half halts keep her "aware" of you and keep her anticipating the next move, if she's being a witch half halt, tickle her, don't smack her, 3 times with your dressage crop (all at the same time, and NEVER drop your reins to give her the ol tickle lol) after a few times of doing this she should do as asked.

My mare is a bit lazy sometimes when I start her off, I then grab my dressage crop and she's all beans and gunpowder ****. And all she get's is a tickle with it never a smack, maybe she is anti-tickle!
 
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