Most of the time we find resistance in the throat latch on one side. When the horse is already cantering on the circle in regular strides, we take him into a degree of shoulder-in with the inside rein, in order to overcome it. During the second or third stride we bend the horse laterally to a moderate degree. The effect of the rein may at first lead to a moderate bend of the neck, which we reduce to the mere positioning of the poll. Since the primary objective is the suppling of the poll, it must not cause the croup to drift out. If a horse is very much inclined to do this, we change the rein and lead (left lead canter if the resistance is on the right). When he is cantering regularly, we bend him slightly as if in a counter-shoulder-in. A few strides later we end this position and renew it every other stride. We also bend him in the correct position from time to time, and continue to alternate between these movements, while maintaining a regular stride. We then put him on the bit with a good, steady head and neck position, and he will perfect his position and posture visibly every day. Horses with a narrow rib cage who stiffen their back and haunches are taken into the shoulder-in after having established a regular canter stride, with not too much elevation. They learn to step under with their inside hind leg. They yield their back and become pleasant in the hand. Should they drift out with their croup, we bend them in a moderated counter position, while cantering on the original lead. (Ernst Friedrich Seidler, 1846)
Posted on: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 04:38:07 +0000
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