symmetry of the gaits

This second step of the exercise increases the level of difficulty as we add some cavalettis on the track. It’s an excellent transition from the flat work to the jumping work. The previous session helped setting the horse and rider’s straightness, calm and steadiness in the canter. The requirements stay the same when approaching or landing a cavalettis. If the rider was not successful in the previous exercise, it is advised to keep practising it on the flat before introducing the cavalettis. Sometimes, just to add some ground poles can be sufficient to disturb the rider’s serenity. If the rider starts looking down, he/she will disturb his/her balance forward. If the rider gets unbalanced, he/she can’t follow the motion of his/her horse. It leads the horse to break his cadence and become less precise in his direction or even to get over the bit. As we have already mentioned, this situation is generated by a rider who is worried.

This exercise from Michel, is an excellent way to keep the rider’s mind focused, serein, and aware of each of his action. Selene starts the exercise at a canter but according to the level the rider and the experience of the horse, it may be necessary to practise first at a trot a few times with some ground poles.

This exercise is linked to sheet T3 of the program Training 1

This exercise is a very effective way to improve the ability of the rider to stay centred and straight in his/her position and to keep the horse perfectly symmetrical with an even support on his 4 feet. The first part of this session is about flat work to get the horse and rider in a good disposition without the complication of dealing with a jump yet.

The simple fact of alternating between turns and straight lines, with some flexi-jump as guiding rails, is indeed difficult for a majority of riders. Most of the time, horses are zigzagging on the straight lines and are losing the impulsion in the turns. This exercise will be successful only if the rider is able to anticipate and get prepared for each part of the path while staying focused on his/her position. Any shift in the rider’s position compared to the median of the horse, can lead to a shift of the horse on the course.
Michel goes through all the key elements to be successful with this exercise in order to obtain a horse in a steady canter with a steady pushing power on a steady track.

This exercise is linked to sheet T2 of the program Training 1