As they move to working at the trot, Asia points out that when a horse gets supple, they have to get supple in their rib cage. The rider works to get her horse to bend by bringing her shoulders around the inside leg. In order to do this, she has to achieve control of the mare's shoulders, neck and her spine and keep them in in alignment. Asia reminds her to always have the feeling of her elbow going forward to invite the horse to come forward with her nose and to create relaxation. As the mare relaxes, Asia helps the rider achieve a bigger trot step, without getting quicker steps and shortening the neck.
Up Next in Dressage
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Alignment & Balance - Part 3
As they progress to canter, the mare has issues being relaxed and reverts back to tossing her head. Asia coaches the rider to stay relax and continue to apply counter flexion when the horse is in attentive. She discusses the importance of not holding an aid and respecting the release for reward. ...
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Alignment & Balance - Part 4
As the mare relaxes into the canter, Asia is able to add a small fence to the exercise. She explains that shortening the stride is completely dependent on the horse's ability to flex in their hocks and their stifles. As the rider starts to lift the horse's shoulder and keep the alignment this com...
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Alignment & Balance - Part 1
Part 1: Asia works with a rider whose horse gets her neck so short that it's very hard to get her to use her back and hind end. She explains that though the mare has good energy, the rider now we needs to get relaxation. If a horse is tense and tight, then likely they're not in balance and or ve...
