Every Four Steps
Groundwork
•
2m 23s
Once the horse stops and picks up the hind leg, the next step is to make it more sophisticated while keeping the rhythmic sequence of picking up the left hind leg and then the right hind leg. He then leads the horse forward four steps, pauses and then asks her to pick up the left hind leg. Clever horses will quickly understand to engage that hind leg after the fourth step.
Up Next in Groundwork
-
Performing Half Steps In-Hand
When the horse can perform all the smaller pieces easily, she is ready to try the actual half-steps. In this video, Michael picks up the contact, walks backwards first and then asks for the half-steps. Rewarding for a good attempt is to drop the reins, take the whip away (removing the pressure) a...
-
In-Hand Leg Yield
Especially with younger horses, Michael likes to introduce lateral work concepts on the ground before doing them under saddle. In this video, he explains and demonstrates executing a leg yield in-hand. It also gives him the opportunity to get an idea of how the horse feels before he gets on.
-
In-Hand Shoulder-In
The next lateral movement Michael works with is shoulder-in. In this short video, he explains and demonstrates executing a shoulder-in. He does not look for the exact bend and position that he would want under saddle. Rather, he looks for an attempt and basic positioning to give him a place to st...
