View this post on InstagramA post shared by CHIO Aachen (@chio_aachen) As promised, today well turn our attention to the marvelous displays of equestrianism happening over in Germany at the World Equestrian Festival. The USA is the home nation at this years event, so theres plenty of stars and stripes support for the Americans over in Aachen. And on that note, happy Fourth of July to our American followers who are celebrating The equestrian extravaganza that is CHIO Aachen kicked off with the vaulters having their turn in the spotlight and then, on Tuesday, all eyes turned toward the show jumping ring. The dressage arena came into play on Wednesday and today, the driving course gets in on the mix.But dont fret, eventing fans dont have much longer to wait, for tomorrow morning the dressage will get underway, with the show jumping in the evening, and then we finish things up with the cross country on Saturday, hooray!Here are the times you need to know:Friday 8:30am CEST / 2:30am ET DressageFriday 5:45pm CEST / 11:45am ET Show jumpingSaturday 9:55am CEST / 3:55am ET Cross countryIll be bringing you live updates from Saturdays cross country as we find out wholl take the Aachen crown, and of course, Tilly will be keeping you up-to-date with every phase of the competition. Keep it locked onto EN and go eventing in Aachen!U.S. Weekend PreviewArrowhead H.T. (Billings, MT) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (Fairburn, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]Huntington Farm H.T. (South Strafford, VT) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]Mile High Horse Ranch H.T. (Parker, CO) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Summer Coconino HT and Western Underground, Inc. TR,N,BN 3 Day Event (Flagstaff, AZ) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]The Maryland International + Horse Trials (Adamstown, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]UK International EventsAston-le-Walls International (2) (Northamptonshire) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]European International EventsWorld Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen (Germany) [Website] [Program All Disciplines] [Program Eventing] [Entries All Disciplines] [Entries Eventing] [US Eventing Team] [British Eventing Team] [Live Stream] [Results All Disciplines] [Results Eventing] [ENs Coverage]Thursday News and ReadingDive into the excitement of Aachen with EquiRatings as they make all the predictions about this weekends eventing. There are stars galore in the line up at Aachen, and quite a few combinations with the potential to shake things up. Nicole and Diarm discuss them all in this Aachen preview show.Team talks prior to Paris are happening. Hoping for the luck of the Irish, Horse Sport Ireland Eventing Senior High Performance Director Dag Albert talks building horsepower, peaking at the right time and the strongest ever strength and depth in the Irish team. Read what he has to say as he looks forward to, potentially, Irelands best Olympics yet.King of dressage Carl Hester hits the big screen. From making his Olympic debut in 1992 as the youngest British athlete, to heading to Paris as the oldest, Carl has been not only a mainstay, but a powerful force within British equestrianism. He truly is an inspiration across the horseworld. And now his story is set to inspire even more people, as its given the biopic treatment and heads to the big screen. Stride will be at the top of our to watch list, for sure.No stirrup November wasnt for this rider, so she tried out No spurs April instead. It turns out that it was a darned good leg workout! But aside from that, there were allsorts of a-ha moments about both her riding skills and the way her horses worked. From improving her own fitness to having horses that were light on her aids, she discovered a bunch of benefits to her experiment. Read more in this interesting piece from The Plaid Horse.Video BreakBehold the spectacle of the opening ceremony at Aachen, this year celebrating all things American. Think cheerleaders, football, Barbie, country music, the reigning Miss World, wagons, cowboy boots, and yes, even a real, live eagle entering on horseback. Theres loads of cool content happening on the CHIO Aachen YouTube channel its in German but the pictures alone are well worth a look.

Weve finally got our Australian squad for Paris and boy, its a good one.The named team is as follows:Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam, a 16-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Scuderia 1918 and Emma McnabShane Rose and Virgil, a 19-year-old Warmblood gelding owned by Shane and Niki Rose and Michelle HasibarChris Burton and Shadow Man, a 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood owned by Chris Burton and Guy Bloodstock Ltd.Traveling Reserve: Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture, a 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by the Lowings familyThe team is one with deep experience, with 6 Olympics between the three primary members and World Championship experience on the part of Traveling Reserve Shenae Lowings. Australia will look to repeat its team silver medal performance in Tokyo (2021) and finds themselves in good stead to lay down a very competitive result in Paris.Shane Rose and Virgil. Photo by Shelby Allen.Also notable on the team is the return of Shane Rose with the ever youthful Virgil. You may recall Shane was seriously injured in a fall in March of this year, breaking a femur, his pelvis, and ribs as well as sustaining a major concussion. The timing of the accident left a big question mark as to Shanes readiness to compete in Paris, but we already knew Shane was tough as nails and would do all he could to be back in the saddle in time. Indeed he was, and now he will make his fourth Olympic appearance (and third consecutive one) later this month.Christopher Burton and Shadow Man. Photo by Bit-Media.Chris Burton is another rider with quite a story this year, opting to move more fully into show jumping in 2022 but then acquiring the ride on Shadow Man, a former ride of British rider Ben Hobday. The goal for Chris was always to earn a spot on the Olympic team, and his experience coupled with his propensity for speed and efficiency in the jumping phases (surely even further bolstered with the additional time in the pure show jumping arena, which he still does, most recently competing on the Longines Global Champions League circuit) and proper form shown this season have stamped his third consecutive Olympic ticket.Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam. Photo by Shelby Allen.Kevin McNab was another member of the silver medal-winning team in Tokyo, bringing back his partner Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam for another shot at Olympic glory. Kevin also represented Australia in the 2022 World Championships at Pratoni, along with Traveling Reserve rider Shenae Lowings and her off-track Thoroughbred Bold Venture.Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture. Photo by Alex Jeffery.Shenae returned to Australia after spending some time in Europe last season, winning her most recent prep event at Adelaides CCI4*-S and putting herself into a good standing to earn this trip to Paris to step in should she be needed.Notably absent for the first time in two Olympic cycles is 10-time Olympian Andrew Hoy with his veteran partner Vassily de Lassos, who very well could have easily slotted in for a spot on this team but perhaps were lowered on the selectors lists due to some trouble on cross country at Avenches in June. The pair since regrouped and were 5th in the 4*-S at Strzegom and also won the 4*-L at Marbach earlier this year.The Aussies now stand poised for a strong performance in Paris will we see them on the podium again? Only time will tell. Stay tuned.To keep up with ENs running track of teams and individuals named thus far, click here. View more of ENs coverage of the Paris Olympics here. We are pleased to bring you our Olympic coverage with support from Kentucky Performance Products.

Nice to be right about them!This was our advert before sold to Julian Mincher as a 3yo of this lovely now 6yo elton john x mr blue gelding ..Delighted to see yesterday he qualified for the prestigious hoys foxhunter final as a 6yo - quite a feat !We will be cheering you guys on on the night Congrats to all connections.

A month-old semi-feral foal found alone next to her deceased dam has been rescued by Redwings Horse Sanctuary. The filly has been named Ruby by the charity, in reference to its 40th anniversary this year.Ruby arrived at the sanctuarys Horse Hospital in Norfolk last Thursday (27 June) and has been receiving round-the-clock care from the in-house vet and teams. She was introduced to a potential foster mum, Cilla, over the weekend.Cilla has been a foster mum several times before and is showing a healthy interest in little Ruby, said Nic de Brauwere, Head of Welfare and Behaviour at Redwings.The two of them can see and touch each other day and night, and already we can see a huge change in Rubys demeanour from nervous to much more confident, with her seeking Cilla out when she is unsure or simply wanting company.We have a lot of experience of dealing with semi feral ponies here at Redwings so shes in the very best of hands. Once she and Cilla are a strong pair, well look to introduce her to some similar-age youngsters to grow up and play with.Taking on a foal in these circumstances is a big commitment and were so grateful that weve been able to do that thanks to the kind and generous support of our #RedwingsAngels.None of the work we do here at Redwings is possible without donations, which we never take for granted, and, if you are able to donate towards the care of Ruby and the other horses, ponies, donkeys and mules at our Sanctuary, wed be so grateful.Staff from across all Redwings departments are giving their time by volunteering to do the most antisocial shift of the day Rubys 3am feeds which shell need for at least the next three weeks, to support their colleagues and ease the burden on charity resources. Were blown away by the wonderful gesture which shows the kind of people were lucky enough to have here.To contribute towards the care of Ruby and her equine companions at Redwings, click here.Further readingHorse Hospital team complete triathlon in aid of RedwingsMare rescued with foal at foot keeps sanctuary staff on their toesI trust her 100%: Rescued pony shines at Royal Bath & West ShowThe post Month-old foal rescued after bring found alone next to deceased dam appeared first on Your Horse.

London International Horse Show has today announced Riding for the Disabled Association [RDA] as its official charity for the 2024 edition of the event, which will take place in the ExCeL London from 18-22 December. Celebrating 55 years of enriching lives through horses, RDA stands as the premier UK-wide charity focused on harnessing the therapeutic power of horse-human interactions. Their...

AspectDetailsPolo Pony ParadoxPolo ponies are full-sized horses, typically around 15.1 hands tall, known for their agility and nimbleness rather than size.Breed CharacteristicsSpeed and Agility: Essential for quick bursts and sharp turns.Stamina: Must maintain energy throughout a match.Temperament: Calm and responsive in game conditions.Intelligence: Quick to learn and react to rider cues.Training and PreparationBegins at age three, lasts from six months to two years, focusing on rein control, leg and weight cues, and staying calm.Career SpanPolo ponies peak at 6-7 years old and can play until 18-20 years with proper care.GroomingMane Roaching: Mane cut short.Tail Braiding: Tail plaited and folded up.Importance of NumbersPlayers need multiple horses per match, often four or more for high-level players, to avoid fatigue.Gender PreferenceMost polo horses are mares, valued for their builds, temperaments, and potential as broodmares post-career.Argentine InfluenceArgentina produces around 3,000 polo foals annually. Popular breeds include Thoroughbred and Criollo crosses.Polo ponies are the unsung heroes of the sport of kings. Despite their name, these athletic equines are not actually ponies but full-sized horses specially bred and trained for the fast-paced game of polo. Let's dive into the fascinating world of these remarkable animals.The Polo Pony ParadoxThe term "polo pony" is a bit of a misnomer. In the modern game, these horses typically stand around 15.1 hands (61 inches, 155 cm) tall, with some even exceeding 16 hands. This is well above the maximum height of 14.2 hands for true pony breeds. The "pony" moniker is a nod to their agility and nimbleness rather than their size.Breed CharacteristicsPolo ponies come from various breeds and crossbreeds, but they all share certain essential traits:Speed and Agility: Quick bursts of speed and the ability to turn on a dime are crucial.Stamina: They must maintain high energy levels throughout a match.Temperament: A calm and responsive nature is vital, as the horse must remain controllable in the heat of the game.Intelligence: Polo ponies need to understand and react to subtle cues from their riders.Training and PreparationTraining a polo pony is an intensive process that typically begins at age three and can last from six months to two years. The horses learn to:Respond to one-handed rein controlReact to leg and weight cues for movement and stoppingRemain calm amidst the chaos of swinging mallets and bumping horsesA well-trained polo pony is so crucial to the game that it can account for 60 to 75 percent of a player's skill and value to their team.The Polo Pony's CareerPolo ponies usually reach their athletic prime at around 6 or 7 years old. With proper care and barring any accidents, these equine athletes can continue playing until they're 18 to 20 years old. This longevity is a testament to their durability and the care they receive.Grooming for the GameBefore a match, polo ponies undergo specific grooming procedures:Mane Roaching: The mane is cut short or "hogged".Tail Braiding: The tail is plaited and often folded up against the tailbone.These practices prevent the mallet from getting tangled in the horse's hair during play, ensuring safety and smooth gameplay.The Importance of NumbersIn polo, having multiple horses is not a luxuryit's a necessity. Each player typically needs at least two horses for a single match, with high-level players often having four or more. This allows for frequent horse changes, ensuring that the animals don't become overly fatigued during the fast-paced game.The Gender FactorInterestingly, a great majority of polo horses are mares. This preference is partly due to the belief that mares have better builds and temperaments for the sport. Additionally, female horses have the added value of potentially becoming broodmares after their playing careers, contributing to future generations of polo ponies.The Argentine InfluenceArgentina is renowned for its polo horses. The Argentine Association of Polo Horse Breeders reports that around 3,000 foals are born each year specifically for polo. This dedicated breeding program has helped maintain Argentina's status as a top polo nation.Many polo ponies have a significant amount of Thoroughbred blood, which contributes to their speed and athleticism. In Argentina, a powerhouse in the polo world, crosses between Thoroughbreds and Criollo horses have become popular. These crosses combine the speed of the Thoroughbred with the hardiness and agility of the Criollo.ConclusionPolo ponies are a unique blend of athleticism, intelligence, and training. These remarkable horses are as much athletes as the riders on their backs, contributing significantly to the excitement and skill of polo. From their specialized breeding to their intensive training and grooming, polo ponies are truly the backbone of this thrilling sport.Asked by YouWhy are polo ponies mares?Polo ponies are often mares because they tend to have more suitable builds and temperaments for the sport. Additionally, after their playing careers, mares can be used for breeding, contributing to future generations of polo ponies.Why do polo ponies have no mane?Polo ponies often have their manes roached, or cut short, to prevent the mallet from getting tangled in their hair during play. This grooming practice ensures safety and smooth gameplay.Are polo ponies expensive?Yes, polo ponies can be quite expensive due to their specialized breeding, training, and care. The cost can vary significantly depending on the pony's age, training level, and pedigree.What breed are polo ponies in the UK?In the UK, polo ponies are often Thoroughbreds or crosses between Thoroughbreds and other breeds like the Argentine Criollo. These breeds are chosen for their speed, agility, and stamina, which are crucial for the sport of polo.

I do like a good pair of long boots that are versatile enough to wear on the yard, in the saddle and out and about at events. Sturdy boots are essential for anyone who spends with horses, so when I first received the Mountain Horse Wild River Tall Boots in brown I couldnt wait to give them a try, not least because of how stylish they are.Ive been testing them in a size 7 (wide) since March and Ive really put them through their paces. I am a part-time freelance groom, so being comfortable on my feet all day long (7am-5pm) and able to move quickly is important. If Im honest, Ive never cared much for footwear, but when I opened the box, I finally understood how Carrie Bradshaw felt about her Christian Louboutins.The Wild River Tall Boots are truly beautiful and I loved the look of them instantly. Theyre full grain leather in brown and to be honest it almost felt criminal taking them out of the box to get them dirty on the yard. Alas, thats exactly what I did, and four months on they still look good.Before I even saw the boots I was impressed, because there was minimal plastic packaging involved in getting them from Mountain Horse HQ to my front door. Ive actually kept the lovely cardboard box they arrived in as its handy for storage. When its no longer needed for (or able to do) that job it will go into my recycling. Inside the box, the boots were wrapped in paper and they were filled with paper so that they didnt lose their shape while in transit.Fit Although Im 5ft 8ins, sadly I wasnt blessed with the long legs of Jodie Kidd and my height is mainly made up of upper body. This means that very few boots have passed the test of fitting my stumpy legs. Sad times.I opted for the wide version in the Mountain Horse Wild River Tall Boots and I was holding my breath the first time I tried them on. Thankfully for me, they did do up and so the testing process began. I have to admit, though, that initially it was a bit of a squeeze to zip them up. Perseverance (and an extra pair of hands) was necessary to get the zip done up the first time as it was slightly sticky, but this got easier with wear. Now I zip them up without a second thought.The boots themselves are quite long for me, which means when Im sitting down on a chair the top of boots dig into the back of my knees slightly. However, I suspect this is more of a design flaw with my short legs rather than with the boots themselves. When Im in the saddle, they dont dig in at all and they are comfortable to ride in.Performance & comfortThese boots really look the part and if I was rating on looks alone they would score full marks. I feel smart and put together when Im wearing them, whether its working on the yard mucking out, poo picking fields or having a day out walking the cross country course at Badminton Horse Trials. I also wear them for lunging, schooling and hacking fit showjumpers. In short, the Mountain Horse Wild River Tall Boots have really lived up to the job.They are waterproof so they keep my feet dry and toasty in all weathers. I also love the colour, as well as the shape.The Mountain Horse Wild River Tall Boots are made of real leather, so it took a handful of wears for them to really mould to my leg without feeling restrictive. Now that Ive worn them in, I can wear them all day without really thinking about them.Value for money Although 249 is a lot of money, you do expect to have to dig deep when looking to buy this style of boot and I think the price is in line with the market. Ultimately, they are robust, comfortable, easy to wear and they look good. Yes I had a few teething problems with the zip and ideally Id like them to be slightly shorter to suit my calves, but the main thing is that theyre very comfortable to wear all day. They feel very sturdy and Im confident they will last me a good few years. Therefore, I would say these boots are a worthwhile investment and offer value for money.Important informationRRP 249Sizes: adult 4-8 in regular or wideColours: black or brownBuying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? View the Mountain Horse range hereRelated contentTop tips for finding the best long riding boots for youSix pairs of long competition boots to suit a range of budgetsBoot bags to keep your footwear clean and tack room tidyThe post I wasnt blessed with long legs, but Mountain Horse boots fit well appeared first on Your Horse.

AspectDetailsDefinitionLateral movement in horses involves moving sideways while maintaining forward motion, crucial for balance, flexibility, and responsiveness.Types of Lateral MovementsLeg Yield: First lateral movement taught, moving forward and sideways with slight flexion. Shoulder-In: Three-track movement with body bent around the rider's inside leg. Travers (Haunches-In): Hindquarters off the track, shoulders remain on, body bent around inside leg. Half-Pass: Advanced, combines shoulder-in and travers, moving forward and sideways with body bent. Turn on the Forehand: Minimal forward motion, teaches yielding to leg pressure.Benefits of Lateral WorkImproved Suppleness: Enhances flexibility. Enhanced Balance and Strength: Encourages stepping under with inside hind leg. Better Responsiveness: Refines response to rider's aids. Muscle Development: Even muscle development on both sides. Increased Body Awareness: Improves proprioception, coordination, and control.Introducing Lateral WorkStart Early: Introduce basic yielding exercises from the ground. Maintain Forwardness: Ensure forward momentum. Focus on Correct Bend: Keep body correctly bent. Rider Position: Avoid common faults like dropping a shoulder. Progressive Training: Start with simpler movements before advancing.Common ChallengesLoss of Rhythm: Maintain consistent tempo. Incorrect Bend: Prioritize correct bend. Rider Crookedness: Ensure proper sitting position. Forcing Progress: Avoid pushing the horse too quickly.What is Lateral Movement in Horses?Lateral movement in horses refers to a set of training exercises where the horse moves sideways while maintaining forward motion. These movements are essential for developing the horse's balance, flexibility, and responsiveness to the rider's aids. Lateral work is a fundamental aspect of equine training across various disciplines, from dressage to western riding.Types of Lateral MovementsThere are several types of lateral movements, each with its own purpose and level of difficulty:Leg YieldThis is typically the first lateral movement taught to horses. The horse moves forward and sideways simultaneously, with a slight flexion away from the direction of travel. Read more about leg yield here.Shoulder-InConsidered one of the most important lateral movements, the shoulder-in is ridden on three tracks with the horse's body bent around the rider's inside leg.Travers (Haunches-In)In this movement, the horse's hindquarters are brought in off the track while the shoulders remain on it, with the horse bent around the rider's inside leg. Learn more about travers.Half-PassA more advanced movement combining elements of shoulder-in and travers, where the horse moves forward and sideways with the body bent in the direction of travel. More on half-pass here.Turn on the ForehandWhile not always considered a true lateral movement due to minimal forward motion, this exercise is useful for teaching young horses to yield to leg pressure. Read more on turn on the forehand.Benefits of Lateral WorkIncorporating lateral movements into your horse's training routine offers numerous benefits:Improved Suppleness: Lateral work enhances the horse's flexibility both side-to-side (laterally) and over the topline (longitudinally).Enhanced Balance and Strength: These exercises encourage the horse to step under its body with the inside hind leg, improving overall balance and power.Better Responsiveness: Lateral movements help refine the horse's response to the rider's aids, leading to improved communication.Muscle Development: Regular lateral work contributes to even muscle development on both sides of the horse's body.Increased Body Awareness: These exercises improve the horse's proprioception, coordination, and control.Introducing Lateral WorkWhen introducing lateral movements to your horse, it's crucial to start with the basics and progress gradually:Start EarlyBasic yielding exercises can be introduced from the ground when the horse is mentally and physically ready for light work. Discover more about starting early.Maintain ForwardnessEnsure that your horse maintains forward momentum during lateral movements. A slight loss of forward motion is acceptable initially, but work towards maintaining a constant rhythm.Focus on Correct BendKeep the horse's body correctly bent throughout the movement. Incorrect bend can lead to crooked movement and diminish the exercise's benefits.Rider PositionPay attention to your own position. Common faults include dropping a shoulder, raising or lowering a hand, or twisting the body.Progressive TrainingStart with simpler movements like leg yield before progressing to more complex exercises like shoulder-in or half-pass.Common ChallengesWhen working on lateral movements, be aware of these potential issues:Loss of Rhythm: Many horses tend to slow their tempo during lateral work. Strive to maintain a consistent rhythm throughout the exercise.Incorrect Bend: Horses may try to perform movements with incorrect bend as it's physically easier. Always prioritize correct bend over the degree of sideways movement.Rider Crookedness: Some riders develop a habit of sitting crookedly during lateral movements. Having someone observe your position can be helpful.Forcing Progress: Avoid pushing your horse to perform movements they're not physically ready for. This can lead to resistance and stiffness.ConclusionLateral movements are a powerful tool in equine training, offering benefits that extend far beyond the dressage arena. Whether you're working on improving your horse's suppleness, enhancing their balance, or preparing for competition, incorporating lateral work into your training routine can yield significant results. Remember to start slowly, prioritize correct execution over degree of movement, and always keep your horse's physical and mental well-being at the forefront of your training approach.By understanding and correctly implementing lateral movements, you can develop a more balanced, supple, and responsive equine partner, regardless of your chosen discipline. For more detailed information and resources, visit Just Horse Riders.Asked by YouWhat does lateral mean in horse riding?In horse riding, lateral refers to movements where the horse moves sideways while maintaining forward momentum. These movements help improve the horse's balance, coordination, and responsiveness to the rider's aids.How do you make a horse move laterally?To make a horse move laterally, apply pressure with your leg on the side where you want the horse to move away from. At the same time, use the reins to guide the horse's head slightly in the opposite direction. This combination of aids encourages the horse to step sideways while moving forward.What is the lateral movement at the walk?The lateral movement at the walk includes exercises like leg yield, shoulder-in, and turn on the forehand. These movements are performed at a slower pace, allowing the horse to learn and execute the movements correctly without rushing.What are lateral movements in dressage?In dressage, lateral movements are advanced exercises that include leg yield, shoulder-in, travers (haunches-in), renvers (haunches-out), and half-pass. These movements are essential for developing a horse's flexibility, balance, and obedience, and they are often performed in dressage tests to demonstrate the horse's training and athleticism.

When you hear a coach or riding talking about suppleness in flatwork dressage, it is referring to a horse being able to turn their head, neck and haunches in either direction with equal freedom and range of motion.Suppleness is the second rung on the Scales of Training, which should form the basis of training for every horse. But just like people, horses naturally favour one side of their body more than the other. If you find yourself thinking your horse is easier to ride on the left rein than the right, you are referring to their suppleness.Try turning your head to look over your left shoulder and then do the same over your right shoulder. You will probably find that its easier to do this on one side than the other. Its the same for your horse.As riders, we are often stiff in places we dont even know about and many of us have unconsciously been compensating for years, says esteemed dressage trainer Ian Woodhead. Horses are just the same, yet we often expect them to be able to work on a 20m circle on either rein and stay balanced and relaxed throughout.Suppleness and straightnessIan explains that suppleness is closely linked with straightness.Interestingly, a horse who is stiff on one side will struggle to walk in a totally straight line, possibly hollowing one area of their body or leaning slightly on the riders hand or leg, he says. Even if this lack of straightness is very subtle, it will, in time, affect the horses muscle development and their way of going.Suppleness and having equal range of motion down both sides of the body will therefore enable your horse to move with freedom, both in a straight line and when doing more complicated schooling movements. For this reason, achieving a relaxed and supple horse should be a priority for riders in all disciplines.Signs of a lack of supplenessSigns that a horse is lacking suppleness under saddle include:A reluctance to bend and soften on one rein, and becoming hollow at any pace faster than a walk.Resistance to school work in general; running through the contact or resisting the riders aids.Motorbiking around the circle on one rein when being lunged.Finding an exercise (even one as simple as a raised trotting pole) much easier on one rein than the other.Below are two leg-yielding exercises from Ian to help improve a horses suppleness.Leg yielding on a circleHow to do itOnce you have warmed up, begin by working on a 20m circle in either walk or trot.When you have settled into a rhythm, decrease the circle to 10m, then increase the size to 20m again by leg yielding out.While doing this its important to ensure that your horse is travelling forwards and sideways, with a soft bend away from the direction theyre travelling in.Dont forget to work on both reins. Youll probably notice that your horse struggles more on one side, but its important to practise on both reins equally.If youre working in a field or arena with a fence line, you can also make good use of the corners by asking for a 10m circle in each one. According to Ian this is a great test of suppleness, as well as the bend through the corner.Leg yielding on the straightWhen training, its better to ride leg yield with your horses body completely straight and parallel with the side of your training space, rather than with a slight flexion (which would be required for a dressage test). This is because its very easy to use too much inside rein and forget that the outside rein is the one that controls your horses outline.How to do itGo large around the outside of the arena.Choose a three-quarter line and turn on to it. After a few straight steps, leg yield to the outside track.Next time, come down the centre line and leg yield to the outside track.Develop the exercise by leg yielding from the outside track all the way across the arena to the opposite corner. You can also incorporate 10m circles at the beginning, middle and end of any exercise to test the consistency of the roundness and suppleness of your horse throughout.Related contentThe Scales of Training explainedThree simple exercises to work on a horses straightnessDevelop suppleness and straightness using polesHow to develop a poor toplineFour types of trot explained: how your horse should move *VIDEO*The post Signs a horse is lacking suppleness, plus exercises to improve it appeared first on Your Horse.