Outlines (on the bit, between the aid etc)

[suzii]

(Dumb question) How do you get a horse in a constant outline thats good for him etc. Also, what are the benefits of acheiving this??

[Maes Seren]

Outside hand contains the bend and pace, inside hand asks for direction. Squeeze inside hand like youre squeezing a sponge, hand only not whole arm to encourage head to drop.

Circles and transitions up and down help to get the hind legs active and working underneath themselves.

Whilst getting the quarters engaged using lots of leg to 'ride up' into your hands.

It changes the horses centre of balance making it much easier for them to carry a rider. It will give the horse a much longer ridden life span if worked correctly as they'll have the correct muscles along the spine meaning that theyre able to carry the rider more efficiently.

Sorry, not great at explaining these things, other members will be better though!!!

[abi]

maesseren explained well, theres lots of different ways to acheive it, different horses work best with different ways.

whatever you do, dont force his head down and yank at his mouth, he should move down and round at his own will, and it will take a while to build up the corriect muscles so dont;t expect lots at first.

you'll need an active pace, not rushing but forward, and then start slowly squeezing alternate reins, similar to milking a cow, i was always told.
he should bring his neck round and nose in slightly, praise any tiny movement, and he will soon realise what you want. However, dont force his head or fight with him, the dressage judges wont like it! his nose and face should be in a vertical line, no more! xx

[brigadier]

HI
I would follow Mae's advice and although Abi has described one method that some people use to get the horse more rounded beware that this can cause the horse to get fussy in the mouth and the rider to develop uneven hands.

It really depends on your level of ability and the independance of your seat as to achieving a good outline- the reason being is that once youve asked the horse to dip its nose his back becomes slightly more convex and you must be able to absorb the movement and achieve the bend with your legs. If you are not at this stage then fiddling the horse into an outline is not a good idea and you will not achieve a truly engaged horse. He may look correct but you will not be able to progress further and you risk making his back sore.

Work on your seat, so that it is totally independant of your hands then you will find most horses will begin to engage for you and work in a correct form.

If you are riding spoilt school horses or one that is resistant to an outline then that is different and needs corrective measures but that is the subject of a different post!
Brig