Starting a horse off with Lateral work basics

[frankiesmum]

After chatting to the physio today about Franks progress she has suggested we start introducing lateral work to help him bend and engage. Franks particularly stiff on his right rein/bend and tends to fall out. Having never schooled a horse before like this im hoping you may have some suggestions of how to start this work? Of course ill be asking my yard buddies and also our riding instructor but its always handy to get other opinions. We have to start very lightly because of his back injury-hes been left with assymatry of the pelvis-and can only do in walk until hes stronger. Your help and tips would be much appreciated. annax

[jane]

Because of his back problems learn to long line rather that lunge, lunging can be quite stressful to the back and pelvis. Find someone who drives and get them to teach you, it is easy once you get into it.

Good luck

[solomon]

Leg yield small circle to big. Makes them use inside hind. It is hard for them but it does help. Also turn around the forehand in hand and ridden. I also work on rein back ridden and in hand all gets those back legs moving.

[brigadier]

hi- if he falsl out when he is on the right rein at trot then you may find that it is actually his better side later on and the left is the stiffer, (he will be straighter on the left because he is not as supple in the left shoulder- thats why it falls out on the right) I would do all lateral work at walk as it serves no purpose in trot until the horse is really supple and engaged. Start with leg yield on the straight from the three quarter line to the outer edge just making sure you keep him really straight and the bend comes from your inside leg pushing him over, if he starts to lead with the outside shoulder, then ride straight and try again.

I wouldnt do a complete turn on the forehand just yet, maybe work on a square and ask for quarter turns on the corners.

Quarter Walk piroutte will also help this horse as it will help you control the shoulders.

At this stage its about a little quality to get the muscles and joints working athletically rather than quantity. The walk pace can be as slow as he finds comfortable initially until he strengthens up.

[frankiesmum]

thanks for the suggestions. We cant lunge at the moment anyway due to the pressure so ill def be trying to learn long lining as i think without rider weight will be a good thing for him at first. annax