0% found this document useful (0 votes)
47 views25 pages

3 Equi

The document provides exercises and guidelines for one-handed riding and rein holds in Working Equitation. It covers the selection of appropriate rein holds based on the rider's handedness and the horse's bit, as well as techniques for transitioning between two-handed and one-handed riding. Additionally, it includes exercises for improving the horse's balance and responsiveness during various maneuvers, such as rein-backs and turns.

Uploaded by

cucardasvalor
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
47 views25 pages

3 Equi

The document provides exercises and guidelines for one-handed riding and rein holds in Working Equitation. It covers the selection of appropriate rein holds based on the rider's handedness and the horse's bit, as well as techniques for transitioning between two-handed and one-handed riding. Additionally, it includes exercises for improving the horse's balance and responsiveness during various maneuvers, such as rein-backs and turns.

Uploaded by

cucardasvalor
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 25

W////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

"'' '~' """'~


Exercise: Choose a One-Handed Rein Hold 19
...,,,,,,,,.,,,,,,J

Horv Do I Do This?

l. Determine which hand should hold the reins when


performing an obstacle that requires one hand.

• Ifyou are right-handed, hold your reins in your left hand


and use your right hand to execute tasks.

• If you are left-handed, hold your reins in your right


hand and use your left hand to execute tasks, however,
you may have an easier time with many courses if you
operate as a right-hander.
Bridge held in left hand.
Left rein can be held 2. Determine the type of reins you have and try the rein
on either side of the
pinky. Right rein is held
holds that are appropriate.
between the thumb and
foreftnger. • Continuous loop rein (such as English reins, barrel reins,
trail reins).

THE WORKING EQ.UITATION TRAINING MANUAL AliKermeen


40
Upright reins held in /eft hand. Left rein can Spllt rein hold. Reins come into the hand on
be held on either side of the pinky. One or either side of the forefmger with the thumb
two fingers can be held between the reins down.
if you are not using romal reins. The thumb
presses down to maintain the rein length.

-Bridge. • Western two rein.


- Upright hand with or without ji.ngers - Ramal in rein hand.
through.
• Hackamore.
• Split reins. -Bridge.
- Split rein (thumb down). - Upright hand.
-Bridge.
• Correction curb.
• Mecate -Bridge.
-Bridge. - Upright hand.
- Upright hand with or without ji.ngers - Thumb down.
through.
Curb bit.
Romal - Upright hand.
- Upright hand, no fingers between - Thumb down.
reins.
. Does your horse neck rein?
" Determine the type ofbit your horse has.
Yes.
Jointed snaffle or curb. - Upright hand.
-Bridge. - Thumb down.
- Upright hand with ji.ngers through.
• No.
Pelham with two reins or double bridle. -Bridge.
-Bridge. - Upright hand.
- Upright hand with ji.ngers through.

77,e Excrciscs 41
s. Make sure you choose a rein hold that is appropriate for
your horse's bit, rein type, and ability to neck rein.

6. If there is more than one appropriate method of holding


reins, practice riding each way and decide what you like best.

Keep in Mind...

* Sorne bits that are appropriate for two-handed riding act


very differently when riding one-handed. Jointed bits,
like snaffles, can change shape and put pressure on sen-
sitive areas of the horse's mouth when the reins are not
Double celos in bridge held apart.
IHlkl... Snaffle reins
should be on the
outside, held as in
bridge rein for single
* You may need to select a different bit and/or rein setup
reins. Curb reins can to maintain correct connection and control while riding
go on either side of the one-handed.
middle finger (pictured)
or if the left snaffle rein
goes outside the pinky,
then the left curb rein
* If you are riding one-handed exclusively during competi-
can go between the tion (as opposed to riding one-handed only when obstacles
pinky and ring finger. require it) sorne ofthese rein holds may not be appropriate.
Consult the Rule Book governing competitions in your area.

42 1 TIIE Wüíl.KING EQUl'l'¡\T(ON Tíl.AINING /1.IANUAL /lli fíermeen


Western two reln, Keep the mecate rein on Double reins In an upright hand, Snaffle
the outside, and put a fmger between each reins are outside the curb reins. The thumb
rein. Hold the tail of the romal in the rein maintains the rein length, and reins are
hand to keep the balance of the reins level. splayed apart so they can be easier to
access for shortening.

____ BENEFITS

here are many different options available to Working Equitation riders. Experi-
T menting with your equipment and rein holds will help you determine what works
best for you and your horse.

W/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

[
Exercise: Preparation for One-Handed Riding 20
~''"''"'''''''''~,,~,,~,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,~,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Prerequisites

* Exercise 19: Choose a One-Handed Rein Hold (p. 40).


• Be sure you have a suitable bit for one-handed riding.

* You need familiarity with changing from two hands to


one hand, and back again.

Horv Do I Do This?

1. As you are riding your horse, bring your hands closer together.

2-Touch your thumbs together on occasion to ensure your


hands are even and level.

"/he Excn:isc-s 43
3. Rely mostly on your legs and seat as you ride transitions
changes of bend, and straightness. '

4. While in motion, place your reins in one hand for a few Strides.

s. If the quality of your horse's work diminishes, go back to


two hands held close together.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and S.

Keep in Mind...

• Be sure to keep your shoulders level and square to your


horse's shoulders.

3:1 Reln hol4 Engllsh, * The shoulder holding the reins shouldn't stay ahead of
Both curb reins are
held in the left hand. the other shoulder.
The left hand is held
directly over the horse's
midline. The right hand * Keep your seat deep in the saddle.
only holds the right
snaffle rein.
* If you are riding with two reins, use a 3:1 rein hold (see
photos) when two-handed.

44 THE WORKING EQUITATION TRAINING MANUAL Ali Kem1een


• Try not to pull on the reins or let thern slip longer through your fingers.

• Use srnall rnovernents with your fingers to influence your horse.

• Be sure to always carry your reins in the sarne hand. In cornpetition you rnust always
use the sarne hand far your rein hand or face possible disqualification.

While cantering on a 20-meter circle, the rider has a rein in each hand (A). She is satisfled with
her horse's connection and outline, so she places the reins in one hand (8). Before her connection
degrades, she will go back to riding two-handed.

BENEFITS

iding one-handed is a skill that


R needs to be developed for suc-
cess in Working Equitation. There are
instances in the Ease of Handling and
Speed Trials that necessitate only
one hand on the reins. Your horse's
work should maintain the same quali-
3:1 Reln hold, Western, Both bridle reins and ty as when you are riding two-handed.
the left mecate rein are held in the left hand.
The right hand holds the right mecate rein
and the romal.

·rhe. Excrciscs 45
W/////////////////////////// ////////////////////////////// ////////////////////////////// ////////////////////////////// ////////////////////////////

Exercise: Pivot 21
Prerequisites

• Exercise 12: Rein-Back (p. 30)

How Do I Do This?

1. Begin a rein-back.

2. When your horse's inside front foot


comes off the ground, rnove it to the in-
side by drawing it over with the inside
rein. Your outside calf can also help the
horse rnove over.

3. If your horse tends to swing his haunch-


es to the outside, carry your outside leg
back.
KEY:
1 ~ath oí front íeet - ~
-l. After a couple steps, halt and begin again.

Keep in Mind...

* Your horse should pivot around his in-


side hind leg.

* Your horse rnust keep his weight rocked


back on his hindquarters. He should be
in the sarne balance for the pivot as he
is in the rein-back.

* Your horse should cross his outside


front leg over his inside front leg.

* Tirning and the placement ofyour aids is


very irnportant. If you don't initially suc-
ceed, be sure you are asking your horse
to move his foot while it is airborne, and
your legs are correctly positioned.

46 ) THE WORKING EQUITATION TRAINING MANUAL I Ali Kenneen


Variations

1. When your horse can maintain his balance rocked back on his
haunches, you can do half and full turns.

2. Omit the rein-back ifyou can achieve the needed balance without it.

BENEFITS

hile this is not a movement that is present in competition,


W it is helpful for horse and rider to understand shifting the
horse's weight back to gain mobility of the forehand.

W//////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////////////////////////////////////// /////

Exercise: The Swing 22

Prerequisites

* Exercise 12: Rein-Back (p. 30).


I-/ow Do I Do This?

1. Ride forward in walk on a straight line (A).

'l.. Shorten your horse's strides.

3. Rein-back five steps without halting (B).

1. At the conclusion of the rein-back, immediately walk forward without halting (C).

5. Walk five steps forward.

6. Repeat Steps 2 to 4.

!Ceep in Mind...

* Stay deep in your saddle.


* Timing is everything. Ask your horse to transition when he has a front foot in the air.

'file F:xerciscs 47
A

1 KEY:
Walk ......... ➔
1 KEY:
Rein back _.¡
--------0-
• There is no halting in this exercise. Your
horse should either be moving forward
or back.

. • The rein-ba ck should have the positive


attribu tes noted in Exercis e 12 (p. 30).

" Your horse should mainta in an uphill


balance or improv e his uphill balance
through out the exercis e.
A
_ BENEF ITS

T he goal of the exercise is to keep


the horse's weight rocked back on
his haunches as he walks forward and
back while remaining light in the bri-
dle. Removing the halt from initiating
rein back improves efficiency of move-
1 KEY:
ment in a Working Equitati on horse.
Walk ......... ➔

48 THE WORKING EQUITAT ION TRAINING MANUAL Ali Kermeen


W/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// //////////////////////////////////////////
V///////////////A
Exercise: One-Handed Rein-Back 23
////////////h

Prerequisites

* Exereise 12: Rein-Baek (p. 30).


* Exercise 19: Choose a One-Handed Rein
Hold (p. 40).

How Do I Do 1his?

1. Establish a square immobile halt with


the horse's hind feet between the eones.

2. Put your reins in one hand.

X 3. Rein-baek severa! steps.

KEY, -1. Establish your square halt.


Halt X
Relnback ----+
-;_ Retake your reins in two hands.

l, Ride forward.

Establish a square immobile halt with


the horse just in front of the eones.

Repeat Steps 2 to 6.

Keep in 1\llind...

Your horse should not ehange his frarne


at all during the exereise.

Your horse must maintain immobility


in the halts while you are managing
your reins.

Use minimal hand to baek up your


horse. Rely more on seat and leg eues
established in Exereise 12.

'/lle F.xcrcisl's \.,__ 49


* Your horse rnay be hesitant to back through a narrow gap. Help hirn gain confidence
by beginn ing the rein-ba ck with his hind feet clase to the eones. Get incrernentally
farther away frorn the eones in subseq uent atternp ts to repeat the exercise.

BENEF ITS

T his is practice for immobility while the rider changes the r~in hold .. lt a_lso reinforces
the minimal use of hand in the rein-back. Several Workmg Equ1tat1on obstacles
require the horse to back through a gap, which they are often uncomf ortable doing
until they are taught to do so with conf1dence.

W////////// ///////////// ///////////// ///////////// ///////////// ///////////// /////////////


///////////// ///////////// ///////////// ///////////// ///

Exercise: Half-Turn-on-the-Forehand 24
////////////,1.

Prerequisites

* Exercise 1: Square Halts (p. 16).


* Exercise 16: Poll Flexions (p. 35).
Hoce> Do I Do This?

1. Establi sh a square balance d halt.

2. Obtain a slight flexion of the poll to the


left, approx irnately 10 degrees.

3. Bring your left leg back and add a little


pressur e with it until your horse rnoves
his haunch es around his front feet.

1. Finish with a halt facing the opposite


directio n frorn where you started .
KEY:
Path ofhind foct ->
Keep in Mind...

* Your horse should turn around his left


front foot.

* Your horse's hind legs should cross.

~ THE WORKING EQUITAT ION TRAINING MANUAL I Ali Kenneen


• Maintain a secure position in the sad- haunches away from the fence, and
dle. Avoid leaning forward. the fence will assist you in keeping the
horse from walking out of the exercise
• You may use your hand to prevent your during the first part of the turn.
horse from moving forward.
3. Ride this with your reins in one hand.
variations Sit on your free hand to help maintain
proper body position.
1. The instructions for this exercise were
written to do a turn-on-the-for ehand BENEFITS
right. To do a turn-on-the-fore hand left,
flex your horse to the right, use your his exercise assists with isolat-
right leg back, and pivot around the T ing control of the haunches. lt
stretches the horse's hind legs and
horse's right front leg.
typically improves the willingness of
2. Position your horse about a foot the horse to bend.
away from a fence. Move your horse's
Wllllllll//1///////////////// /////////////////////////////// /////////////////////////////// /////////////////////////////// //////////////////////////

Exercise: One Step at a Time 25


////////////M

Prerequisites

Exercise 21: Pivot (p. 46).

,. Exercise 24: Half-Turn-on-the -Forehand (p. 50).

How Do I Do This?

1 From the halt, create a left bend.

l. Move your horse's front feet to the left one or two steps, pivoting around the left hind (A).

• Halt.

• Move your horse's hind feet one or two steps to the right, pivoting around the left
front (B).

5
• Halt, change to right bend without moving his feet.

c. Move your horse's front feet to the right one or two steps, pivoting around the right hind (C).

·n,e Excrciscs 51
KEY:
Path offront fect--+
Path ofhind foct ~

--------0-

------- ---- 0- -----0-


7. Halt. Keep in Mind...

8. Move your horse's hind feet one or two * Take your time in the halts to set up
steps to the left, pivoting around the your aids correctly far the next step.
right front (D).
* Sit deeply in the saddle. Avoid leaning
9. Halt. forward and bracing against the reins.

THE WORKING EQUITATION TRAINING MANUAL Ali Kenneen


_ 52__./
* Go slowly and pause in the halts to avoid frustrating your
horse. He may think he's done something wrong if you don't
clearly let him know that he did the right thing, before asking
for another step.

BENEFITS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

ou will gain greater control of your horse's feet with the ability
Y to plant one foot and move the rest.

f///1////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Exercise: Groundwork: Placing Feet Next to Obstacles 26

Setup

* Gate obstacle, jug obstacle, drum, or jump standard.


* Your horse in a halter and lead rope.
How Do I Do This?

l. Set up your horse with his right front foot next to a drum, gate,
jump standard, or table.

2. Allow him time to settle and relax with his foot in this position.

3. Repeat with the remaining three feet.

líeep in Mind...

• Your horse can't always see his feet or the object his feet are
approaching. This may make him nervous about what you are
asking.

• Go slowly. Once you think you've waited long enough for your
horse to settle, wait a little longer.

* Horses typically have more trouble with their hind feet next to
an object.

·¡ he F.xcrciscs ~3
Variations

1. Back your horse into position, rather than walking hirn


forward.

2. Perform a side-pass, turn-on-the- forehand, or turn-on-


the-haunches to get into position.

3. This exercise and its variations can be done mounted.

BENEFITS

The handler safely


and patiently worked
orne horses lack confidence in getting their feet close
with her horse to get
him comfortable with
his hind feet next to
S to an obsta ele. This may be beca use of previous train-
ing to be careful with their feet around rails. lt could also
the standard. He was
resistant at first, and it come from a lack of experience getting their feet into
took about 15 minutes
to get to this point. Note a specific place. This exercise helps them become more
she is using a halter confident about where their feet can go and where they
and lead rope for this
exercise, instead of
can keep their feet stationary.
abridle.

54 TIIE WORKING EQUITATION TRAINING MANUAL Ali Kenneen


W///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
W////////////1////IA •
Exercise: Leg-Y1eld Swoop 27
///////////////2,

~''"'''"""'""''',:~'''''''''''''''''''"'''''''"'''"''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''"'''''''""''"''"''''''''''"'''''''
* If you don't have a fenee, use a raíl on
A the ground.
X How Do 1 Do 7his?

l. Approaeh the first set of eones at trot.

2. Just before your horse's nose reaehes


the eones, transition to walk.

3. As you pass through the eones, turn and


leg-yield until your horse's front feet are
in line with one of the eones at the fenee.

KEY:
Halt X 4. Halt with your horse's body parallel to
Legyield _ _ .
Walk Transition e:::::> the fenee, with your knee at the cone.
Trot ......... ¡,.

Keep in Mind...

Prerequisites * Keep riding your horse's hind leg under


his body in the downward transitions
• Exercise 15: Leg-Yield (p. 34). to promote an uphill balance.

• Exercise 26: Groundwork: Placing Feet • Keep forward momentum until the
Next to Obstacles (p. 53). final halt.

Setup * Praetice halting square at the end to


build good habits.
* Set up 2 eones, 5 feet (1.5 meters) apart,
anda distance of 10 feet (3 meters) from BENEFITS
a fence.

* Set up 2 more eones, 6 ½ feet (2 meters)


apart, direetly under the fenee.
T his maneuver sets you up for per-
forming the rape gate and swing-
ing gate obstacles. Practicing this
first element of the obstacle sets you
*Th
. e eenter of the eone "gates" should up to correctly perform the remainder
hne up.
of the gate obstacle.

·n1e Excrciscs \__ 55


///////////////
1///////////////// /////////////////// /////////////////// /////////////////// /////////////////// /////////////////// ///////////////////

Exercise: Opening the Rope Gate 28

Prerequisites

* Exercise 2: Irnrnobility (p. 17).


* Exercise 26: Groundwork: Placing Feet
Next to Obstacles (p. 53).

A• Setup
••
•• ••
X ----··~ :,; X * A 7- to 8-foot (2- to 2.4-rneter) rope
strung between posts (or jump stan-
dards) 6½ feet (2 rneters) apart.

How Do I Do This?

l. Approach the gate facing the middle of


the rape.

2. Turn so that your horse's body is paral-


lel to the rape.

3. Halt with the end ofthe rape near your


KEY: knee.
Hall X
Walk ......... ~
Legyleld ~
lleln back______,._
1. Pickup the end of the rape.

5. Back up until you can hang up the rope


on the other post.

6. Ride through the open gate.

Keep in lvlind...

* Your horse may be nervous about the


rape.

56 ) THE WORKING EQUITATION TRAINING MANUAL I Ali Kenneen


• It's always better to drop the rope than pull over a post or let
yourself get pulled off your horse.

• Ifyour horse is nervous, practice standing calmly next to the rope


before attempting to touch it.

Variations

1. Approach the gate from the short end. Stop at the first gate post,
pickup the rope, and walk forward. Hang up the rope on the sec-
ond gate post.

2. Approach the gate from the short end. Stop at the second gate post,
pickup the rope, and back up to open the gate. Hang up the rope,
and ride forward through the gate.

BENEFITS

his will help your horse get comfortable with the rope gate
T obstacle.

,W/////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////////////////////////////////////// /////

Exercise: Closing the Rope Gate 29


/////////////n.

Prerequisites

• Exercise 23: One-handed Rein-Back (p. 49).

* Exercise 28: Opening the Rope Gate (p. 56).


Setup

• Same as Exercise 28, but with both ends of the rope on the same
post.

How Do I Do This?

1. Ride through the gate posts.

2. Halt with your hand next to the rope.

1he Excrciscs 57
3. Your horse should be parallel to the
opening of the gate.

4. Pickup one end of the rape.

5. Back up your horse in a straight line.

6. Halt when your hand is near the second


gate post.
V
.... 7. Hang the end of the rope on the post.
X~-----· )X
Keep in Mind...

* Many horses get nervous when the rape


KEY:
follows them as they back away. Try the
Halt X variations of this exercise first to help
Walk ......... ,>
Rein back -----+- your horse understand what is expected.

* Be sure you have successfully completed


Exercise 26 (p. 53) and its variations so
that your horse is less. likely to move
his hind feet away from the second
gate post.

Variations

1. Approach the gate from its short side that


has the rope. Close the gate by walking
forward.

2 Approach the gate from the short side with-


out the rape. Close the gate backing up.

BENEFITS

T his is another step in the intro-


duction of the gate obstacle.
Breaking the steps into pieces to work
on individually creates better under-
standing of the mechanics.

-sa__J THE WORKING EQ.UITATION TRAINING MANUAL I Ali Kermeen


W/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
'1////////////////////~
Exercise: Rope Gate 30

Prerequisites

* Exercise 14: Compass Control (p. 33). ..¿r


.
.. . ...
• Exercise 27: Leg-Yield Swoop (p. 55).

* Exercise 29: Closing the Rope Gate (p. 57).


Setup .
* A 7- to 8-foot (2- to 2.4-meter) rope ~-)

strung between gate posts (or jump


standards) 6 ½ feet (2 meters) apart.
A oA
* A cone gate 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide, ap- ~
proximately 10 feet (3 meters) from the ...
center of the rope gate.

How Do I Do This? KEY:


Hall X
Walk ......... ;>
Lcg yield --➔
1. Approach the cone gate at trot. Rein back -----+
Walk TransiUon e=:>
Trot .. •►

2. Transition to walk just before the eones.

3. Perform a leg-yield swoop that con-


Competition Obstacle
eludes in a square halt with your hand
by the end of the rope and your horse
parallel to the rope.

1
l. Lift the end of the rope.

5. Back up until your horse can pass


through the opening.

G. Turn your horse through the opening.

"· Back up parallel to the rape, closing


the gate.

'1hr Excrciscs 59
8. Conclude your rein-back with a square Variations
halt; your hand should be within rea ch
of the gate post. 1. All levels above Introductory (Level 1),
approach at canter, and canter away
9. Hang up the rope. from the obstacle after completion.

10. Turn your horse and trot away. 2. Omit the halts as you might during
a Speed round.
Keep in Mind...
BENEFITS
* Be careful the rape doesn't get caught
on your stirrup or reins.
his is a competition obstacle that
* lt is better to drop the rope than to pull
a standard over or get pulled off your
T demonstrates the horse's ability
to start and stop moving in many di-
horse. rections within a small space.

* If you do drop the rope, regather the rape


from the end that is still on the gate post.
'@//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Exercise: Turn-on-the-Forehand in Motion 31


////////////.

Prerequisites

* Exercise 24: Turn-on-the-Forehand (p. SO).


* Exercise 27: Leg-Yield Swoop (p. SS).
A
Setup

* 2 posts or eones about 33 feet (10 meters)


apart.

Horv Do I Do 1his?

1. Walk your horse from one post straight


to the other.

KEY:
Walk ·····•·••:> 2. As you approach the post, flex your
TOF in motion, path of hind feet ->
horse's nose toward the post.

6 ~ THE WORKING EQUITATJON TRAINING MANUAL Ali Kenneen


3. Bring your inside shoulder back.

4 _use your inside leg to encourage your horse to take larger steps
with his hind feet than his front feet while you continue to face
your horse toward the post.

s. After you've turned 180 degrees, ride forward toward the first post
and repeat the turn there.

Keep in Mind...

* There is no halting in this movement.


* Your horse should get more active with his hind legs through the turn.
• Use the increased activity from the hind leg to create a more uphill
balance riding out of the turn.

• Be sure your outside rein is not allowing the shoulders to fall to


the outside in the turn.

* Lighten your hand slightly coming out of the turns to develop


self-carriage.

Variations

1. Can be done in trot.

2. Can be done in canter.

3. Add a third post to ride a triangle shape.

4. • You can change direction by riding between the posts after your
turns.

-- BENEFITS

his exercise is wonderful in developing more impulsion coming


T out of turns. lt improves shoulder control and control of the
haunches. At the same time, it gives the horse the idea of turning
around an obstacle.

"The Exerciscs l._ 61


W/////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////

Exercise: Gate Catch 32


Prerequisites

• Exercise 1: Square Halts (p. 16).

* Exercise 2: Immobility (p. 17).


* Exercise 26: Groundwork: Placing Feet
Next to Obstacles (p. 53).

Setup
,.-.
l , ., \1 ¡,. :' I'' •
•• 1
·' • * Any gate that freely swings in both
•·•·11tlft. • / ' ,•t>iliillf :_f·¡i '-/, 1i¡ 1• •'. ~ rJ directions.
1ll ¡ j . :' • ') Í: i
..•. - 11 1111 1 ' • • J ..iit /
~ :. • A friend on foot or mounted on
a gate-savvy horse.

• •,, .'/ :,~ •• How Do I Do Yhis?


.,,. ' ..._ • J • •, •• - - , : .•}

1. You and your friend should be posi-


These riders are passing the gate tioned on either side of the gate.
back and forth.
2. Have your friend open the gate a few
inches and then shut it again, while
your horse stays immobile.

3. You open the gate a few inches, then


push it toward your friend, who will
catch it.

1. Have your friend push the gate slowly


toward you. Your horse should :remain
still as you catch it.

5. Back away from each other and contin-


ue to "pass" the gate back and forth.

62 ) THE WORKING EQUITATION TRAINING MANUAL I Ali Kenneen


J{eeP in Mind•••
to repeat a step severa! times until your horse
Y0 u may h av e . .
• d t and relaxed with 1t. Do not rnove on untll your
is confi en
hors e l·s comfortable.
layful If you think it is fun, your horse will enjoy
• rry to stay P •
it more.

variations
_Have your friend pass you the gate, then maintain control of the
1
gate as you sidestep it closed.

z. Have your friend pass you the gate, and ask your horse to move
toward it, as the gate is moving toward you.

3. You may do this exercise as groundwork. Keep yourself between


the gate and your horse to build his confidence.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ BENEFITS

Y our horse will gain conf1dence around gates and with objects
moving toward him. This will build your horse's trust that you
will keep him safe.

r/llll/1/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////.,W///M"////,W/////

Exercise: Dry Gate 33


~\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\~~

~~""'""'"''''''''''''''''"'''''''''''''''''''"'''''''''''''''''"''''''''''''"''"'"''''"'"'''''''''''''''''''''''
Prerequisites

* Exercise 2: Immobility (p. 17).


* Exercise 14: Compass Control (p. 33).
* Exercise
• 25
: One Step ata Time (p. 51).

* Exercise
• 27
: Leg-Yield Swoop (p. SS).

71,r Excrcises \._63


Setup

* Gate setup as in Exercise 32 (p. 62).


* Create a cone gate, 5 feet (1.5 meters)
wide, parallel to the gate, about 10
feet (3 meters) from the center of the
obstacle.
A

* A helper on foot.
How Do I Do This?

1. Approach the eones in trot.

2. Transition to walk just before the eones.


KEY:
Halt X
Walk ........ >
Legyicld _ _ . 3. Ride a Leg-Yield Swoop (p. 55) until your
Rein back _ _ .
Walk Transitlon ~
knee is right next to the gate latch.
Trot ......... ,,-

·------- --@- 4. Establish a halt.

s. Have your friend unlatch and open


the gate.

jJ 6. Ride your horse through the gate, stay-


ing near enough to the gate so you can
touch it at any time. Your friend will
have to move toward the hinges to stay
clear of the horse (A).

7. Have your friend swing the gate closed.


Keep your knee next to the latch as you
sidestep your horse.

KEY: 8. Establish a halt. Have your friend latch


Halt X
Sidestep _ _ _ . the gate (B).
Reln back - - +

----- ----® - 9. Praise your horse.

64 ) THE WORKING EQUITATION TRAINING MANUAL I Ali Kenneen

You might also like