Starting the shoulder-in can be an intimidating moment for an inexperienced horse or rider. While the initial training only needs the most basic of aids, the shoulder-in is the first time that the rider truly has to coordinate each rein aid, leg aid, balance and seat. While the outside rein brings the shoulders towards the inside track, the inside leg must maintain the bend and activate the inside hind leg. At the same time, the outside leg stays fractionally behind the girth to ‘guard’ the quarters and stop them swinging away into the fence, while the inside rein gently encourages flexion through the neck and softness to the inside. Finally, the rider’s weight should be fractionally more on the inside seatbone, with their shoulders in line with the horse’s shoulders. Suffice to say – it’s a lot to think about at once.
The easiest way of introducing the shoulder-in is to start by riding a ten metre circle at walk. This encourages the connection between the inside leg and outside rein, and does much of the preparation for the rider. If you’re on the left rein, try riding a 10m circle at F. Once that circle has finished, start to come off the track as if you’re immediately going to start another 10m circle. When the horse has started to turn, and the forehand is coming off the track, increase the pressure with the inside leg and start to push the horse down the long side. It doesn’t matter if you only manage a few steps before losing it, this exercise is all about getting the feel of the movement.
It’s worth taking your time, getting both horse and rider confident, before trying it in the trot and eventually moving on to the shoulder-in without the preparatory circle. If you’re really struggling to ‘catch’ the right moment, try halting as the shoulders leave the track, having a look around and assessing where you are before starting again. Having a pair of eyes on the ground or a set of mirrors can also really help you find that vital moment.
What exercises do you use to introduce the shoulder-in? What helps you find that coordination between the aids? Comment with your ideas and suggestions down below!