Today’s tip is all about developing the bend through the body around the inside leg. How many times have you thought you have enough bend, only to realise that it’s only neck flexion?
Perhaps slightly surprisingly when talking about the inside bend, we’re going to focus on the outside rein. This might seem counterintuitive, but without the outside rein, it is difficult to support the horse’s body and shoulder. This is where the exaggerated neck flexion (and accompanying lack of balance and engagement) come from.
For the horse to truly bend through the body from nose to tail, it is not enough to focus on the inside aids. The outside rein must be able to provide consistent support, without blocking. Only once this is established, can the rider introduce the bend with the inside leg and some suggestion and guidance from the inside rein.
To establish the right feel, it is helpful to ride a lot of squares. With the standard 20m circle, there is always the danger that the horse can start to drift through the outside shoulder. In contrast, the square requires the rider to actively turn the front end of the horse from the outside rein. Think about pushing the quarters away very slightly – the effect of this is that they get their inside leg on, encourage a true bend through the body, and ask the horse to push his inside hind forward and under.
Once the rider has the feel on the square, it is easier to replicate it through the corners. It then becomes a matter of practice and discipline before the rider starts seeking that feel through every corner and every turn, enhancing the suppleness and engagement and making the exercises easier to ride.
Do you ride squares in your daily training? What other exercises do you recommend for training bend and suppleness?