Is Your Horse Optimized for Exercise?
When a horse is poised and directing his mental and physical efforts forward on his line of travel, he is in an athletic state. Until then, even well-chosen exercises will not create many results.
In English vernacular, we refer to this as the horse being “in front of the leg,” which means if the rider gives a cue, her horse IMMEDIATELY responds. In Western terminology, it is sometimes called ‘readiness,’ as in the horse is always prepared and looking to perform the next exercise. This state of readiness translates to balance and spinal stability as the horse moves. To simplify, here is an example.
To perform an exercise (for instance, a grid of ground poles) beneficially, the horse needs to push evenly from both hind legs, tone his spinal stabilizers, and coordinate a sequence neuro-motor responses. If instead he holds his breath, loses energy from one or both hind legs, or fails to pay attention, he becomes quickly disorganized in his body. Most often, his body will lean or drift to one side. Attempting to catch his balance, he will tighten and raise his neck which blocks harmonious movement through his back while also de-activating the smaller spinal stabilizers. When a horse repeatedly performs an exercise this way, he never gets stronger in the right areas.
While it is straightforward to talk about, readiness can be tricky. We do not want him/her frenzied, nervous, or hyper. Getting this right is something of an art. To draw a parallel, I liken it to attending a Pilates class myself. If I flop around on my mat listlessly without putting focused effort in to each maneuver, I don’t gain results. Likewise, if I show up jittery and hyperactive, I will not achieve the precision that each exercise requires to be beneficial. I need to be in the right place physically and mentally to reap what class offers.
A foundational way to create or test your horse’s readiness is the classic routines of walk-stop-walk transitions, whether on a longe line or under saddle. These transitions should happen smoothly, promptly, and agreeably. Practice counting how many seconds elapse between the time you give your cue and when he actually executes what you asked. For instance, when you close your legs and tell him to walk forward from a standstill, can you count to 1 or 2 or 3?? Or does he instantly go? Aim for the latter. Now practice asking your horse to take a step sideways. When you give a cue, is there a 1 or 2-second delay?
A few other useful exercises for cultivating readiness are offered below. They are referenced from my book 101 Western Dressage Exercises for Horse and Rider.
Groundwork:
Exercise #91, Changing Strides In Hand
Exercise #94, Cloverleaf
Riding:
Exercise #35, Three Step, Three Step.