Asking a horse to bend is an important part of riding. Bending helps the horse understand your aids and aids in creating balance and connection with the horse. Furthermore, bending helps the horse develop strength and suppleness in their muscles and joints. In this article, you will learn the basics of how to ask a horse to bend properly and safely.
Why Bending is Important
Bending is a fundamental part of riding that is necessary for the horse to understand the rider’s aids, as well as create balance and connection with the horse. Additionally, bending helps the horse develop strength and suppleness in their muscles and joints. Proper bending ensures that the horse is comfortable and can move freely, without any restrictions or tension.
Types of Bending
There are two types of bending: lateral and vertical. Lateral bending is achieved by using your inside leg and outside rein, while vertical bending is achieved by using your outside leg and inside rein.
How to Ask for Lateral Bending
To ask for lateral bending, use your inside leg at the girth to push the horse’s rib cage away from your leg. At the same time, use your outside rein to guide the horse’s head and neck away from the direction you are pushing with your leg. This will help the horse bend in the direction you are asking.
How to Ask for Vertical Bending
To ask for vertical bending, use your outside leg at the girth to push the horse’s rib cage up and away from your leg. At the same time, use your inside rein to guide the horse’s head and neck up and away from the direction you are pushing with your leg. This will help the horse bend in the direction you are asking.
Tips for Asking for Bending
When asking for bending, it is important to remember the following tips:
- Keep your aids light and consistent – too much pressure can make the horse tense and resistant.
- Make sure to release the aids when the horse has bent correctly – this will help the horse understand what you are asking.
- Be patient – it may take some time for the horse to understand what you are asking.
- Avoid leaning on the reins – this can cause the horse to become stiff and unresponsive.
Common Mistakes When Asking for Bending
When asking for bending, it is important to avoid the following mistakes:
- Pulling on the reins – this can cause the horse to become stiff and unresponsive.
- Using too much pressure – this can cause the horse to become tense and resistant.
- Not releasing the aids – this can cause the horse to become confused and not understand what you are asking.
- Not being consistent – this can cause the horse to become frustrated and not understand what you are asking.
Correcting Mistakes
If you make a mistake while asking for bending, it is important to correct it immediately. The best way to do this is to release the aids and start again. This will help the horse understand what you are asking and will help them stay relaxed and responsive.
Practice Makes Perfect
Asking a horse to bend correctly takes practice. It is important to be patient and consistent when teaching the horse how to bend. Start with simple exercises, such as circles and serpentines, and gradually increase the difficulty as the horse progresses.
Conclusion
Asking a horse to bend is an important part of riding. Bending helps the horse understand your aids and aids in creating balance and connection with the horse. Furthermore, bending helps the horse develop strength and suppleness in their muscles and joints. In this article, you have learned the basics of how to ask a horse to bend properly and safely.