[cowgurly02]

For a warm up I like doing this Martha Josey exercise...it's not hard, pretty simple actually!

Basically go on the rail, keeping your horse straight, and at every corner pick up their noses and do a circle. I do this at a trott and then at a lope, going both ways. Good for barrel horses because it works on keeping them straight and then giving and bending when you pick them up for the "turn".

I also do a box exercise with plyons that I really like....set up 4 pylons in a square, start in the middle of the square and chose what way you want to turn first. I usually do right turns first (that's his easy side) and basically do small circles around the pylons, travelling around the square. I do that at a trott and lope both ways

[Amber.Molly]

Thanks Jess! We actually did the one where you turn in each corner - we set out pilons and had them turning around each of them. Maybe because the coach is a barrel racer LOL!

How big do you make the square?

[cowgurly02]

Originally Posted by Amber.Molly

Thanks Jess! We actually did the one where you turn in each corner - we set out pilons and had them turning around each of them. Maybe because the coach is a barrel racer LOL!

How big do you make the square?

I make mine pretty small haha Not sure of the exact measurements but I take 8 big steps between each one LOL Seems better for teaching rate and getting the horse under himself. I'm going riding tonight, maybe I'll do that exercise and video it for you!

[Amber.Molly]

Originally Posted by cowgurly02

I make mine pretty small haha Not sure of the exact measurements but I take 8 big steps between each one LOL Seems better for teaching rate and getting the horse under himself. I'm going riding tonight, maybe I'll do that exercise and video it for you!

Sure!! If you're able to that would be great! (plus then I can see Dodger! )

[Coho]

Hi, These are great excercises. I am an mid aged rider who as been switching from western to english in the last year I work with a great trainer and finally have solid but lazy oldenberg but I am really struggling with keeping my thighs hence my toes not pointed out so much...an am wondering if I might not need more flexiblity to achieve a better leg position?

[Amber.Molly]

Welcome to the forum

Maybe try this exercise that was posted earlier:

Originally Posted by MIEventer

Well, I have some exercises for the rider

For Rider - what I do is a couple of things at walk, trot and canter.

To work on solidifying your lower leg. Reach down and touch your toes while at the walk. If your legs move while you do this, repeat and try again. The object is to not allow your lower leg to move what-so-ever and keeping your heels deep.

Also, reaching back to the tail. Your lower legs cannot move. Must stay put. Do this at the walk, trot and canter. When at the canter, you will find your seat too as to where it should be.

Reaching forward to touch the ears if you can. You can either remain seated or move into two point. Do this at the walk, trot and canter.

Another thing that could be helpful is to do a constant reminder to yourself... every 4 strides or so glance down and do a 'toe check'. If you make it a habit to point your toes forward it will come naturally. Also, if you're comfortable try riding bareback, it does a lot to help your lower leg