The Rider's Shoulders

18.     USING AUDITORY TRAINING - the most FUN way to train

1. When you have a look at the Dressage Rule Book you'll see the quote the rider must have their hands low and close together  ...the elbows and arms close to the body, enabling the rider to follow the movements of the horse smoothly and freely  
   
   The horse moves their head in walk and canter and the rider's hands, elbows and shoulder joints must be free and mobile to follow every subtle movement and head nod.

2. One of my judge's exams long ago asked the question "what's the most importnat thing you're judging" ....Answer = regularity.  Therefore, if you want the hrose to have a good regular rhythm...then ride in time to  special riding music. 

3. In rising trot the shoulders go "up and down" in time with the horse's rhythm.  Now, if the rider's shoulders go up and down in time to Elton John's Crocodile Rock...and your'e able to do that over short trot poles (about 1m) and long trot poles (about 1.6 or more) then you are doing collection and extension to the SAME RHYTHM. 

4. And...it was all from controlling the rise and rall of the shoulders.

 USING BELLS 

1. This is a funny thing - in canter.   Often riders move one shoulder more than the other, in a kind of "helicotper action".
   
   In clinics I pin a little bell to both shoulders and it can be an "instant fix" for a really serious problems. And, it's fun!

Copyright © 2005
[Colleen Kelly. Improve Your Riding ABN 76799531257].