It’s March, Trot, Canter
Even when warming up or giving your horse a break from work, it is important to keep the walk energetic and marching forward.
Ask These Three Questions
To determine whether you are ready to move on from the warm up to schooling movements ask yourself these three questions:
Is my horse forward and light to the aids?
Is my horse straight?
Is my horse listening to my half halts?
If so move forward, if not, continue to work on the missing piece. All three must be present.
Keep Inside Your Balance Box
The rider must always stay inside the balance box in whatever movement they are performing. The term balance box is where the rider’s vertical axis intersects the horse’s longitudinal axis. Sit evenly on your seat bones and pubic bone to maintain alignment of the ear over the shoulders, elbow, hips and heels.