This is the third in a progression of exercises, I'll post the link to the full set in the comments. From any point on the long side of the arena, the rider will ride a quarter turn on the haunches and add one to two more additional steps. Before the horse loses rhythm or balance, ride 1-2 steps straight, then immediately resume 2-4 steps of the turn. You can continue in this manner, interrupting the turn with 1-2 steps straight to regain activity and balance. The walk steps should not get too long and on the forehand. After training the turns, it is often helpful to ride some active trot or canter work, such as lengthening, or frequent transition within the gait. As with any exercise and movement that we teach the horse, in the initial lesson, we do want to repeat the exercise until the horse ‘gets it’. Once the light bulb has gone on in his mind, then the exercise can be integrated into the work program on a regular basis, but taking care never to drill the horse in this or any exercise.

Does anyone have any great pole/jumper exercises for introducing confidence boosting the horse, making it seem fun ❤️❤️

Sitting trot. The most difficult exercise for me

I wasn’t a fan of putting poles before the jumps, but after I got an hot horse it all makes sense🤩 Im using it a lot to get her to think about when it’s time to take off

The counter leg-yield is critical for loosening a tight horse who cannot get through to a rein! I like to do this along the wall. Simply cue the leg-yield normally, but the haunches should be closer to the inside with the shoulder leading to the outside. This will improve straightness, bend, strength, flexibility, and thoroughness!

Wanted to share this exercise from Debbie McDonald’s Riding Through. Half halts can be a bit odd to learn and understand. But a half halt is exactly what it is called, half of a halt. You’re condensing that energy but not fully halting. I like to visualize in my head creating a moment of suspension in half of the horse (such as the inside or outside) when I apply the aid. I visualize a snapshot being taken and even honing in on precisely where I want that “halt” to happen. Half halts are important for all disciplines!

This exercise takes 8 poles if you want to do it both directions but can be done with just 3 as well. The main goal of the exercise is to use your seat to communicate your horse through the poles.  First you come in from the left or right at the trot hugging the first pole, then leg yield to get your horse center to the next pole and trot over it. After you trot over the pole use your seat to transition down to the walk and aim straight into the “shoot” created by the poles. As you approach the third pole, use your seat to halt your horse. Stay in the halt for a few moments, then ask your horse to walk on over the pole and leg yield them to the opposite side you came into for the final pole.  Feel free to comment below if my description is not clear and you would like further clarification!

I saw this exercise on insta. Very nice to train balance and get your horse better on the aids (legs and quick respons)