TIPS FOR SUCCESS

If you’re struggling with your canter transitions, tension can creep in. As you try too hard to get it right, the temptation can be to ride with your horse’s neck too short in your quest for a correct strike-off. “Exhale and let your legs hang longer as you ask for the transition,” says Alison. “Also, give and retake your inside rein just before asking for canter to encourage your horse’s neck to go a little longer.” Resist the temptation to drop your upper body forward in the transition – this unbalances your horse and he’ll be more likely to run into canter. “As you ride your 20m circle think of it as four quarters and keep your horse stepping from his inside leg to your outside rein. Keep your inside hip and shoulder up as you ride the circle. If you drop to the inside, you only encourage your horse to fall in.” If he’s motorbiking, ride half a circle, then ride shoulder fore (half the angle of shoulder-in) down the track for a few steps before riding the second half of your circle.