Work up to a shoulder-in
The next groundwork step on from the whip off, whip on method (see ‘A simple start’ on page 84) is shoulder-in. “It helps a horse who is uncoordinated – and possibly young – find his feet,” explains Diane. Horses who haven’t managed to build that stability in their movement will often kick in towards corners of the arena when ridden. “They need to learn to lift their leg and slightly bend with their knee without the rider on, so learning shoulder-in unridden gives them time to understand and become aware of their own body, ” says Diane. During this exercise, you want your horse’s inside hindleg to step under. In this position, you lead and drive the horse at the same time.
How to do it
Stand on the left side of your horse, with the whip on his neck to keep him still. Then remove it. Click, or use your voice, to ask your horse to move forwards a step or two with you, then indicate you want him to move sideways to his right by lightly tapping the whip against his left side. Aim for your horse to walk in a forward and sideways movement, in which the body bends laterally from neck to tail. Ask for a few steps of shoulder-in, then place the whip on his neck to stop him. Repeat this on the other rein.
This exercise gives your horse the opportunity to learn how to use and strengthen his back muscles. Shoulder-in is beneficial to horses because it stretches both sides of the body and, by stretching and suppling his topline (neck and back muscles), it gradually makes it physically easier for him to do what you are asking of him. Remember, don’t expect too much of your horse too soon. Start by asking for just one or a few steps and rewarding him for each of them, building up to ask for more steps so that he covers more of the arena. Be patient, going back a step if needs be to achieve the result you want.