Exercise 2 ALL ABOUT THE BEAT
Next for DB2 is getting him to work in a rhythmical way in all gaits. A show hunter has to show off his walk, trot, canter and gallop and the judge will be looking for perfection. “DB2 has improved in this area so much because we’ve been working on it a lot with him, but we still incorporate some work on rhythm in each session,” explains Katie. “I find pole work a useful tool because it’s more interesting than endless flatwork. The poles also help to regulate the rhythm by the very fact that they’re there and have to be stepped over.”
How to ride it
Place three poles along the centre line of your arena, one stride apart (between 4.5ft and 5ft, depending on your horse’s stride). Ride large in trot, ensuring your horse is forward and straight. When you feel he’s ready (is soft and balanced) turn on to the centre line, towards the poles. Help him around the turn using your inside leg and outside rein to support him. Ride purposefully towards the poles with the aim of keeping him straight as you ride over them. Initially you may find that, like DB2, your horse hollows and loses his rhythm during the first few attempts. Just stay calm and come around again. Ideally you want your horse to look down at the poles as he goes over them as this will help him to make the right shape without you having to interfere. Lifting your inside hand a little can also help with this. Ride over the poles on both reins until you feel your horse relax. By this stage his rhythm will have improved too.