--- In [email protected], "Karen Thomas" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >Shoulder-in is actually a moderately > advanced move - NOT something to be taught to casual riders on unprepared horses > at a day-clinic. And it's certainly not "shoulder-in" if you jerk the horses > around to get their bodies arranged into some odd position...
Hello Karen, My instructor has been working with me and Blessi on shoulder in. This is the capstone of about 2 years of training and practice. (Please note that the lenght of time had more to do with me learning as a beginning rider. Blessi picked up things much faster and my instructor worked with me very slowly to make sure that I did not jerk on the reins). We worked on leg yields, turn on the forehand, and turn on the haunches. I had to be able to do these with very light cues. Working on a good shoulder in was a 3 to 6 month process (for me-- Blessi got it a lot faster.) We worked for weeks/months on a shoulder fore at the walk and then progressed to a shoulder in at a walk. And Blessi needed to build up muscles for this type of work. Riding a shoulder in on a well trained horse is an amazing feeling because of the degree of partnership with your horse. (I also confess that my results vary depending on my skill that day). It is so rewarding to apply a light rein pressure, subtle rein cues, and go into a shoulder in. Riding has such a floaty, gentle feel. It is even more rewarding when I can maintain a shoulder in with very light reminders. I give Blessi and my instructor all the credit on this one. As a casual rider, I could never have attempted the riding or the training. And it was a long process. I am still riding the lateral movements at a walk because I need to work on my balance. Blessi can do some of these at a tolt or trot. If Blessi gets bored in the arena doing simple work, he will start volunteering the lateral work. Every time I ride Blessi I appreciate him more. Pamela
