Article by Natasha Maree
As a starting point, I like to get my
students to practice at the walk
and I like to focus on one direction
at a time. To help the rider “see”
the outside shoulder move, I like
to mark the outside shoulder with
some chalk. This assists in the rider
glancing down to see the shoulder
movement briefly. “Glancing” is the
key word here as staring down too
long will change the riders weight/
balance in the saddle, which in turn
can unbalance your horse.
While you are glancing down,
verbalise what you can see, "forward,
backward" etc. Then match your
rising to this, rising from the saddle
as you say forward and sitting down
as you say backwards. Remembering
to lower yourself gently down into
the saddle.
Staring down too long will change the riders weight/balance in the saddle.
As you find yourself able to rise
and sit in rhythm with the outside
shoulder at the walk, you can ask the
horse to move up into a trot. Once
trotting, repeat the same exercise by
verbalising when you see the outside
shoulder come forward and time your
rising and sitting with your voice
(forward, back).
Do not forget that you must always
watch the outside shoulder so when
changing direction you need to sit for
two beats and then rise and switch
to watching the other shoulder.
With practice you should find the
movement easy to spot and only need
to glance down for a sec ond.
Like all things horses, learning your
diagonals is all about timing, feel and
consistency. Keep persisting, as it
will get easier! Below are a few quick
trouble shooting ideas to keep you on
track
Mark the shoulder with some chalk to hellp visualise the movement of the
shoulder.
January • February • 2017 • The Australian Quarter Horse Magazine • Page 29