AQHA Magazine January/February 2017 JAN_FEB 2017 AQHA_website (1) | Page 29

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