Expert: Sarah Lothmann - 7/8/2009

Question
My horse has over developed in his near side shoulder, what exercises can i do to correct this. He is a show jumper, is regulary hacked and schooled and plays the paralli games. Thank you.

Answer
Try working on your transitions, especially from the walk to the canter.  Also work on your right circles with a counter bend.  As you do so be sure to work from the trot applying collected downward transitions, and extended upward transitions.  All the while working with a counter bend.  You may need to lift your left hand subtly and apply an indirect rein with a bit of left spur to help push him forward off your leg.  Be aware of his balance beneath you.  Opening the right rein will encourage and help guide the right shoulder to extend.  

Also, on a straight line down the center of the ring with an extended trot, maintain your horse's straight line from dock to poll and push him off to the right using your left leg.  If you need to apply your rein aids keep them minimal. The goal is to really push him off the leg so his body, while still straight, moves to the right several feet over past your center tracking line.  After you have done this a few times, complete the exercise with a collected trot at the end of the ring and a 15 meter circle to the right this time with a natural inside bend.