The Snowman is my all-time favorite exercise to help you get your horse supple, relaxed, and on your aids, plus it really helps you improve your trot-canter-trot transitions! I’ve taught this exercises to many of my students and honestly, it’s helped every single one of them! So, in this week’s video, I thought I would give you a refresher on the Snowman exercise!
The reason that the Snowman is such a great exercise is because the pattern gives you and your horse a purpose, and helps get your horse even between both reins and bending evenly both left and right.
To ride the Snowman exercise:
Begin by riding a 20-meter circle in one direction, then change direction at the centerline and ride a 10-meter circle. As soon as you get back to the centerline, change bend and ask for canter, going back onto your 20-meter circle. Repeat the pattern by changing direction and trotting on your 10-meter circle, then cantering on your 20-meter circle.
When I ride this exercise, I like to ride it about three times before changing directions. This really helps you and your horse understand the pattern and feel the benefits without drilling it. If you’re not ready to canter on the 20-meter circle, you can ride this pattern at the trot. As you’re riding, listen to your horse, and use the pattern to your advantage. You might find that you need to stay on your canter circle for a few revolutions to help your horse relax before your trot transition or vice versa.
To give you an even better understanding of how this exercise can benefit you and your horse, and how you can adapt it for your horse. I’ve included some special footage from one of my recent clinics where I taught my students this exact exercise!
I hope these tips help you and your horse!
Happy Riding!
Amelia
P.S. Want to know how you can get smooth canter transitions every time? The truth is, it has to do with your seat, and when you can sit the trot into the canter, it not only sets you up for a smooth canter transition, but it also makes it SO much easier to sit the canter well. Check out my free PDF, “Five Exercises to Do Before the Sitting Trot” to help set you improve your trot and get you and your horse ready for sitting trot success!
