One of my favorite exercises for getting your horse supple and improving the quality of their gaits, is the Ice Cream Cone exercise. This exercise is particularly effective to supple your horse and for preparing your horse for smooth and accurate canter transitions, especially if you’ve been struggling with getting the correct lead or achieving a seamless transition.
In this video, my husband Germán walks you through how to execute the Ice Cream Cone exercise, common mistakes, and why this pattern is so beneficial. You will see Germán ride the Ice Cream Cone exercise just like it is ridden First Level Test 1, but he also adds in a 20-meter circle. This variation of the pattern is great for developing both lateral and longitudinal suppleness in your horse.
One of the main benefits of the Ice Cream Cone exercise is its effectiveness in setting up a clean, balanced canter transition. By repeatedly adjusting the flexion and changing the direction, you’re preparing your horse to stay supple and attentive to your aids, which is essential for a smooth canter depart.
As you perform the exercise, focus on:
- Maintaining Bend: Ensure your horse stays supple around your inside leg while keeping a steady connection with the outside rein. This balance between the aids helps prevent the horse from falling off the line of travel.
- Executing Smooth Transitions: The frequent transitions within this exercise encourage your horse to stay engaged and on the aids, which is vital for executing crisp upward transitions into the canter.
While this exercise is highly effective, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overuse of the Inside Rein: If you rely too heavily on the inside rein, your horse might start falling off the line of travel. To avoid this, ensure you’re using inside leg and outside rein to keep your horse properly aligned.
- Rushing the Transitions: It’s important to avoid rushing through the transitions. Instead, focus on gradual, controlled movements that allow your horse to stay balanced and responsive.
The combination of frequent changes of direction with transitions is what makes this pattern so effective for getting your horse supple and connected. Give this exercise a try, and as your horse becomes more supple, you’ll notice improvements in the quality of their gaits —your horse will start to move more efficiently and with greater freedom.
Happy Riding!
Amelia
P.S. Want to learn more patterns and figures to help you get your horse supple and round? Check out my Free Patterns and Figures PDF Guide here.
