The leg-yield is one of the foundational lateral movements in dressage and a key skill to develop suppleness, responsiveness, and straightness in your horse. This exercise first appears in First Level dressage tests and is a great way to build communication between horse and rider. Here’s how to introduce it effectively:
What is the Leg-Yield?
The leg-yield requires your horse to move sideways while staying parallel to the long side of the arena. Unlike shoulder-in or haunches-in, the horse should not bend in its body. Instead, there is a slight flexion at the poll away from the direction of movement, with the body straight from poll to tail.
Step-by-Step Introduction
- Start at the Walk
Begin by riding up the quarter line. Ensure your horse is straight and parallel to the long side before asking for the leg-yield.
- Use your inside leg at the girth to encourage the horse to step sideways.
- Support with your outside rein to prevent the horse from falling through the shoulder.
- Keep the horse’s neck straight and avoid over-flexing.
If your horse simply drifts to the rail without crossing its legs, return to a straight line and reinforce the aids for sideways movement.
2. Progress to the Trot
Once your horse can maintain straightness and rhythm at the walk, introduce the leg-yield at the trot.
- Establish a steady, balanced trot.
- Ride up the quarter line, then apply the same aids: inside leg to push sideways, outside rein to maintain straightness.
- Keep your horse’s neck and body straight while ensuring the trot remains rhythmic.
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Shoulders Leading Too Much: If the shoulders drift excessively, focus on straightening the horse by riding forward before reattempting the leg-yield. Use more outside rein to guide the shoulders.
- Speeding Up: If your horse rushes, make a small circle to regain control and balance, then return to the leg-yield. Keep your aids soft but clear.
- Lack of Crossover: Ensure your inside leg is active enough to prompt the horse to step its inside hind leg across and under its body.
Tips for Success
- Reward Effort: Praise your horse for small successes to build confidence.
- Practice Both Directions: Horses are often stiffer on one side, so work evenly on both to develop balance.
- Stay Consistent: Maintain steady contact and rhythm throughout the exercise.
Introducing the leg-yield takes patience and repetition, but it is a rewarding step in your horse’s training. Good luck, and enjoy the process!
Happy riding,
Amelia
