I remember riding as a kid and trying to get Geronimo round. My hands were hurting, he was braced and stiff, and my trainer kept yelling “rounder!” I knew I was doing something wrong, but I didn’t know the steps to teach him how to soften and round.
In this video, I walk you through three simple steps to develop true roundness from the back to the front. But before we dive in, I want to invite you to join my 30 Days to Round Challenge. It’s a step-by-step program to help you get your horse soft, supple, and truly round—whether your horse is hollow, curled, hot, lazy, or anything in between. Learn more and join here.
Okay, now let’s get started with the basics of roundness…
What Is Roundness?
Roundness happens when your horse lifts their back, stretches over the topline, and connects into the bridle with lightness and ease. But here’s the key: it starts from forward, not your hands.
Pulling only creates tension. Instead, you need to ride your horse from back to front to develop true roundness.
Three Steps to Develop Roundness
1. Ride Forward with Rhythm
Start by establishing a forward, steady trot—think “1, 2, 1, 2.” Your horse should maintain this without constant leg aids. If not, give a quick reminder and take your leg off again.
2. Add Bend to Create Suppleness
Bend is the bridge to roundness and what allows roundness to happen rather than be forced.
As you ride a circle, use your inside leg to shape the bend and push your horse into the outside rein. Keep the outside rein steady, and gently use your inside fingers to ask for softening—then release.
3. Change Direction to Confirm Connection
Once you’ve got bend in one direction, you need to confirm that your horse can switch sides without losing balance or connection.
Serpentines and figure eights are great exercises for this. With each change of direction, focus on getting the new inside bend and maintaining the forward rhythm.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when your horse feels hollow, tense, or stiff. But remember—kicking and pulling doesn’t work. When you focus on rhythm, bend, and clarity, your horse begins to find that soft, elastic connection naturally.
Happy Riding!
Amelia
P.S. True roundness doesn’t happen in a day, but it’s absolutely achievable when you follow a step-by-step path. That’s why I created the 30 Days to Round program—to guide you through the entire process from groundwork to under-saddle work, with over 58 proven exercises. If you’re ready to stop pulling and start training with clarity, connection, and calmness—click here to join 30 Days to Round.
