Today’s video is all about one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of riding: corners. Whether you’re gearing up for a competition or just enjoying a casual ride, mastering corners is key to maintaining your horse’s balance and setting up for your next movement.
First up, let’s talk about some common mistakes. I teach a lot of clinics and lessons, and these are the most common mistakes that I see. What do you tend to do?
- Riding too deep – this will cause your horse to lose balance and rhythm
- Pulling on the inside rein – this will cause your horse to overland and fall out
- Cutting corners and counter bending – this makes your horse stiff and on the forehand
- Leaning into the turns – this is a bad rider position fault that I see a lot.
So here is How to Ride Great Corners…
Step 1: Maintain Rhythm and Tempo
Start by establishing a consistent tempo. Count it out: 1, 2, 1, 2. Your horse should neither speed up nor slow down through the corners. If your horse tends to slow down, apply a bit more leg. If they speed up, use a half halt to regain control.
Step 2: Use Proper Aids The aids for corners are the same as the bending aids:
- Primary aid: inside leg at the girth: This is the primary aid for energy and pushing your horse into the corner.
- Outside leg behind the girth: Helps to guide the horse through the turn.
- Outside Rein: Supports the turn, ensuring your horse stays balanced.
As you approach the corner, use your inside leg to push the horse’s ribcage into the corner. Your outside leg and rein will help guide them through the corner smoothly.
Step 3: Position Yourself Correctly Think of yourself as a camera on a tripod. Your shoulders should turn with your horse’s shoulders without leaning to the side. Maintain even pressure on both reins and legs to support your horse through the turn.
Bonus Tips:
Cones Are Your Friends! Setting up cones in your corners can give you a visual guide and help you stay consistent. Just remember not to place them too deep, especially if your horse is still learning.
Corners might seem simple, but they’re fundamental to good riding. Start incorporating these tips into your training routine, and you’ll see a big difference in your horse’s balance and responsiveness. And if you’re showing this season, download my Free Competition PDF with eight tricks to help you have a successful competition. If you want more step-by-step help for the levels, I also have Blue Ribbon courses to help you ace your training, first, or second-level tests!
Thank you for joining me today!
Happy riding, everyone! 🎉
