Today’s exercise is quite simple and great for both horse and rider. It is also very flexible. You can adjust the grid to whatever strides you prefer and you also have the option of setting it to trot in, or canter in. I like to trot into grids most of the time because I like that my horse is positioned on his hind end, and it also sets a more relaxed tone for horses that may have a tendency to rush a combination, like grady sometimes does.
I set this grid trotting in with 3 trot poles to a cross rail (helps you to start out in the center of the combination and encourages a square front end) to a bounce (15′) to 3 strides to my left or right lead option.
The purpose is to either feel your lead, and pick the option on that lead -for example, if you land on the right lead, you would choose the right option – or decide upon entering the combination which option you will choose and try to get your horse to land on that lead.
This exercise is pretty easy for myself and Grady because Grady is a mind reader. If I think left, he will land left. If I think right, you know….
Its still a great exercise for him because it encourages him to land on both leads and it also just reinstates the settle communication between us that makes us a great team.
Try it at home and let us know how it went!
