Correcting Crooked Changes

 underneath your seat bones toward his chin without deviating to the left or right,” Sandra suggests.

Exercise: Flying Change through the Tunnel

Create a “tunnel” by placing two raised poles or cavaletti approximately four feet apart, one on either side of the quarterline, near B or E. In a forward, clear three-beat canter, ride straight through the tunnel a couple of times in both directions. Next, you can progress to riding through the tunnel in counter canter, again in both directions. Finally, when you feel that the horse is in good balance and responding appropriately to your aids, establish right lead counter canter on the left rein and ride up the quarterline. Your right leg should be at the girth maintaining impulsion and a slight right bend while your left leg is slightly behind the girth supporting the horse’s hindquarters; your right rein asks for slight flexion to the right while your left rein controls the degree of flexion, the tempo, and the horse’s shoulder.

As you enter the tunnel, sit tall, half-halt, straighten and ask for flying change using a clear, definite aid with the new outside leg (right leg). Remember to sit back to help horse stay balanced and let the walls of the tunnel assist you in keeping the horse straight so that you can focus on riding him forward into, through, and out of the change. It is helpful for your balance and straightness to pick a focal point on the wall ahead as you ride your line.

“A late change, one that’s close behind, or crookedness can indicate that the canter is not forward enough or the horse is not responding to your leg aid immediately,” says Sandra. “In order to develop straightness, you must ride forward with energy and ensure you have a good reaction your leg. Remember to ride forward to the change, and then balance, and then ride forward after the change.”