SCHOOLING: Claire Lilley says…
On an even keel
Q I’m struggling with shoulder-in on the right rein as I can’t seem to get enough of an angle. Can you help? Tessa Wade, Cumbria
Claire says... First, make sure that you’re turning your horse’s rib cage with your legs and hips, and that you’re turning your upper body enough too. Avoid using too much inside rein, as this blocks the inside hindleg and prevents your horse from stepping forwards under his body, meaning that he can’t then bend his body properly.
If you have a problem on one rein, make sure you train your horse equally on both reins and don’t get hung up on riding the worst one. Change direction frequently, and use the ‘good’ rein to get the feel of a correct shoulder-in, then try on
