Enhancing Equine Responsiveness: Softening Exercises for Schooling Horses on Contact

Understanding the Importance of Soft Contact

Before diving into the exercises, it's crucial to understand why soft contact matters. A horse that is soft on the bit is not only more pleasant to ride but also demonstrates a level of relaxation and trust in the rider. This state of responsiveness is indicative of proper balance and muscle engagement, which are vital for the horse's long-term health and performance.

Establishing the Foundation: Warm-Up and Initial Contact

Begin by warming up your horse on a long rein, allowing them to stretch and relax their muscles. As you gradually shorten the reins, apply leg pressure to encourage forward movement without abruptly pulling the horse into contact. This initial phase sets the tone for a session based on mutual respect and understanding.

Exercise 1: Inside Rein Release at Walk and Trot

1. At the walk, maintain steady contact on the outside rein.
2. Every three steps, gently push your inside elbow forward, releasing the inside rein.
3. After three strides of release, softly re-establish contact.
4. Progress to performing this exercise at a rising trot, maintaining the rhythm and balance.

Exercise 2: Flex and Counter-Flex Movements

1. At the walk, navigate through a corner using inside leg pressure and a light "sponge" on the inside rein to bend the horse's head and neck.
2. Hold the bend for two strides, then straighten for two strides.
3. Counter-flex towards the rail with outside leg pressure and outside rein "sponging."
4. Repeat at the trot and in both directions, aiming for smooth transitions and consistent bend.

Exercise 3: Serpentine Suppling

1. Begin with the flex exercise through a corner, then ride the bend onto the quarter line.
2. Straighten for two strides before counter-flexing as you head back to the rail.
3. Execute this on the long sides of the arena, maintaining straightness on the short sides.
4. Incorporate full serpentines across the arena, ensuring equal loop sizes and arcs.
5. Perform at walk and trot, focusing on maintaining rhythm and balance.

Exercise 4: Alternating Rein Release

1. At the walk, release the inside rein for three steps, then gently re-establish contact.
2. Simultaneously, release the outside rein for three steps.
3. Alternate between sides, then progress to performing this at the trot.

The Outcome of Consistent Practice

By incorporating these exercises into your training routine, you should notice a significant improvement in your horse's balance and self-carriage. The horse will exhibit a lower poll, a softer jaw, and a willingness to stretch forward and down while maintaining a gentle contact. This not only enhances the riding experience but also contributes to the horse's overall well-being.

The Bigger Picture: Why Soft Contact Matters

Interestingly, a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that horses trained with consistent, gentle contact exhibited lower stress levels and higher performance scores compared to those trained with inconsistent or harsh contact methods (McGreevy et al., 2017). This underscores the importance of softening exercises not only for the quality of the ride but also for the horse's mental and physical health.

For further reading on the principles of dressage and contact, the United States Dressage Federation provides valuable resources and guidelines (USDF).

By dedicating time to these softening exercises, riders can foster a more responsive and agile equine partner, ready to perform at their best in any discipline.