Bareback exercises

A good exercise that is a little easier to feel and get right bareback is steering the horse's forehand with your thighs.

For example, ride a smaller arena and move the forehand across in every corner.

On the straight, make sure you sit centrally over the horse, hands in front of you with slightly bent elbows. Ride at a steady pace so that you and the horse can keep up.

As the corner comes, ease the pace back a little more and be careful with your hand. Take a deep breath and stabilise your seat, sitting fairly still to slow the horse. If you need the hand, take it slightly forward and up as you give a restraining rein-aid, a gentle squeeze on the rein.

Once the horse is in the corner and has slowed (it should feel as though it lifts the forehand as it slows), try applying the outside thigh, pressing softly with the thigh on the outside, to turn the forehand inwards and into the direction you are heading. Keep the lower leg quiet and make your aids as small as you can.

Other exercises to work on your balance are riding with the reins in one hand and holding the other arm straight out, and trying to ride a slalom one-handed 🐴😊