Horse that cuts the corners

Hello! One tip is to think about it the other way round. Ride the horse so that you can turn anywhere you like, including right out in the corners.

Here is how:

1️⃣ Make sure you have a clear signal to turn. The weight aid is your first signal that you want to change direction, so be careful to shift your weight slightly towards the way you want to go. A leading rein aid helps to show the way, and you can reinforce it with the outside aids if the horse does not change direction.

2️⃣ Ride a square well inside the track and turn through 90 degrees, so you always travel parallel to the track but never on it. Change direction often and let your horse learn to expect your weight aid whenever you are about to turn. Repeat this over several sessions without ever going onto the outer track.

3️⃣ Now start the session the same way, but every so often ride right out into a corner. Take care not to force the horse out there: ride straight ahead until you decide to turn. If the horse turns and cuts in before you ask, go back to step 2 for a while longer.

4️⃣ Once the horse is paying closer attention to where and what you want, add this step. Pause in the corners, give a treat and let the horse relax. Repeat in every corner on each rein over several sessions, without demanding that the horse go right out into the corners every single time. Build it in alongside steps 2 and 3.

5️⃣ Your horse should now go out into the corners whenever you ask. Remember to repeat the steps above at regular intervals to keep that willingness to follow you right out into the corners. 🙂