Brilliant bends: part three

Improving your pony’s ability to bend lays the foundations for his flatwork and jumping and also helps to really elevate his suppleness and balance. So, whether you’re looking to ride the perfect circle in a dressage test or polish your showjumping skills, why not have a go at my bending exercises?

Set it up

We’re going to use the same hexagon layout that we did in part two of my polework series, but this time you don’t need the four outside poles that make up the square. Using 10 3m poles, start by placing four poles in the centre of your riding area to create an X. Then, add six more poles around the X to make a hexagon – simple!

TOP TIP

Why not leave this layout in the arena for a week or two so you can enjoy the benefits over a few schooling sessions? It doesn’t take up much room and the other liveries at your yard can have a go, too! Just check with your yard manager first.

Loosen up

As always, the aim of your warm-up is to get your pony fully focused, moving forwards and responsive to your aids. But how can you best prepare your pony for my brilliant bends exercises? By incorporating lots of bending, of course!

Here are three things to try…

• changes of bend – along the three-quarter line, centre line or down the long sides
• circles – of varying sizes, starting off with 20m and working your way down to 15m
• lateral work – leg-yield is a great tool for suppling up!

Remember!

Always ride through lines in walk first. It allows your pony to learn where you’re going and helps boost his muscle development, too!

Find out how to progress Nina’s exercise further with December PONY – get your copy today!