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Falling into place
Posted 6th January 2025
Keep your pony on the right tracks with our help!

Have you heard your instructor telling you, or someone else in your lesson, that a pony is falling in, or falling out? Chances are the answer is ‘yes’, but what does it mean? When a pony falls in or out, they’re moving sideways through their body off the line you’re intending to ride – if that movement is to the outside then it’s called falling out, and if it’s to the inside it’s called falling in.
When it happens, it can feel as though your pony’s steering has broken! But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
Falling in
Whether you’re riding a circle, straight line or corner, if your pony falls in you’ll suddenly find you’re riding a smaller shape than you planned, and he’ll probably be bent to the outside.
Top tip
Think of keeping your pony travelling between both legs and hands, like you’re channelling him on the correct line!
Plan of action
- Check your position to make sure you’re sitting straight and level in the saddle – don’t fall in like your pony!
- Keep your weight down into your inside leg and think of pushing your pony away from the inside leg into an outside rein contact
- Make sure your pony is stepping actively forward with plenty of energy
Falling in fix
A really cool exercise to stop ponies falling in is to ride a 10m circle somewhere in the middle of your arena. Small circles make it way harder for ponies to fall in! Then, once you’ve ridden a couple of small circles, ask your pony to move back out to a 20m one by pushing him away from your inside leg. Repeat it a few times.
Discover more great tips to keep your pony on the right tracks in February PONY – out now!