June 2003

Diagonal Arena Pattern Improves The Lope

The counter-canter may improve your horse's lope.

This mare is rounding her topline and taking more weight on her hind legs. Although the rider is floating the right rein briefly, the mare keeps her balance.û

If your horse carries his head a little too high at the lope or travels a little too fast, it’s usually due to balance trouble.

To lower his head, he needs to relax, but he can’t relax if he’s off balance. To slow down, he has to transfer more weight to his haunches. That takes practice, suppleness and muscling gained through exercises like this. …