How Do You Do A Shoulder-In On A Dressage Horse?
Shoulder in is an essential exercise that when properly done will improve the way your horse engages its hindquarters and back. Shoulder in improves balance and suppleness. Here are some tips! At walk or trot, make sure your horse is moving forward from the hind end and is not leaning on the bit. Maintain firm but flexible contact through the reins. As you pass the center line, use your inside leg slightly behind the girth to push the hindquarters toward the wall, so they will stay on the track as you go around the corner. As you approach the corner before the long side, use half halts to slow the front end of your horse to allow the back end time to come around the corner. This will keep your horse connected and allow the energy to flow smoothly from the hindquarters up over the back and out the poll. As you come around the corner, your outside leg should maintain contact at the girth to help place the forehand slightly inside the track. Make sure you don’t focus so much on the inside
