Anne continues with the cavalletti exercises as she helps riders to relax into the exercise of having the horse and rider trot over the first two cavalletti within the line and then walk over the last cavalletti. She then increases the difficulty of the exercise by having the riders canter over c...

Anne continues with the cavalletti exercises as she helps riders to relax into the exercise of having the horse and rider trot over the first two cavalletti within the line and then walk over the last cavalletti. She then increases the difficulty of the exercise by having the riders canter over c...

Anne continues with the cavalletti exercises as she helps riders to relax into the exercise of having the horse and rider trot over the first two cavalletti within the line and then walk over the last cavalletti. She then increases the difficulty of the exercise by having the riders canter over c...

Anne introduces the first cavalletti exercise to the group, which consists of multiple transitions over the track of three cavalletti. This begins to increase the leg to hand connection between horse and rider while asking the horse different questions.

Riders work on the importance of straightness within the gate and how their straightness relates to pace. Along with the straightness of their horses, riders also work on lengthening and shortening of the trot to engage in a proper connection on the flat.

Utilizing both shortening and lengthening exercises at the canter, riders increase the effectiveness of their aids. At the same time, Anne helps guide riders to improve their position to also help their horses improve on the flat.

Anne talks riders through how to use their aids in a coordinated manner while demonstrating turn on the haunches on a student’s horse.

Whether you are working on your spacing from each horse within the schooling ring or jumping around a course, Anne explains the importance of pace. Beginning with working at the walk, Anne also discusses stirrup length of the riders and how important position is when working through the basics.

Anne briefly talks riders through the importance of establishing and maintaining a leg to hand connection with the horse that does not come from the hand, but rather the seat and leg. Doing so creates a more consistent and true connection with the horse.

Beginning with having each rider place a knot in their reins, Anne begins to work on creating a steadier hand for each of the riders to better allow for a more consistent connection on the flat. Not only does the knot begin to allow for better position from the riders, it also begins to change th...

The third element, a vertical placed one stride away from the oxer, is added to the combination line. As riders continue to work on straightness, position, and connection, their positions begin to improve as well as their ability to remain straight before, during, and after the combination. Rider...

The combination exercise changes from a single crossrail to a crossrail, one stride to oxer combination while still halting on the backside. In addition to expanding the combination exercise, Anne also has riders drop their stirrups on the landing of the combination as the riders go to halt strai...

Riders warm up by trotting over a single crossrail and halting straight on the back side. Anne walks riders through the importance of two point and half seat position throughout the process as well as straightness within the halt on the backside.

Riders listen to Anne as she breaks down the importance of effective communication with their horses. In order to establish a responsive conversation on the flat, Anne explains how each rider must feel their horse and understand the proper coordination of their leg and hand aids.

Anne utilizes the no stirrup exercises to increase the effectiveness of rider’s leg aids. The leg position and seat position of each rider also begins to improve as the no stirrup work continues.

Riders start over the first cavalletti exercise which consists of riders trotting over cavalletti one, walking over cavalletti two, then once again trotting over cavalletti three. This begins to increase the leg to hand connection between horse and rider while asking the horse different questions.

USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist and USEA ICP Level 2 Certified Instructor Michele Wellman coaches riders through a warm-up for horses not experienced with cavalletti. The simple goal here is to see what the horse does when he trots over poles. Depending on the horse’s reaction, the rider can adju...