Correcting Crooked Changes

In a straight horse, the hind hoof steps into or over the track of the front hoof on the same side, whether on a straight line, circle, or curve,” says dressage trainer, coach, and FEI rider Sandra Verda-Zanatta. “The shoulders of the horse should be in line with his hips. Control of the shoulders and hindquarters is necessary to align the horse’s spine so that it overlaps the line of travel. Straightness allows the horse to develop its musculature symmetrically, improving its gymnastic ability and reducing tension. This enables the horse to move with optimum power which in turn maximizes performance.”

In order for the horse to be straight, the rider must also be straight, which, according to Sandra, means “sitting in the middle of your horse with the centre of your body (your belly button is a good landmark) lined up with the horse’s withers, equal feeling in both seat bones, both stirrups, and both reins.” Only then can you begin to influence your horse to be straight.

To accomplish this, Sandra suggests that you “think of creating a narrow tunnel with your legs and reins and ride your horse through the tunnel. Imagine that you have arrows on your hips pointing forward and elastic bands that pull the horse’s hind legs forward to step