Trainer Tuesday: Effective Exercises for a Horse that Anticipates the Trot or Canter

Trainer Tuesday is a weekly feature where trainers from various backgrounds and experiences share their insights on different equestrian topics. This week’s question focuses on exercises for horses that anticipate the trot or canter. The trainers provide a range of strategies and techniques to address this common issue in horse training.

Lindsay Yinger emphasizes the importance of mixing up routines to prevent anticipation. By varying the location and timing of transitions, horses are less likely to anticipate the next gait. This approach keeps the horse engaged and focused on the rider’s cues.

Scott Keller suggests using soft hands and patience to address anticipation issues. By practicing quiet, repeated downward transitions and incorporating moments of stillness, riders can help their horses relax and wait for clear cues before transitioning.

Heather Pinnick highlights the need to understand why a horse is anticipating transitions. By ensuring clear communication, balance, and relaxation, riders can prevent anticipation. Changing up transitions and avoiding over-schooling can also help keep the horse focused.

Karine Gordy emphasizes the importance of self-awareness for riders. By being mindful of their own body language and cues, riders can prevent unintentionally signaling transitions to their horses. Going back to basics and building confidence through clear communication can help address anticipation issues.

Jennifer Smith recommends mixing up routines and locations to keep horses engaged and focused on the rider. By avoiding repetitive exercises and transitioning in different areas, horses are less likely to anticipate movements. Encouraging horses to defer to the rider’s cues helps prevent anticipation.

Christopher Mitchell suggests slowing down routines and incorporating different exercises to prevent anticipation. By giving clear cues and varying the ride, riders can help horses focus on the present moment and wait for instructions.

Shaun Clark recommends lunge line lessons and exercises to improve rider suppleness and confidence. By practicing transitions and movements without reins, riders can develop a more responsive seat and improve their connection with the horse.

Michael Willham emphasizes the importance of giving horses an outlet for their energy and focusing on small increments of progress. By gradually increasing the time between cues and transitions, riders can help horses learn to wait for instructions and reduce anticipation.

Overall, the trainers‘ responses highlight the importance of clear communication, variety in routines, and patience in addressing anticipation issues in horses. By understanding the root causes of anticipation and implementing targeted exercises, riders can help their horses stay focused and responsive during transitions.