Gait Control on the Lunge

 Goal(s) :

Work on trot/canter transitions on the lunge line. Encourage relaxation over ground poles. Maintain impulsion at the trot.

 Process :

Begin the session at the walk over ground poles, then raise them with cavaletti and go over them at the trot. The single pole can be removed or raised to be jumped at the canter. Once the horse is warmed up in all three gaits, trot over the cavaletti, then ask for canter upon exiting the exercise to jump the obstacle (~50/60cm but can be adjusted). Return to trot before going back over the cavaletti, and ask for canter again after the cavaletti to jump the obstacle.

 Difficulties :

Maintain relaxation and impulsion. The horse must respond well to transitions.