Travers

[Em 1]

Had a group flatwork lesson last night and having asked my instructor to push me a bit more, she did! We had a go at travers and didn’t do too badly for a first go, I don’t think! However, I was concentrating on my legs and her hindquarters so much I rather forgot the front end.

Should you have any sort of bend through the head and neck when doing travers? We only did a bit on the left rein and the mare I was riding is quite stiff to the left so her head and neck were absolutely straight. Is this right?

[Lgd]

try this link

http://www.ridinghabit.com/guide/lateralwork/travers.html

[Stella2]

Great site Lesley, thanks for the link

[Em 1]

What a useful site. Thank you very much. One phrase and it all makes sense! I should have had a tiny amount of left bend then? You wouldn't believe how many books I looked in last night and none of them said anything that clear!

[IrisSilverMoon]

you know you have the right amount of bend when the horse is looking right up the track, towards the corner you are heading into. A horse who is not as supple may not be able to do this much bend though, so that's something to keep in mind. WHen you are beginning this with a horse they won't be able to show that much bend.

[Em 1]

Thanks IrisSilverMoon. She is very stiff but was beginning to loosen up by the end. By looking up the track do you mean the horse's outside eye should be looking straight into the corner we're heading for? So the bend is tiny, yes?

I'm sorry to keep asking questions, I just find it really hard to perform a movement unless I really understand what I'm aiming for and how it works!

[IrisSilverMoon]

yes, that's it, the head should be facing towards the corner, so the horse is still looking straight ahead and not out of the arena.