Creating Implusion

[HorseManiac]

Echo is doing great but needs more implusion. Any exersises on creating implusion in walk trot and canter? He also leans on the bit in trot and canter.

Thanks

Annelix :D

[crazystevie]

Yup! Lots and lots of transitions! Do a different transition at each marker, and he'll soon wake up.

Lots of half halts too, will get him using his back end.

And jumping is always great for perking them up.

Ever tried doing a bit of drag hunting? that gets them more forwards thinking

[Shiny McShine]

Generally you don't want to bring impulsion in until you have a reliable contact otherwise all the power from behind isn't contained and you may just end up with a horse that braces it's neck and back. So personally I would look at that first... check that your horse is listening to subtle aids, slowing and quickening the pace easily, check that he is soft and relaxed from mouth to tail... if that is all there then the contact should be light... if not check your own hands and riding.

Getting more impulsion is really just a refining of your aids. Instead of ambling forward when you apply leg, the horse drives foreward, if you encourage the horse to listen to softer aids all the time and back them up strongly if he ignores them then you should get a horse that really powers forward from your leg aid. If he isn't driving forward from a soft aid then you need to increase it and probably back it up with a schooling whip if need be.

[HorseManiac]

Yes he has a reliable contact - thanks for the advice. V. useful!