“Hi H&C, I have a six-year-old Irish sports horse that I bought in February this year. He didn't have any schooling when I bought him and now I'm trying to encourage him to bend more, but he is so stiff it’s really hard. I make sure I do a good warm-up with lots of transitions and leg yields and turns on the forehand, but I can't get any flexion from him. We aim to event next year so flatwork is a big must this winter. Please help.”

Ruth Friend

International Event rider Gemma Tattersall replies: “I bring on and produce a lot of young horses and each one requires slightly different training but it sounds like you are going in the right direction. Continue with the transitions and lateral work - also you could try incorporating more circles and serpentines in to your schooling and make sure that he is going forward in to the contact with the impulsion coming from behind.

A useful exercise is to incorporate slightly raised trotting poles in to your training, starting off in a straight line and then introducing them on a circle. This will improve his suppleness, and develop the muscles across his back and neck making it easier for him to bend. You can also use these poles when lunging if he is good on the lunge. Good luck and with time and patience, I am sure you will be eventing when the season starts next year.”

Gemma

For more advice from Gemma check out her brilliant training video below: