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Part I: Learn how to
develop your horse’s
natural balance, and
make him a better
partner, with these
exercises from
world champion
trainer Lynn Palm.
Top Training �
By Lynn Palm
Nurture Natural Balan
At liberty, your horse has
natural balance and selfcarriage,
moving with ease
and grace. He’ll stretch his
neck roundly from his withers
through his poll. His back will
lengthen, and his hind legs will
step up underneath his body,
lightening his forehand.
However, your weight causes
your horse’s muscles to contract,
putting him off balance.
This may cause him to move
clumsily. Think how a 30pound
backpack would inhibit
your natural balance on your
daily jog.
Here are two exercises designed
to restore your horse’s
natural balance while carrying
your weight. By using his natural
conformation, habits, and
responses, you’ll build a happy,
willing, and responsive horse
that you can trust. (For “Nurture
Natural Balance, Part II,”
see the next issue of HorseLink
Magazine.)
Natural-Balance Exercise
If your horse is laid back, you
may perform this exercise in a
big arena or open field. However,
if your horse is sensitive or
anxious, use a smaller arena,
which will help him relax and
boost his confidence. Also,
spend more time at the walk
and trot, varying speeds within
those gaits.
Step 1A. Walk on a loose rein.
Ask your horse to walk, giving
him enough rein to find his
own balance. Allow him to find
his own speed and direction.
Step 2A. Look for relaxation. As
you go forward, look for these
signs of relaxation and balance
in your horse: slowing down,
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thinking more slowly, lowering
the head and neck, and showing
a natural carriage.
Step 3A. Ask for walk/trot
transitions. When your horse
is relaxed and balanced on a
loose rein, ask him for walk/
trot transitions (changes of
speed within each gait). Use
your hand, seat, and leg aids to
create straightness or curving
through his spine. (For more on
these aids, watch the accompanying
video.)
Step 4A. Ask for canter transitions.
When your horse is
relaxed and balanced while
performing walk/trot transitions,
ask for canter transitions.
�For more on developing natural balance,
click here to order Lynn Palm’s visual series,
Dressage Principles, Vol. 1, Part 3.
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