Bending exercises are an important part of training for horses, as they help improve the horse’s flexibility, balance, and control. These exercises involve asking the horse to bend its body in a specific direction, and can be performed at all three gaits (walk, trot, and canter).

One basic bending exercise is the “haunches-in.” This involves the horse moving its hindquarters inward, while keeping its front end straight and on a straight line. To perform a haunches-in, the rider should use their inside leg to ask the horse to bend and move its hindquarters inward, while using their outside rein to maintain control of the horse’s head and neck. This exercise can help improve the horse’s hind end control and balance, and is also a useful preparation for more advanced dressage movements such as the half-pass.

Another bending exercise is the “shoulder-in.” This involves the horse moving its front end inward, while keeping its hindquarters straight and on a straight line. To perform a shoulder-in, the rider should use their inside leg to ask the horse to bend and move its front end inward, while using their outside rein to maintain control of the horse’s head and neck. This exercise can help improve the horse’s flexibility and lateral movement, and is also useful for improving the horse’s overall balance and control.

Other common bending exercises include the “leg-yield,” in which the horse moves diagonally across the arena while maintaining a straight line of travel, and the “turn on the forehand,” in which the horse pivots on its hind end while keeping its front end stationary.

It is important to start with basic bending exercises and gradually increase the difficulty as the horse becomes more comfortable and confident. It is also important to use proper riding technique and to communicate clearly with the horse, as bending exercises require coordination and control from both horse and rider.