Posted January 26, 2007

Spotlight on Young Horse Training With Katrin Burger Part 1
By text and photos by Charlene Strickland

Riding through the Poll

The rider’s aids must come through the horse, starting with the active hind leg. “I like the horse to be very round in the beginning,” said Burger. “The horse has to be able to swing, into light contact with the mouth.”

With these young horses, Burger repeated the goal of staying through the poll, by working from behind forward. The poll should be the highest point, until the horse is asked to stretch the neck. Sandromere, ridden by Merrie Velden, showed working over the back, with engagement behind and a drive to go forward. In the trot-walk transition, Burger advised to keep the hind legs active. “He holds weight on the hind legs, and then goes forward immediately after the transition. “Give a half halt, then use the leg to bring the hind legs in front again.” Through the half halts, the rider helps the horse develop his athletic ability.

“Sit the trot only a few rounds of the circle, then pick up the rising trot again. If you feel the horse stops swinging, then don’t sit.” To relax after the lesson, Burger had each horse stretch the neck forward and downward. With the hind leg active, the horse will reach through, not falling onto the forehand even with his nose approaches his knees.