Koper Equine

Walk is an effective way to mobilize your horse’s back. Here are 4 ways to improve the walk and increase back rotation:

𝟏. 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬

This can be a single pole or a series of poles. This is a great exercise to maintain mobility, improve core stability, posture. There are so many benefits (link to walk poles page)

Set up some poles on the way to the arena, or field so you can walk your horse over them everyday.

𝟐. 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫

A similar effect to walking over poles, but your horse doesn’t have to think about where he’s putting his feet but still has to lift his legs.

𝟑. 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐥

You can feel the rotation in your horse’s back through your seat. If you can find a consistent slope – try walking your horse across the slope too.

𝟒. 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩

Practiced with quality and consistency backing up can improve your horse’s posture, core strength, balance, topline flexion and ability to collect. Aim for steady, long steps with the head and neck low for maximum benefit. Start off with just a few steps and build up to 10-15.