Why I like the backup L shape exercise

You find this ridden exercise in competitions like handy pony, equitation and western trail. I really like the L shape back up for several reasons;

⁃ it increases body and limb awareness (proprioception) and coordination both of which shield our horses against injury

⁃ It builds partnership as we practice this slowly and carefully both on the ground and in the saddle

⁃ It helps us as horse handlers and riders to understand how the horse’s body moves (which bits truly bend and which do not)and how to help our horses when we will perform tricky manoeuvres both in the arena and out on a ride in the forest

⁃ It stimulates and strengthens the horse’s core muscles resulting in better engagement and better quality of movement

⁃ It helps to lift and stretch the back, stretching those important topline muscles

⁃ It increases strength in the hind limbs which aid in collection, speed or jumping

⁃ It improves flex ion in the hind limb (see above for how this helps!)

⁃ It stimulates the sacroiliac area (which is often stiff or uncomfortable in many of the riding and driving horses I see)

⁃ It is a relatively easy and quick exercise to do even on a day when you do not have enough time for riding – you don’t need equipment as the poles on the ground are a guideline for us and not for the horse – practice backing up and going off to one side and then the other on your walk back in from the field!

Remember slow precise movement is better than doing this quickly and backing up with the head lower or perpendicular to the ground stretches the back correctly while backing up with the nose in the air does not! You can use a treat to keep the head low in the beginning. Back up with as little pressure from the rope as needed but as much as is needed to create movement. Remember to release the pressure as soon as you feel (the first hint or suggestion) the horse is going to move. You may need to place your hand lightly on the horse’s chest in the beginning.