A horse used to riding with his weight primarily on his forehand will first need help with strengthening and suppling his body to better carry himself and his rider. This can be managed by working each side of the horse separately with shoulder-in exercises on the ground and in the saddle plus backing him properly from the hindquarters. As with any exercise program, these positions are started slowly with more time added as the horse strengthens. It is important to note that if the horse over bends his head and neck, he is out of balance and no longer using himself well.

See this video to gain an idea of how the horse can move at a walk with suppling and strengthening in mind: http://youtu.be/prNdaRvGFUY

Pamela DeMuth

Author of: The Spirit of Horsemanship and Trail Horse Tales