In the Saddle - The Benefit

What are the benefits?
Shoulder-in is a great suppling exercise and one that promotes engagement (stepping under) of the inside hindleg. Not only that, but it helps increase the freedom of the shoulder, build power and expression, and improves the rider’s co-ordination of the aids. Shoulder-in is also a good exercise for improving straightness.
How to ride it

Prepare at the apex of the corner at the start of the long side. Half-halt on the outside rein, then move both hands a little to the inside, but do not allow your outside hand to cross over the withers. Press with your inside leg near the girth.

With your inside rein, flex your horse to the inside, so that you can see a little more of his inside eye and nostril. Then as you come out of the corner with the reins in this position, bring the forehand (head, neck, shoulders and front legs) towards an inside track. The first step out of the corner should be a shoulder-in step.

To help with your rein aids, press your inside shoulder blade back a little to encourage a subtle inside rein aid. The inside leg pressing tells your horse to keep moving down the track. Your outside leg being back a little behind the girth prevents him pushing his hindquarters to the outside. Don’t allow the fence to do the job of your outside leg!

The angle should be enough to place the horse on three tracks - both hindlegs on the track, outside foreleg on the same track as the inside hindleg, and inside foreleg on an inside track.

What went wrong?

Shoulder-in is a ‘collecting' movement, so there's more for you and your horse to take on-board. So don't worry if the wheels fall off - some simple solutions will help you correct the obvious mistakes...

Beware of wandering hands.Never cross either hand over the horse’s withers or pull him around to the side (above left) in an effort to achieve a better bend. Your hands must always work together as a team (above right).