Question # 124: I had hip surgery about 5 weeks ago, and it will be another 2 months before I'm back in the saddle. In the meantime, Johnny is spending lots of time on the lunge to build topline muscles without rider interference and work on that weak...
...right side. In the saddle I can flex and counter flex, leg yield, etc to help him loosen up his left side so that he can bend to the right. But when lunging, I need some suggestions to help him better use his right side. I know we can spiral in and out, use cavalletti, and transitions. He wants to remain bent to the left when he's traveling right - he then ends up getting off balance and falling in - you get the picture. He's great to the left. Would you start out to the left or start out with his bad side? Will he eventually build his right side this way, or are there things I should be doing to help him? (Courtney)
Hi Courntey!
First of all, I'm sorry to hear about your hip surgery! I hope that you will have a smooth and full recovery! And second - good for you for being productive in your downtime! Going back to the basics to try to help your horse to become more even and supple will definitely pay off in the long run. I am sure you will feel the difference once you are ready to get back in the saddle.
You are on the right track with the things you have mentioned on the lunge, but to really get him to stretch that tight left side, you will probably need to... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
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