The "Shoulder Yield" Exercise

Your ability (or lack thereof) to control your horse's shoulders will show up in just about everything you try to do when riding. It will often be quite evident, as it can be very hard to steer properly or keep your horse straight when you do not have 100% control of the horse's shoulders! 

There is an exercise called "shoulder yield" (which is really more of a jumper term than a Dressage term), that tests your ability to control your horse's shoulders. You can also use it to teach your horse to be more responsive to the aids that control the shoulders, making for precise and effortless turning. Here's how to do it: (Click on Article Title above (in blue) to read full article)