Shifting the weight to the hindquarters

Most horses naturally carry more weight on the forehand. This is very practical while grazing, because it allows them to take a step forward each time and reach a new patch of grass. In the field, this is a very functional way of moving for a horse.

During riding, however, this tendency can cause the front legs to become overloaded—especially because the rider’s weight is added as well. This can lead to injuries in the forelegs and can also create riding-related challenges for the rider. Think of rushing, leaning on the reins, becoming heavy in the hand, or difficulty slowing down.

Why shifting the weight matters

If you want to ride your horse in a healthy and light way, it is important to teach him to shift his weight more towards the hindquarters.

The challenge lies in keeping the topline long (with a forward–downward tendency) while making the frame more compact by strengthening and increasing the suppleness of the hindquarters. To do this, your horse needs to tilt his pelvis and place the weight-bearing hind leg further underneath the centre of gravity.

Length bend and lateral work

By working on length bend and lateral movements in training, you invite your horse to release the topline and find his balance on the weight-bearing hind leg.

Within lateral work, we can choose to focus on either the inside or the outside hind leg.

Lateral work for the inside hind leg

• Shoulder-out

• Shoulder-fore / shoulder-in

Lateral work for the outside hind leg

• Travers

• Renvers

• Half-pass

• (Working) pirouette

When to introduce lateral work

When your horse can work on both the circle and straight lines with a correct length bend and a forward–downward tendency, you can start introducing lateral work. This helps your horse learn to shift his weight more towards the hindquarters, without shortening the topline.

Different ways to train

Lateral work can be practised in different parts of training:

• Working in-hand

• On the double long reins (driving position)

• Working on the long reins

• Under saddle

There are many options, and it is precisely this variation in training methods that helps you develop your eye, your feel, and your timing.