By Eliza Sydnor Romm
This week my two working students, McKenna Barnes and Ciara Henson, demonstrate 5 common suppling exercises. These basic exercises help our horses to be more laterally supple by asking them to change the bend from left to right, or vice versa.
Many students get confused about the different names of these exercises –
Change OUT of the circle – a big figure eight from one 20m circle to another;
Change THROUGH the circle – like a yin & yang;
Half circle and change the rein – a teardrop and back to the track;
Half school and change the rein – changing direction through the middle of the arena;
Reverse half circle – a teardrop in reverse, from the track, into the centerline, and back out.
Which one is most helpful for your horse? Do you use these regularly in your warmup?
About the Certified Instructor
Eliza Sydnor Romm is an FEI rider and trainer based in Snow Camp, NC. She is a USDF Certified Instructor Training-Fourth Level, successful competitor through Grand Prix, and popular clinician. Eliza, and her assistant trainer, Kate Tackett, work with horses and riders of all levels and specialize in starting young horses under saddle. Visit www.elizasydnordressage.com for more information, find her on Facebook @ElizaSydnorDressage, and subscribe to her YouTube channel for some great instructional videos!
