5 Steps to Train Your Horse to Do the Perfect Shoulder-In: A Beginner’s Guide

The shoulder-in is a crucial element of dressage training, as it helps to improve the horse’s balance and flexibility. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to train your horse to do the shoulder-in, including an explanation of the movement and tips on how to use your aids to execute it correctly. With patience and practice, you and your horse can master this movement and take your dressage training to the next level.

Step 1: Understand the Shoulder-In

Before you start training your horse to do the shoulder-in, it’s important to understand what it is and why it’s important. The shoulder-in is a 3-track movement in which the horse bends its body in the direction of its inside hind leg while maintaining its forward movement. This movement helps to improve the horse’s balance and flexibility, making it a crucial element of dressage training.

Step 2: Start with the Basics

Before attempting the shoulder-in, ensure your horse is comfortable and responsive to your aids for basic lateral movements such as the leg yield. Once your horse is proficient in these movements, you can begin introducing the shoulder-in.

Step 3: Use Your Aids

To execute the shoulder-in, you will need to use a combination of your aids, including your legs, seat, and hands. Start by applying a slight inside leg pressure to ask your horse to bend its body in the direction of its inside hind leg. At the same time, use your outside rein and supporting outside leg to keep the horse’s outside shoulder from dropping out and your inside rein to guide the horse in keeping the head and neck in the correct position. It is helpful to imagine the inside hind leg tracking directly between the horse’s two front legs to establish the correct position.

Step 4: Practice, Practice, Practice

Like any other new movement, the shoulder-in will take time and practice to master. Start by practicing in small increments and gradually increase the duration and difficulty of the movement as your horse becomes more comfortable and responsive. Be sure to reward your horse for its efforts and correct any mistakes along the way.

Step 5: Perfect the Shoulder-In

Once your horse is proficient in the shoulder-in, you can begin to work on refining and perfecting the movement. This may include asking for longer lines of shoulder-in, maintaining a consistent bend throughout the movement, and ensuring that the horse stays balanced and engaged. With patience and practice, you and your horse can master the shoulder-in and take your dressage training to the next level.