05/22/2026
One of my favorite exercises for developing softness and body awareness is what I cal...l
The Centerline Straddle
This exercise asks the horse to step forward while placing their feet on either side of a ground pole.
It encourages them to organize their body in a very intentional way, becoming more aware of their left and right sides, as well as their front end and hindquarters independently.
It's a great foundation for later work like yields, pivots, and more refined body control, because the horse starts to understand where each part of their body is in space.
The goal isn't to complete the exercise but rather encourage thoughtful, deliberate steps.
Over time, you will be rewarded with a horse that is more aware of their body, more willing to think, and softer in their responses.
Try it for yourself!!
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