“Sharp Lazy” training tips.

So many horses these days are "Sharp Lazy", capable but just not excited about being capable.

These type of transitions really help engage the hocks, keep focus and forward desire yet encourage suppleness at the same time. Practice them, as well as rein backs to canter in short bursts, cos they'll just get bored. Really encourage the walk with your seat, make him stride out. Hack Up Fred was VERY capable, but preferred jumping to flatwork by a country mile. So if you've ever had the comment "could be more in front of your leg" at the bottom of your sheet, then this is for you.

If you're at a competition / event he'll not want a great deal of warming up so use these transitions to get him on the button just when you need him to be.