As we settle into a fresh season of training, it’s the perfect time to go back to basics and refine the "building block" movements.

A common struggle with the leg yield is losing alignment. You might feel the outside shoulder "popping" out or notice the horse isn't truly crossing that inside hind leg. If the movement feels more like a sideways drift than a purposeful step, try these three strategies to regain control and straightness.

Use a Circle to Correct

To fix a falling shoulder, practice your leg yields from the centerline. For example, if you turn right onto the centerline, begin yielding to the left. The moment you feel the horse losing its line or leaking through your outside aids, immediately ride a small circle in the direction of the bend. This re-establishes the "inside leg to outside rein" connection and encourages a shoulder-fore position. By repeating these small circles whenever the alignment wavers, the horse learns to stay upright and anticipates the turn rather than falling sideways.

Engaging the Hind End

If the challenge is a lack of "crossing" from the hindquarters, try incorporating a 360-degree turn on the forehand. While in a walk or trot leg yield, ride a smooth transition to halt and immediately perform the turn. This movement explicitly teaches the horse to step across with the inside hind leg.

If you find the turn on the forehand itself is a challenge, try breaking it down by traveling along the long side. Bend the horse toward the wall (to the outside) and ask for a fluid movement around the forehand. During this, notice if your horse pops that outside shoulder; if they do, correct it by straightening off the outside rein. Throughout the movement, don't forget that turning through your hips and body is key to guiding the horse's balance.

Once complete, proceed back into your leg yield on the original line to create a much more active, honest response to your aids.

Remember: Great lateral work isn't about how much ground you cover sideways, but how well you control the horse's balance throughout the movement.

The Power of Straightness

For horses that lack stability, the "Straighten and Switch" method is highly effective. Instead of yielding across the entire arena, yield for just 3 to 5 strides, ride perfectly straight for a few steps, and then yield in the opposite direction. Keeping these transitions smooth and unhurried prevents the horse from "collapsing" sideways. By focusing on these brief windows of straightness, you teach the horse to remain balanced and centered over their feet, ensuring the lateral work is athletic rather than just a lean.

Want to learn more?

Balance, proprioception, and body awareness don't have to be a struggle. Many of these exercises can be practiced on the ground to develop awareness before.Check out the course Mini Course "Influence Your Horse through Your Seat Bones" to learn how your seat bones effect the horse's line of travel as well as the gait.