** This lesson is an excerpt from our Open Field Membership. **

Riding this big, strong horse Nelson, who once had a reputation for being difficult, is always a unique experience.

While he’s made significant progress, his natural power means he can still ball up or get resistant when something worries him. This session focused on lateral movement—a key exercise for helping him stay balanced, soft and responsive. Asking him to move forward while stepping sideways engaged his hindquarters and encouraged a longer, freer stride. Using hills added extra complexity, building strength and self-carriage while keeping Nelson tuned in.

Throughout the ride, I worked on creating smooth, fluid movement by releasing my aids whenever Nelson responded correctly to keep him sensitive. You’ll notice how, as the session progressed, he began to move more freely—watch closely for that change in his movement. By the end, he was in balance, breathing deeply and ready for more. Lateral exercises like this are great to add to your daily routine—they improve balance, communication and connection.

Enjoy this - and then get out there and give it a try!

Jonathan

Learn the Field Horsemanship Program:

Open Field Membership: Open Field (7 Day FREE Trial)

Course: The Foundation First: Essentials for Every Horse Owner.

Book: The Art of Liberty Training for Horses

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