When it comes to riding horses, there are many terms and phrases that may be confusing to those who are new to the equestrian world. One such phrase is “over the knee”. Many riders use this term when referring to their horses, but what does it actually mean when a horse is over the knee?
What is Over the Knee?
The phrase “over the knee” is often used to describe the position of a horse’s head and neck. When a horse is over the knee, the head and neck are curved, so that the nose is positioned higher than the withers. This position is often used to encourage the horse to stretch their neck and relax their back.
Why Is Over the Knee Important?
Having a horse over the knee is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it helps the horse to stretch out and relax, which can help to reduce any tension or stiffness in the back and neck. It also encourages the horse to use their back muscles more efficiently, which can improve their performance and help them to develop correct muscling.
In addition, having a horse over the knee can help to improve their balance and coordination. This can help them to respond better to the rider’s aids, which in turn can lead to a smoother and more enjoyable riding experience.
How to Achieve Over the Knee
Achieving over the knee is not always easy and requires patience and practice. It is important to start out by asking the horse to stretch their neck and back, before gradually increasing the amount of bend.
Lunging is often a good way to achieve over the knee, as it allows the horse to stretch their neck and body without the pressure of a rider. It is also useful for teaching the horse to respond to the slightest aids, which can help when it comes to achieving over the knee in the saddle.
Approaching Over the Knee in the Saddle
Once the horse is comfortable with the position on the ground, it is time to take it into the saddle. To do this, the horse should be asked to stretch their neck and back while riding in a straight line. It is important to be patient and to only ask for small amounts of bend at a time.
Once the horse is comfortable with being slightly bent, the rider can gradually increase the amount of bend until the desired position is achieved. It is important to remember to always keep the horse relaxed and never to push them too hard.
Using the Over the Knee Position in the Saddle
Once the horse is comfortable with the over the knee position in the saddle, the rider can begin to use it in their riding. This position can be used while riding in a straight line, as well as in circles and turns.
The over the knee position can help to improve the horse’s balance and coordination, as well as helping them to respond better to the rider’s aids. It can also help the horse to stay relaxed and supple throughout the ride.
Common Mistakes When Achieving Over the Knee
When trying to achieve over the knee, it is important to avoid making common mistakes. Pulling on the reins is one of the most common mistakes, as this can cause the horse to become tense and can lead to the development of bad habits.
Rushing the process is another mistake that is often made. It is important to take the time to teach the horse the position slowly and to be patient. Rushing through the process can lead to the horse becoming tense and resistant, which can make it harder to achieve the desired result.
The Benefits of Over the Knee
Achieving and using the over the knee position correctly can have many benefits, both for the horse and the rider. It can help the horse to become relaxed and supple, as well as improving their balance and coordination. It can also help the horse to respond better to the rider’s aids, leading to a smoother riding experience.
Common Problems to Look Out For
When working on achieving over the knee, it is important to look out for common problems. These can include:
- The horse becoming tense and resistant
- The horse hollowing their back
- The horse not responding to the aids
- The horse becoming too strong
If any of these issues arise, it is important to take a step back and re-evaluate the process. It is often useful to go back to basics and work on the horse’s relaxation and suppleness before re-attempting the over the knee position.
Conclusion
When a horse is over the knee, the head and neck are curved, so the nose is higher than the withers. This position can help the horse to stretch and relax, as well as improving their balance and coordination. Achieving over the knee requires patience and practice, and it is important to be aware of common mistakes and problems that can arise. When used correctly, the over the knee position can be beneficial for both the horse and the rider.