Raising The Withers

[susanflorence]

Hi - I have been trying to find something on raising the withers in various books and mags, but all I find are either comments on how important it is, or rather complex and difficult descriptions of how to attempt to achieve it  :blink:

can anyone explain in not-too-technical terms what exactly happens physiologically when the withers are raised and also step-by-step exercises leading up to being able to get the horse to do this?   or just refer me to a book or an article which explains it as simply as possible?

thanks!  have a good day, from a very wet and chilly Florence, in case you think you get all the bad weather in UK  :lol: !  susanflorence  

[Heather]

HI Susan,

Raising of the withers can only happen as the weight is transferred more and more to the hind end of the horse through systemqatic schooling- the hind joints compress and the quarters lower, with the result that the withers and forehand are raised and lightened- the ultimate state of the forehand being lightened being in the High School exercise, the levade.

Many many transitions and half halts are the best way to get the horse up off his shoulders and lighten the forehand. Needless to say these myst be correctly applied, because if the horse hollows through the transitions, they will be of no benefit. So it is imperative to learn to ride good, correct, 'through' transitions first.

Lateral exercises such as shouler-in performed correctly also engage the hindlega dn raise the shoulder, and can be learned and practised at walk first.

Getting the withers/shoulders/forehand up is actually a skilled job, requiring good rider co-ordination and feel to adjust the balance of the horse frequently whilst he is still learing. It woudl help you tremendously if you could have some lessons on a good schoolmaster that would give you the correct feel- to help you also recognise when your own horse is starting to give the right responses.

Hope this helps to give you a better idea of what it means!!

Heather