SESSION 16 – TRAVERS & SLINGSHOT

This is a jam packed session covering quarters-in and travers in groundwork and ridden work, 'little' and 'big', trot-walk transitions and 'slingshot'!

The session starts with Claire practicing quarters-in in groundwork with Savannah. Ali explains how using the track can help when practicing. Savannah struggles more on the right rein and Claire has to remember to push Savannah's head away.

In ridden work, Claire shows Ali how Savannah and her have been practicing 'little' and 'big' in both walk and trot. Ali gets Claire to develop this further with quicker 'little' steps. Having done 'little' and 'big' in trot, Savannah is reluctant to walk so Ali gets Claire to practice trot-walk transitions, focusing on her plugging in and keeping Savannah straight in the transition.

Ali gets Claire to think about 'slingshot' — pulling all her insides and all her bones further back inside her, to stop herself from tipping forward and to connect more into Savannah's hind quarters. This is a form of deeper core engagement and helps the trot-walk transition, gives Claire a greater feeling of being in control and gets Savannah to focus more on Claire.

Ali explains the difference between quarters-in and travers and the rider's aids and position for both. Claire starts with quarters-in and then develops this into travers.