The shoulder-in exercise

 The shoulder-in is a lateral movement where the horse travels on two tracks and in three (or four) tracks.

The body is bent laterally from nose to tail, with the horse moving in a forward-and-sideways motion.

The outside hind leg travels on its own track, the inside hind leg and outside foreleg travel on the same track, and the inside foreleg travels on its own track. The shoulder-in is often called the cornerstone of dressage because its gymnastic value is immense. In the shoulder-in, the inside hind leg must step under the center of gravity and carry more weight, making it supple, strong, and flexible. This gives the outside shoulder more freedom. Through the shoulder-in, the horse becomes equally supple on both sides.

“By placing the horse’s forehand in front of the inside hind leg, the inside hind leg is forced to take on and, as it were, lift the weight.”

The shoulder-in can be performed in walk, trot, and canter, and can be executed both on the straight track and on the circle.

 In the member area, you will learn how to teach this exercise both in hand and under saddle.

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