I train all my horses and clients
with dressage basics to convert to trail use =) and when we are doing our
conditioning rides we generally just shoot for what I call 'flat' which I
think is the same as you are describing, some contact on the bit still,
definitely working off the rear end, but only starting to be truly round.
We don't ask them to actually work round. Sometimes on a good flat stretch
I will ask for more, especially if the horse has been lacking focus, it brings
their brain back where you want it. Then we do circle work/arena work at
home in order to keep building those proper muscles, to make it easier for them
out on the trail.
My reasons for doing it that way are: I think you
are asking too much to ask for true roundness for the length of time we trail
ride/condition ride- most dressage trainers work the horse round for 45 minutes
or so, it is like weight training- they just can't sustain it that long; they
can't maintain true roundness when they aren't on a flat smooth surface, dodging
rocks, trees, climbing etc... interferes with that; and I know that I am not a
good enough rider to be that consistent while negotiating obstacles on the
trail either! I still ride with connection, and we want to be
balanced and focused, but just not quite as finished as the true show ring
dressage horses are.
Hope that helps- JMO =)
Jennifer
My
inclination (and my instructors') is to ask for just enough so
that he isn't inverted. He can have his nose poked out and
even have his head up a bit - just as long as he isn't using his
lower neck muscles. This is quite a bit less than we are
working on in his lessons, but those only last an hour in a nice,
flat arena. :)
