Shoulder Control: How to Correct a Horse that Drops the Shoulder in or Bulges out

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In this video we discuss exercises to get horse shoulder control. When you ride a circle on a horse, the horse may drop the shoulder in, or bulge out through the outside shoulder. This video goes over how to steer a horse, how to fix a crooked horse, and what to do if the horse won’t turn. It includes exercises for getting the horse to turn and the correct aids to use in order to turn the horse.
#amelianewcombdressage, #dressage, #horsebackriding

[@michelekanefsky7511]

Really great examples! I could clearly understand what the horse was doing and how you corrected it! Thank you as always!!

[@tanon2703]

Wonderful to see someone giving advice while riding a PRE. So often it is only warmbloods, which move differently and what works for them frequently needs a bit of modification for a shorter backed more upright type of horse. Your timing with this video is perfect as I was riding my squares with quarter turns last night to encourage my fellow to get his big shoulders around. Now that our velocity has dropped from warp 9 to something more sane (thanks to your circle to reduce speed video) I am definitely going to use the pentagon form for training the canter to correct his desire to fall in substantially on the right rein. Really, really appreciate the effort you put into your videos. I should have a t-shirt for riding that says, "Thank you Amelia Newcombe". 👍🐴

[@danielthomas3333]

A horse is a horse is a horse. This kind of crookedness is common to all breeds. When you try to differentiate breeds you are causing yourself unnecessary confusion.

[@tanon2703]

Have you ever ridden a PRE? If not then you are not speaking from experience.

[@georginalester4303]

yes my horse bulges out on the right rein and falls in on the left. this video really helped me!

[@kelly33300]

I just had to comment that I tried the exercises at a walk and trot this morning with my green mule...and although it wasn't perfect yet, doing the square instead of circling him was SO much better, less frustrating for both of us! I also tried the pentagon, even though I think it's meant to do in canter, I did it in a trot. I sort of ended up with a different shape, but the theory was the same, I would trot a few strides straight then turn, few more strides, turn etc. Everything was so much smoother for us than the past few months trying to make even circles of varying sizes and patterns without a bulge! My big mule has big movement, but smooth, just steering has been so hard for me to work him through. With mules it really is about getting creative and changing things until you find what works...this is a success and I'm confident I will be able to train him more effectively now, thank you again and wanted to give you an actual update after application!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hi Kelly, That is so cool that you are riding dressage with your mule! What great improvement you have made with him. It makes me so happy to know that you are finding the content helpful! I love hearing your success! So kind of you to take the time to give an update. If you have the time, would it be possible for you to put something similar in a Google review? g.page/r/CYIGmCINXFOQEAo/ It really helps give me more credibility and makes my content easier to find for other dressage students!

[@pamelacrews6053]

Thank you for reinforcing what my trainer says to do

[@BetsyChase]

Super helpful and timely. My horse bulges in to the right and nothing I’ve been doing has helped correct it. As a result I now see that my position needs to be reset and we need to work on riding squares. My right leg thanks you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

That makes me so happy to hear!

[@gayleudall7971]

Very good examples to show where the shoulder is going when the horse is falling in. Good reminder to pay attention to one's outside knee! Thanks again! You are a very good communicator and teacher!

[@sarahhicks8506]

Very helpful video. I ride an older qh mare who is crooked to the left. Until I knew better I'd always be doing all sorts of crazy things with my hands wondering why it didn't work. That's a hard habit to break too. Using too much hand. Thanks for making this video. I'm going to use squares and pentograms today!! And leg not hand. 🤠

[@lynnestruck]

Love this video! I’ve use the Pentagon and the turn on the hind quarters often to lighten the shoulders. Thank you for explaining it so succinctly!

[@carolinecrosby1649]

This video is just great. We have been struggling a bit with our turning on a complete circle and I think that taking it back a notch and riding the square /pentagon exercises will absolutely do the trick. Thanks Amelia! Lovely horse.

[@francischoo1812]

Wow! This video is exactly what I need to hear. My 6yo horse keeps fall out or in in a circle and I am trying hard to correct this problem. Thanks for the tips I will try it and see the effect. Thanks so much.

[@lorijamison7297]

My horse falls to the right or going to the right in the open end he tries to change the bend to the left. He isnt supple to th right 😟

[@chelseamoneill7717]

Love that pentagon exercise at the canter ❤️🙏🏻

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks Chelsea! Yeah it's awesome! And thanks for watching!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also, if you want to really get clarity, understanding, and progress on your dressage journey, sign up to my FREE webinar on the Dressage Training Scale on March 13th. www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/trainingscalewebinar I’m also on FB and IG (you might already know all this but I'm being super thorough today!) facebook.com/amelianewcombdressage & instagram.com/amelianewcombdressage/ Also, and this is super helpful too, join Amelia’s Dressage Club on Facebook, it’s a really active and engaged community of riders and no question goes unanswered! facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub/ And finally, there’s my website! www.amelianewcombdressage.com/ And you can also sign up here for weekly dressage tips sent to your inbox www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴

[@sharonperkins448]

This is a really clear explanation of what happens and what to do .. thank you Amelia!

[@TheClayone]

Thank you!!! I needed this for my young mare!

[@seesoleilwatchme7536]

one of my favorite videos of yours

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

aww thank you!

[@lulee7375]

brilliant reminders of my old training days , thank you 😊 🙏

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@josey5425]

Thank you so much Amelia for sharing this. I have a big, green TB who has been dropping his shoulder's & making a big thing of going past the gate. I am a little rusty as it has been far too many years since I have taken on such a very green horse, but my boy is wonderful, very intelligent & very special. I had been trying to correct his shoulder drifts by trying to ride a deeper, longer outside leg (not forgetting to use the ask/hold then give/release of the outside rein) however this would sometimes work but not always & I would feel that I was sitting a little too deep in my outside hip at times. I watched your tutorial before riding today & everything you said + rode made complete sense. My knee has been coming off on the outside & even when this has happened slightly it has been enough for my green horse to get confused. So, I took on board all that you shared & the exercises that you rode.... and oh wow, fantastic, what a difference today's ride was! Thank you so much for helping me turn a big corner with my big fella (🙂literally!) We even got 3 excellent steps of the "Walk Pirouette" a couple of times today thanks to your instruction. Again, thank you so very much!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay! I love this - thank you so much for sharing. Great work with you and your boy!

[@eliara-thevoice8430]

This is terrific. My mare is bulging in and out at various times. Working on this very issue. Thanks so much.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're welcome! And thanks for watching!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also, if you’d like me to send more dressage tips into your email inbox every Wednesday, you can sign up to my mailing list www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ (If you’re already familiar with all this and have received this before, apology for the unnecessary message, I’m being super thorough today!) I’m also on FB and IG facebook.com/amelianewcombdressage & instagram.com/amelianewcombdressage/ Also, and this is super helpful too, join Amelia’s Dressage Club on Facebook, it’s a really active and engaged community of riders and no question goes unanswered! facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub/ And finally, there’s my website (for when all the social media goes down again 🤣) www.amelianewcombdressage.com/ Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴

[@mavishamilton]

This is very helpful demonstration & description of how to build symmetry. Thank you

[@michaelschulze6545]

I've seen videos dealing with this problem before. But every trainer sees things from a different angle. That's why your demonstration is so informative. Though I'm a western rider I like ypur personal riding style and I try to emulate your riding position (not pulling the legs up, not sitting on the cantle and so on) The English and wester riding styles are not as different as people claim.

[@emilyvarnon6447]

Thanks for explaining by demonstrating. I have a bad back and hips so my position makes the bulging worse and I seem to want to indirect rein over the neck, which my trainer always yells at me for. Now I can see it.

[@fortheloveofhorses961]

Thank you so much!! Your videos really help me to become a better rider and make my horse happier when I ride. I cant wait to try this out! ( By the way you are amazing at riding! )

[@danw6014]

We were talking about this the other day so I find it interesting that you have a video on it. One of the things my mentor used to say about this was that it was really the hindquarters that needed help. It's one of those pieces that I haven't had many opportunities to dig into because my horses never seem to need it. I was wondering if walking or trotting the square is what you're thinking about because the horse has to disengage his hindquarters for the corner, reaching under with his inside hind foot. There are some elements that for some reason seem to work out well for me and I don't know why. I am not what I would consider a good rider, but I watch others who seem to be very graceful and smooth yet don't seem to get along with their horses. Someone said the other day that it feel they are missing. This journey gets very deep. Thank you for the great video. It is a highlight of my week to see you ride.

[@KatharinaHarer]

It's so easy to point out others' flaws. It's much harder to work on our own.

[@coraliesentch4515]

Awesome tips again, thanks Amelia 😊👍🏻👌🏻can I just say that horse you are riding is just beautiful !! 😍😍😍

[@judithbeint1244]

This was really clear. My horse wants to bulge out and not turn on the left rein. Cant wait to try these exercises.

[@thecopperpoppy]

Just had this lesson today on my youngster. His bulging shoulder makes LL canter difficult! The square will be so helpful.

[@horsemom6421]

I'm coming back to this a year later & something else is helping me from the video.. The knees!!!! Thank u again 💓

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes!! Less are helpful for turning!!

[@horsemom6421]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage how did I manage before lol. Knees are so helpful!!

[@suetye9850]

Excellent and it works Great teaching and really explained well

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad you liked it

[@michelekanefsky7511]

Excellent examples & tips! Thank you!

[@celineuironain7567]

I've struggled with this since the year dot and now I know why. That's an absolutely fabulous explanation; so clear and precise. I especially loved the exercises at the end on the square, etc. I can't wait to get up to the yard to try this! Thank you!!!!!!

[@kimking7108]

Absolutely Brilliant! Great Examples

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks Kim! So glad you like them! Have you taken the rider position assessment!? Here's the link if you'd like to! www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/dressage-rider-quiz/ Also, head over to Facebook and join the Dressage Club, there's a lovely engaged and supportive community of riders with a wealth of knowledge! No query goes unanswered! facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub/ Thanks for watching and happy riding!

[@marymuys3614]

This is just what I needed to learn! Many thanks to your great videos!

[@uneetoilequifile8038]

Since I found your videos I don't have enough time to watch them along they are so interesting and useful for me...thanks a lot for all your work and sharing! Best regards from France (Provence) .

[@MikaKotikoski]

Just got a new horse to ride and as otherwise very good, during trotting in a circle she was very clearly "falling in". This video definately provided some "food for thought". Thank you ☀️

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're welcome Mika and thanks for watching! Also, I'm giving a free webinar on the Dressage Training Scale on Sunday 12th Sept at 12pm Pacific Time. You can sign up at the link below! I would love to see you there! www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/trainingscalewebinar

[@judithlehmann4460]

Love all your videos Amelia! So super helpful.

[@everton1941]

This was a great lesson!! As someone who has been riding for five years this is a problem that I've honestly only just begun to come to grips with. Love how you stressed the position of the outside knee and the consistency of hand position as critical. Your videos have been consistently helpful to me during the past year. Thanks.

[@falizianme5846]

ooooh i love this! Cant wait to try it on my boys tomorrow... thanks for the great tips and exercises!

[@reneehausmann1441]

You’re so helpful and calming 😊👍

[@muddybootssandytoes]

I have the same with my blind mare. She falls out through the right shoulder on the left rein. It’s generally back towards the stables, so this makes complete sense. She must know where we are in the school and recognise the sounds of the stables and ‘would rather’ go back there. Will give these exercises a try. Thanks

[@jcarroccio7844]

This is exactly what my horse does! Thank you so much!!! Perfect training for me ❤️❤️❤️

[@Donna-vh5ym]

GORGEOUS horse and wonderful tips. Exactly what I needed. Thxs

[@charlesing9520]

Just " the square de la guérinière" a very good exercice !!

[@sherylknight15]

Thank you so much for all that you do to help us out here in no where land. You are the best!

[@tinamcdonald7335]

Thank you so much for breaking this down, I love to listen to your voice and words of encouragement

[@annehorahan5428]

I’ve only started riding a year and a half ago and have been thinking that I’ve been doing something wrong to make my horse’s shoulder fall out. Now it makes sense that he’s been drifting to the doors of the arena especially when he’s thinking he’s had enough exercise for the day. Thank you so very much for this video explaining that this is normal for some horses and showing us how to correct this.

[@kelly33300]

I've not really had to work through a shoulder bulge issue until I got my new mount about 8 months ago, as this big guy is green broke and most of the equines I've ridden in my lifetime have been already trained. This video is so concise and informative for my issue! I know it is me as well as him of course, so I am excited to try this all out tomorrow, as I've been trying different things out on my own here and there and making minimal progress. I feel kind of silly for not thinking of trying squares instead of circles! I was actually doing MORE circles with him thinking that would help, but I think it's just making us both dizzy and nuts...I've been doing spiral ins/outs, 8s, small circles etc. Wish I had looked for help with this sooner! He is also a draft mule of which he is my 1st non-horse to ride ever, and his shoulder bulges are so strong I have been much more frustrated both physically and mentally as this has been a hurdle I haven't been able to move past with him yet. Other mule people have actually told me that shoulder bulges seem to be a common issue specifically with mules, but until my big boy started making a habit of this a few months ago, I just brushed it off. Well, I did get a green broke mule to challenge myself, so here I am haha...such a great video with clear and simple direction and tips to use for a variety of riders and mounts!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for sharing! Riding really is a journey :)

[@alisonanthony7306]

Thank you Amelia!! The square and pentogram are excellent ideas for me. My horse bulges out going to the right trot and right lead canter. Can't wait to try this.

[@mascik1]

Thank you for the clear description! I can't wait to try it on my horse.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You are so welcome! Let me know how it goes!

[@horsemom6421]

Thank you! dealing with this problem currently & very fustrated

[@JM-ij2nl]

This is a great help! Thanks Amelia👍🐎

[@bwill3337]

Thanks, I'm gonna try it today!

[@deniseclark1211]

Very helpful esp. Riding the square. Thanks so much for such good training instruction.

[@LeslieKazadi]

This is my life- I say turn; he says I don’t wanna turn… my trainer tells me to ride thinking squares which works better and now I understand why🎉❤

[@rebeccasequineexerciseserv3230]

Best explanation video! Clearly explained the issue and how to work to improve. Thank you so much!

[@dianaken1022]

Amazingly helpful for me as I have a difficult time going in one direction! This is very practical and easy to remember. Thank you so much!

[@horsemadz1577]

My horse wont pick up the correct lead on the right rein, he sticks his shoulder out!! Really found this video helpful

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

So glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also, if you’d like me to send more dressage tips into your email inbox every Wednesday, you can sign up to my mailing list www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ (If you’re already familiar with all this and have received this before, apology for the unnecessary message, I’m being super thorough today!) I’m also on FB and IG facebook.com/amelianewcombdressage & instagram.com/amelianewcombdressage/ Also, and this is super helpful too, join Amelia’s Dressage Club on Facebook, it’s a really active and engaged community of riders and no question goes unanswered! facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub/ And finally, there’s my website (for when all the social media goes down again 🤣) www.amelianewcombdressage.com/ Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴

[@evecory8946]

This looks so useful to try with my mare. She falls in left almost constantly and my left leg gets very tired trying to keep her out. On the right rein she is much better but not very straight at all. Thank you Amelia I will certainly try these exercises!

[@rc8596]

As always , we appreciate your insights and clarity .

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I appreciate that

[@dawnjennings3709]

Beautifully explained - thank you!!

[@marjanpijlman]

This is so usefull I have a young horse 4 years. Thanks a lot

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aachart]

Exactly what I needed today- lovely approach and teaching! This is what I'll focus on today with my 5yo, as he is quite crooked. Thanks- it will be a geometric shape type of day.

[@fromalj]

Thank you! This helps a lot!

[@barbelliott8289]

Lol... YES! I NEED to watch my CHICKEN arms ❣❣ You have no idea how breaking down these 'issues' helps those of that have to struggle alone at home.. THANK you so very much❣❣ And the SQUARE exercise at different gaits REALLY helps clarify the signals/aids to the horse...yay!

[@jodiespiteri-james5665]

Love your lessons and information Amelia. Practical and solution focused. You are a star. Thanks for all you do. This one particularly helpful for where we are at right now. Perfect timing. 🙏🏻

[@JacquelineN777]

Thank you so much for making these videos they are incredibly helpful!!

[@silky2204]

Thank you for the video. I was having back problems. My pelvis was out of alignment. I see how I created the shoulder falling in. Now I see what I need to do.

[@astablepace8371]

Loved this video. The explanations of everything made so much sense. I'm excited to take this back to my horses. I think my standardbred in particular will benefit from this immensely. Thank you!

[@valerieburroughs306]

Amanda’s tutorials are a great learning tool for me. I have this problem with my horse and me. Can’t wait to work on it.

[@brendawatts5573]

Of all the trainers videos I have watched & that is many, I absolutely love yours. You demonstrate exactly what is happening on the horse & why & what needs to happen to correct, you explain so very well. I am hooked on Amelia Newcomb Dressage, can't get enough now. I cannot wait to bring my horse back into work & start practising the tools, tips & demonstrations you have kindly shared.

[@jasmijnmenheere1318]

really happy i found this! the mare i ride falls quiet a bit in on the left lead and seems to want to ignore my left leg. going to give this a try tomorrow!

[@michaelc2509]

Great explanations!

[@AgentKnopf]

Thank you for this very helpful video! This is exactly what's happening to me with different horses so it must be something I'm doing wrong :) I'll definitely try this out next time!

[@melissahill1398]

Thank you, I’m going to try this today

[@markbrown7693]

Great exercises. And you are awesome!

[@mehdishahriari8174]

Thanks a million for your great tips.

[@margarita_prishlyak6627]

Wonderful content Amelia! I greatly enjoy your videos , the help so much in my riding journey!

[@christophersantana5895]

Your training techniques are straight forward.

[@LauraCoffey12390]

Thank you for a wonderful lesson. My horse is crooked, my trainer and I have been working on this issue for some time now ( The problem is in large part mine). It was enlightening to hear the way that you teach the same concept. I love the square circle solution!

[@sandraholm633]

Good tip. My horse has gotten better through the use of sidepass and learning shoulder in/out but we need more ideas, so thank you!

[@danihworld]

This video was so helpful. My 5 year old has this problem to the right and i cant figure out how to fix it. It makes perfect sense breaking it down by riding a square or pentagon. Thanks for the help!!!

[@Lynne2106]

Super helpful! Tomorrow we’ll ride pentagons. Thank you.

[@rebeccabenedict2085]

Loved this vdeo and he exercises are clear and look effective. Can't wait to try them!

[@user-pd8lj1qf2l]

This video was extremely helpful. My gelding tends to lean to the inside. It is quite helpful to see the correction. Great tips and can't wait to try them this week.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful! Let me know how it works out for you!

[@horseez1]

Really well explained!

[@4ensica]

This was great, thanks Amelia!

[@sarahhicks8506]

Looks like an Andalusian

[@lindacox119]

Fantastic video, thank you! Buddy falls in on the right and bulges out to the left. Having watched you I now realise I've really been opening the gate for this to happen and now I have exercises to ride it to fix it.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks much Linda! By the way, you probably know this but I'm giving a free webinar on the Dressage Training Scale, you will find it really helpful with your journey! You can sign up at the link below! I would love to see you there! But if you can't make it, sign up anyway as we can send you the recording! www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/trainingscalewebinar

[@mychance1120]

Awesome video!!! Really helpful ! Going to watch again and pass it along!!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you!!

[@lvpisias]

My daily struggle! We definitely fall in to the right. The square/pentagon makes so much sense, brilliant!!! Thanks for the tips.

[@danielthomas3333]

lvpisias You are describing a typical crooked horse. This is the usual case. Refer to my post on how to straighten the horse.

[@ssnowball116]

What a wonderful idea to do a square instead of a circle to help with the release. I can't wait to try it! Thank you for another wonderful video!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes! It really does help!

[@hosanalkhaleej]

It’s Excellent & useful video Thanks very much Amella

[@AnotherBrownHorse]

Very clear explanations, also really like incorporating the idea of squares and pentagons to help with circles. Release is what horses look for and I clearly see how that method would help them. Thank you.

[@dianag5668]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@fitzpat3]

This is such a helpful video!!! I have a green mare who bulges and is crooked and my trainer talked about square turns but I didn’t really get it until I watched this video. I really like the pentagon example too. We just started cantering and it makes so much more sense to have her do straights so we can come together. Turns are hard for her right now bc her shoulders are developing so this will help immensely! Thank you Amelia!

[@CarolD54]

Thank you for another extremely helpful video! From now on you are my go-to!!!!!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay! Thank you!

[@darkprinzeschen]

This is the video that I needed cause I struggle a lot with my horse, I will put this into practice in our next flatwork. Thanks for making these videos Amelia.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're so welcome! Glad to hear the videos are helpful!

[@33CHRISTINA33]

Great ideas! 💙🐴

[@nuriamirulldemolins4117]

Hello Amelia, I am Núria from Barcelona Spain I want to thank you - this video was very helpful to me. My horse usually falls in when we ride right on one side of the circle and I didn't understand why he did it just in one side. With your video I understand it. He rides more correctly straight in the side of the cercle near the gate because the gate neutralizes his tendency the fall in. But on the other side of the cercle, he always falls in because he has both, the gate and his tendency. Due to your video, I was able to understand what's going on. So, I practiced what you say to turn 90 degrees and it works great. Thank you so much. Núria

[@tanyaenglish2631]

This is great, thank you. The pentagon exercise looks like a real solution to our bulging shoulder problem in canter :)

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tiffanyquinn7379]

Very helpful thank you

[@jenrayn5040]

Well, I know this is an old video, but just wanted to say thank you so much for all the great explanations here. I knew the issue was mine and not my horse's. Turns out, I was correct and this video gave me the tool I needed to get my horse back into alignment on corners/circles. Thank you, again! I know my horse would thank you as well.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're very welcome!