Objective: Develop the horse's ability to carry herself "rounded," slow, and deep.

This exercise for the collected lope should NOT be done until the horse has mastered the earlier exercises. It is physically very demanding. Be extra kind and patient during this work. Your equine friend is being asked to do something that is new and difficult for her at first.

This work looks quite ugly at first. It is not pretty, and most horses will be unable to do it without a lot of bobbing and hopping in the beginning.

For this exercise, ask the horse to really collect and slow down, by using your seat and legs to push her into the bridle.

VERY important: Let the horse know there will be release from pressure! She needs to know that although she is trying very hard to do what you ask, that you will frequently let her stop and rest.

As weeks (or even months) of consistent, steady practice go by, the horse's lope will be transformed. As her ability improves through the calisthenics, the bobbing and hopping will be replaced by a strong, elegant flowing show lope.

To be effective, this exercise must be repeated hundreds or even thousands of times. It must always be done with kindness and patience.