Mind your transitions

Riding the transitions properly is the best way to train injury free, and encourage self-carriage.

Just as it happens in the Yoga practice, transitioning from posture to posture, from figure to figure when riding (also between fences), is a very important aspect. Most injuries or pain occur entering or going out of a Yoga posture. Likewise, most injuries or contractions/resistance happen when you forget to ride carefully the transitions, prepare the corresponding frame and self-carriage.

I would suggest a game: try one day focusing ONLY on the transitions while you train, and see how it goes.

I am pretty sure your horse will become softer, quicker, more supple, only by being very aware of every transition you make.

You might end up both with a smile on your face!