Shoulder-In
Invented by Francois Robichon De La Gueriniere, riding master of the 16th century," he regarded the four track shoulder-in as the alpha and omega of all exercises for the horse which are intended to develop complete suppleness and perfect agility in all its parts. This is so true that a horse trained according to this principle and spoiled afterwards either in the school or by some ignorant person can be restored back into this exercise."
The School Of Horsemanship by Francois Robichon De La Gueriniere
In the four track shoulder-in a horse's front and back legs cross. When the front legs cross and he moves sideways, the shoulder supples. When the back legs cross the haunches lower and the horse's hocks bend thus putting the horse back on his haunches, preparing him for collection. Also very important is that the horse has a bend around the inside leg during the shoulder-in with about a 45 degree angle from the wall. This exercise is most valuable as it supples all the joints of the horse and prepares him for collection.
