GRIDWORK for green- experienced horses & showjumpers

Hey guys sorry i haven't posted in a while, been crazy with new young horses.
My latest "experiences" with these new young horses of mine have prompted me to write this post so here goes:

Young horses can be relentlessly difficult. Okay I am BIG time generalizing but the past month of so i have acquired a few prospects is addition to my string. The one horse in particular, a very hot 5 year old has been very challenging. Now i'll be blunt, this horse can be unbelievably difficult to ride because it is so hot. However, out of all the horses it is my favorite, it is careful, quick, EXTREMELY scopey but most of all, has the right mindset- although hot, it WANTS to jump and always gives 150% ( that's right, 50% too much). Anyway, I am sure i'm not the only one riding horses like this so i thought id share some tips which have been beneficial to all the youngsters (but in particular this one)

[ Please note in advance i have done equine science and been competing nationally for many years- the horse is by nature a hot one and its hot streak is not due to "incorrect feeding" or such thing.  Thus my choice of such exercises]

The following exercises have also been used with my top horses right up to jumping in world cup qualifiers- i find these grids very useful for all who have young horses/ going horses

EXERCISE 1 - Creating flexion through rib-cage
It can be seriously frustrating when you have to go around corners while jumping with your horses head bent to the outside because it wont bend and support through its body! He's an exercise to help!

EXERCISE 2- shortening and lengthening 

This is probably my most used "lateral" exercise with all my horses. I advice particularly with a green horse that is learning to do the pole exercise about 2 x per week [do about 5 + run throughs: you should do it until your horse does it as you desire (within reason)]  

EXERCISE 3- Multi-purpose exercise

This exercise has MANY benefits, it builds strength in the hindquarters as well as encouraging the horse to jump through its withers (the oxer must be square for this to happen). I like this exercise for young horses as i gain the benefits from the previously mentioned BUT the main and best reason for use is the trotting poles. The trotting poles force the horses to slow down after the oxer and accept the weight on their hindquarters as you always want to train. This teaches them adjust-ability and strengthens their hindquarters at the same time. your horse, especially young/green horses may "fall" or tripp over the trotting poles the first few times- don't worry about this- they'll get the idea pretty soon.

               
Hope you enjoyed this post!

PLEASE COMMENT IF YOU WOULD LIKE SPECIFIC EXERCISES/ ADVICE on ANYTHING Equestrian related!!