Western
Beginner
15 min
Weaving Through Cones at the Jog
Focus: Steering, Accuracy, Responsiveness
Equipment: 6 cones or markers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up 6 cones in a straight line, 15 feet apart.
- At the jog, weave through the cones using neck rein cues.
- Plan your turn 2 cones ahead. Don't wait until you're at a cone to start turning.
- The horse should make smooth S-curves, not sharp zigzags.
- Keep a steady jog rhythm throughout — don't speed up or slow down between cones.
- Practice in both directions for equal development.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Turning too late and cutting the cones too close or knocking them over.
- The jog becoming irregular as the horse navigates the turns.
- Using too much direct rein instead of neck rein to navigate.
- The horse anticipating the pattern and weaving before you ask.
Variations & Progressions
- Lope through the cones for advanced riders.
- Decrease cone spacing to 12 feet for tighter turns.
- Randomize the pattern: weave some, circle one, skip one.
Tip: Cone weaving is one of the best exercises for developing steering precision and the horse's response to lateral cues.
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