Just to clarify ^. It's true to say the top of the shoulder (scapula) should 'rotate back', but maybe it's better to describe it (and easier to understand) as a pendulum/swinging motion and talk about the bottom of the shoulder swinging forward?

While the top of the scapula remains basically in the same place but rotates back, the bottom of the scapula should rotate (swinging like a pendulum) forward and up; ie the horse should reach forward with it's shoulder not just with it's forelegs. This allows the forelegs to be brought up more giving the horse the required scope and allows use of the term 'he jumps with his knees up around his ears'.

A horse that doesn't reach with it's shoulder is said to be jumping over it's shoulder (which is ironic when you think of what is really happening because when they do it the problem really is that they're only jumping 'under' their shoulder in a way! LOL)

goflippr wrote:

                                      Tal is like the Wizard of Oz.