The Jambette is an exercise in which a horse lifts and extends one front leg forward. It serves as a foundation for advanced movements like the Spanish Walk, Polka, or Pirouette.
Training Methods
1. Touching the Leg with a Cue (Hand or Whip)
• A gentle touch on the lower leg encourages the horse to lift it.
• Reinforce with a clicker or verbal praise for even small attempts.
2. Target Training
• The horse learns to reach toward a target with its leg.
• The target is gradually moved higher to encourage full extension.
3. Mimicry
• Some horses imitate human movements if the handler lifts a leg themselves.
• This works well for horses that learn through observation.
Common Challenges and Adjustments
• Uneven Jambette on Both Sides – Some horses find one leg easier; exercises like deep carrot stretches can help.
• Pawing Instead of Lifting – To encourage a controlled lift, reward momentary holds rather than repetitive stomping.
• Overenthusiastic Offering – If a horse begins offering the Jambette excessively, reward only when cued to maintain stimulus control.
Key Insights
• The Jambette should feel effortless and balanced rather than tense or forced.
• Gradual progression builds confidence—start with small lifts and extend over time. • Each horse may prefer different cues—adapting the training approach ensures clarity and engagement.