If a mounted horse appears sore after ten minutes, what is the recommended action?

Dismounting and putting the horse away while having the rider engage in another activity is the most appropriate action when a mounted horse appears sore after a brief time period. This approach prioritizes the well-being of the horse, as it recognizes that any signs of discomfort could indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. By dismounting, the instructor ensures that the horse is not exacerbating any potential soreness or injury.

This action also allows the rider to change focus, preventing them from becoming anxious about the horse's condition or furthering an unproductive lesson. Engaging in another activity while the horse is rested allows for both the rider and the horse to maintain a positive experience, demonstrating a commitment to the welfare of the horse.

While feeling for heat or changing lesson movements may seem like viable options in assessing or adapting to the horse's condition, they do not directly address the issue of potential discomfort or pain as effectively as dismounting and providing the horse time to recover. Walking the horse around could provide some assessment of its condition, but it does not remove the rider from a horse that may not be sound for continued activity.