During stage 2, students perform a number of practical exercises with several different horses. In the foreground, Sue Boyle from Wellington is working on monitoring the changes in attitude in her own horse, Zena. This takes place whilst working to firmly establish leadership.

In the background, Justine Johnson of Masterton concentrates on engaging and disengaging the hindquarters on her own horse, Ziggy. This exercise is performed without a saddle. Each rider endeavours to feel the change in the horse's back when engagement takes place.