Recommendations for Riders / Owners / Trainers
/ Knots
When we ride - we are members of a two individual
herd , (at minimum), the horse knows how we
feel and feels our focus (even ocular focus). We need
to become better at feeling the horse and we must remain
the leader as much as possible. We need to learn
to ride consciously more of the time as on average we
spend two thirds of our time thinking of many other
things in our lives other than the riding we are doing
at the time, don’t be just a passenger as much
as we generally do. Don't constantly look down
at the ground nearby nor at the horse's ears or head
as that confuses the horse, focus on where you want
to go. Horse can feel a fly on its skin so it can easily
feel our movements.
Firm and Benevolent Leadership Another
important point that applies to many horses is the herd
mentality requirement of having a "Firm Leader".
As we humans are predators we must also include with
Firm Leadership a clear understanding of "Benevolence"
toward the horses as well. Therefore an effective paradox
is to become a "Firm and Benevolent Leader"
for our horses so that they can expect and trust us
to take care of any of their fears when they are with
us. With their millions of years of DNA programming
they will always need some one to kill any attacking
predators and we must be that protector. Our ability
to redirect and control their energy and footfalls rather
than confining / stopping them (holding them back) from
running or moving is an important factor in that line
of thinking.
The Lies that we have
been taught from early on: Catch Em', Saddle Em', Kick
Em' to go, Pull Em' to stop and Pull Em’ to Turn
Em'.
LEARN TO USE SINGLE REIN (Direct and Indirect)
FOR CONTROL AND SAFETY Use a halter to learn
the single rein control mechanics and feel in order
to prevent accidental damage to the horse's mouth during
training before using the bit, then transfer to the
bit and learn it softly but firmly. Always use correctly
applied pressure then release for the horse to follow.
When riding, try to give the horse gentle notice
of upcoming action / requests -- slobber straps are
helpful as well as properly placed bits being carried
on the tongue by the horse and of course soft hands
to signal upcoming requests.
Try riding your horse without a bit,
from time to time, in halters (of various types) and
give the horse's mouth a break from the bit.
Always remain patient and allow a few
seconds for a horse to absorb and respond to requests
(Whenever Training or Riding). Sometimes we need to
allow time to regain focus during interruptions.
Good rider exercises in a ménage
or other contained area should include riding bareback
at walk, trot (optionally at a canter/lope), with a
bit and in halter (whilst carry a bit) always using
soft hands. One can and should learn to feel the “barrel
movement” whilst riding bareback and in saddle
in order to help with lead departures from aids/cues
as well as for stopping, both when feet are in correct
positions to allow the horse success with our requests.
A good habit building technique for stops
is to back up a couple of steps whenever stopping (when
practical) and when training do not completely release
rein pressure until / unless the horse head is in the
correct / desired position.
For building loin muscles rollbacks
are a good exercise and not as boring as simply walking
or trotting up to a jump and slowly leaping over in
order to build loin muscles (although that does work).
When riding circles don't always stay on correct
lead as any horse needs to learn to be more
ambidextrous for better balance . A horse needs this
to better maintain balance in awkward or difficult circumstances,
therefore, periodically use a counter canter.
When only a small amount of time is available
for training don't do nothing
as spending even small amounts of time does help and
is not a waste, just keep the horse focused. Communication
is improved whenever you train with focus no matter
how much or little time you spend.
When large amounts of time are available for
training , keep training / schooling interesting
(complex and/or different exercises). Vary the sequences
of exercises, plus provide periodic breaks throughout
training routines.
PRESSURE RELEASE: A huge key to dealing
with horses (whether riding, training, leading or loading)
is Pressure – Release, applied correctly and methodically.
When longeing: Teach your horse to
work on a loose rope in order not to stress/strain the
back, spine, ribs or legs (joints/muscles). Never create
pressure/drive from behind the horse, always apply pressure
from the girth/rib areas forward
(otherwise the horse will simply be running away from
pressure and not learning).
OPPOSITION REFLEX: Always remember
that horses naturally oppose constant pressure (whether
pushing or pulling they are opposing) this is commonly
known as “OPPOSITION REFLEX”. Therefore
it is important to use appropriate pressure & release
actions whilst remaining persistent & consistent,
however try to always remain “passively persistent”
and never overtly harsh.
Never get angry: count to yourself
/ delay before reacting in anger.
Be firm but fair in all matters equine (riding or training).
Overly aggressive methods (riding,
training, leading or loading) only serve to trigger
the prey animal instinct (right brained instinct) instead
of the left brain thinking capabilities and defeats
real training/ learning.
Dignity: We must leave
a horse's DIGNITY in place and human egos have no place
in dealing with horses.
Discipline vs. Punishment:
Remember that discipline is much different than punishment
and horses do not do well with punishment.
Never forget – reverse psychology
and lateral thinking!
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