Ever been baffled by the way your pony appears to achieve straightness as you are returning after a long day's trail ride or after a serious training workout? Have you wonder why your pony is unable to maintain that straightness all of the time. Why is it that he did not show the same straightness while you were on the trail?
You need to give it some serious thought. The answer is right there in your face, waiting for you to realise it.
The massive difference lies in the indisputable fact that once your ride or training programme is over, you have a tendency to get really relaxed in the saddle. You and your horse are done for the day; you have put some heavy work behind you and you are feeling happy with yourselves. You are rewarding him by giving him loose rein and enabling him to steer you.
There: that's your answer, the straightness key.
It is virtually certainly an issue of mind-set. When you are heading out in the morning, your mind is occupied with thoughts of the chores to be finished over the day. You could be in a condition of expectation over some new hardware for your farm or tack for your horse. You could be pumped up about some new maneuver you propose to try out with your horse. These thoughts are going to keep you from relaxing. And because horses are attuned to their riders' moods, your pony is also going to be as tense as you are.
When you're done with it all at the end of the day, your tension or excitement has oozed out of you. You are limp and relaxed. And your horse reflects your mood. Both of you are anticipating getting back. He is in expectation of a relaxing rub down and you are in anticipation of a soothing bath. Because of this frame of mind, you are not watching your horse the way that you did in the morning.
That laid back absence of control is why you see your horse achieving straightness. Yes, it can be achieved all of the time, providing you always keep your mind clear and by association, that of your horse.
You can work this out best by permitting your pony to go down the path of least resistance when possible. If he goes astray when at the rail, nudge him back to where you want him and relieve the pressure. Try to reach the mental thought patterns and physical habits of always riding as if you're on the way back to the barn. Try riding on a serpentine route, thinking, "I will ride the pony to that fence pole from this one in a direct line" Work your way onward, correcting your horse only if he should stray. The idea is to teach him that the most effective way to go is where he gets no pressure from you, that is your way.
You give him pressure the instant he veers off. You don't wait for him to get well on the wrong way, because you will not be signaling your desires clearly. Eventually, you will find the correct middle spot and your pony will feel that he is precisely between your knees. You should start this exercise with a walk and build it up slowly to speedier gaits. This way, your horse learns better, and soon gets to understanding just what you want. You must practice this exercise at various parts of your farm and on the trail. If you find, for example, that your horse is veering toward the barn, you give him just enough pressure to get him to the corner of the barn and not the door. He'll work out what it is that you need and he will start toeing the line.
You need to give it some serious thought. The answer is right there in your face, waiting for you to realise it.
The massive difference lies in the indisputable fact that once your ride or training programme is over, you have a tendency to get really relaxed in the saddle. You and your horse are done for the day; you have put some heavy work behind you and you are feeling happy with yourselves. You are rewarding him by giving him loose rein and enabling him to steer you.
There: that's your answer, the straightness key.
It is virtually certainly an issue of mind-set. When you are heading out in the morning, your mind is occupied with thoughts of the chores to be finished over the day. You could be in a condition of expectation over some new hardware for your farm or tack for your horse. You could be pumped up about some new maneuver you propose to try out with your horse. These thoughts are going to keep you from relaxing. And because horses are attuned to their riders' moods, your pony is also going to be as tense as you are.
When you're done with it all at the end of the day, your tension or excitement has oozed out of you. You are limp and relaxed. And your horse reflects your mood. Both of you are anticipating getting back. He is in expectation of a relaxing rub down and you are in anticipation of a soothing bath. Because of this frame of mind, you are not watching your horse the way that you did in the morning.
That laid back absence of control is why you see your horse achieving straightness. Yes, it can be achieved all of the time, providing you always keep your mind clear and by association, that of your horse.
You can work this out best by permitting your pony to go down the path of least resistance when possible. If he goes astray when at the rail, nudge him back to where you want him and relieve the pressure. Try to reach the mental thought patterns and physical habits of always riding as if you're on the way back to the barn. Try riding on a serpentine route, thinking, "I will ride the pony to that fence pole from this one in a direct line" Work your way onward, correcting your horse only if he should stray. The idea is to teach him that the most effective way to go is where he gets no pressure from you, that is your way.
You give him pressure the instant he veers off. You don't wait for him to get well on the wrong way, because you will not be signaling your desires clearly. Eventually, you will find the correct middle spot and your pony will feel that he is precisely between your knees. You should start this exercise with a walk and build it up slowly to speedier gaits. This way, your horse learns better, and soon gets to understanding just what you want. You must practice this exercise at various parts of your farm and on the trail. If you find, for example, that your horse is veering toward the barn, you give him just enough pressure to get him to the corner of the barn and not the door. He'll work out what it is that you need and he will start toeing the line.
About the Author:
Horses are Heather Toms
passion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of
articles with other horse lovers visit HorseHorses
passion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of
articles with other horse lovers visit HorseHorses
No comments:
Post a Comment