Ive been asked to elaborate a bit more on my post from yesterday concerning use of the aids: The aids (the rider’s hands, legs and weight) are never used to maintain a movement. They are only used to start, change or correct a movement. The aids are most effective in their release rather than their application. If the aids are “on” constantly the horse becomes dependent on the rider to “babysit” them in the movement. Constant holding of the aids shows the rider does not trust the horse to carry himself. The horse will become dull and disengage mentally with the rider rather than being an interested partner. The aids should only be used when necessary to start, change or correct a movement and then only used in a light fashion. In this way, the aids are constantly refreshed and meaningful to the horse. The release of the aids is the reward for the horse responding correctly to the rider’s request. As the rider releases the aids and the horse maintains the movement on its own then you have achieved autonomy which is the goal of self-carriage in the horse. The learning is in the release.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 02:54:34 +0000
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