The basic timing of the aids resides in the movement of the horses shoulders. There are three variation which are most obvious. The count of the back and forth movement of the left leg, the right leg and of both legs. This idea of the following of the shoulders is a very old idea but many modern trainers make the mistake of timing the aids of of the rear legs. Certainly, this can be done but the problem with the use of the riders legs to achieve this is that the strong use of the legs breaks the connection between the forehand and haunches of the horse. In addition any use of the legs place the horse on the forehand. Strong use of the hand also is problematic because it causes the hind legs of the horse to hesitate in pushing the horse forward but the hand when used with gentle coordinated action always assist in placing the horses forehand in line with the haunches. In the classical literature, the hand is always the first or foremost aid because it directly acts on the horses spinal column which is the true source of the horses movement. This is contrary the false but popular belief that the rear legs produce forward motion. Only the correctly used and educated hand leads to straightness. In either case however, the most important aspect of the riders action is not the taking back but in the giving forward. True forward in the horse can only occur when the horse itself seeks a connection with the rider. When this occurs, the timing almost takes care of itself. There are ten directions; eight are points of the compass plus up and down in which the energies can be directed. Actions taken are based on three segment of 15 degrees which follow, energize, or magnetize the natural movements. All of these action are only correct when they are minimal and arise from harmony with the horses mechanical movements. Technical? Yes, but it is not the idea of this which is useful but the feeling which are with each position. The idea is only useful if it can hook you up with the feeling of motion. Naturally talented riders do this with literally no thought about it. They just feel. The rest of us can be helped by the idea to find the feel and a good instructor can lead us to the door which reveals the timing.
Posted on: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 07:14:52 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015