Help for horse-riders
www.horse-talk.org
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The Art of Solving Problems with Horses Doing things and thinking differently. Riding (Part 1) |
| "I want my horse going on the bit and in the correct
outline. Other people can do it. Why can't I?"
It is unfortunate that most riders these days are trained (yes, trained!) to believe that "on the bit and in the correct outline" is the only way to ride. Anything else is unacceptable, because we don't have control - or maybe you know that already! The trouble with this assertion is firstly that it simply isn't true. We can be just as much in control of the horse (in fact, often more so!) on a long, loose rein as on a short, tight one. We do after all, have the option of shortening the reins, if we need to. Secondly, and more important perhaps, riding on the bit and in the correct outline requires extensive training for both horse and rider. It comes neither naturally, nor easily - and very few horses, or riders actually get the extensive training they need to achieve it! Thirdly, this style of riding is only needed for serious, top level competition. If all you want to do is hack about the countryside and maybe attend a few local shows, collected riding is not only unnecessary, but is detrimental to the horse. For any extended period of time, holding himself this way is extremely uncomfortable and often the cause of many a back problem. |
| Loose-rein riding on the other hand, allowing the
horse to carry himself as he chooses, comes naturally and easily to both
horse and rider. The horse has nothing to fight or resist.
He is comfortable in his mouth and body, happy and relaxed, knows what
to do - so no problem behaviour!
Additionally, the simple aids (reins for slow down, turn, stop and legs for go faster) make sense to him. Training the horse to respond correctly to the simple aids really is a piece of cake! Training the horse to go on the bit and in the correct outline, not only requires extensive training, as I have said - but is a lot of hard work. Who needs it? Serious, top level competition riders, who are prepared to put in the time and effort need it, but if we are riding for pleasure, quite simply - we don't. What we need above all, is for the horse to be happy, relaxed and submissive. We'll talk about that on the next page.
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