SEPTEMBER 2010 THE RIDER /41


Building A Partnership with Your Horse


Communicating with Your Aids - Keys to Success, Part 1


By Lynn Palm


This month’s article is the beginning of a series based on a section in my visual series, “Dressage Principles for the Western and English Horse and Rider.” This series is titled “Communicating with Your Aids—Keys to Suc- cess” because I believe that it contains the lessons every rider needs to learn in order to create a respon- sive and willing horse. Throughout this


series, I am going to share training techniques built upon the use of the rider’s natural aids—the seat, the legs, and the hands—rather than artificial training aids or gimmicks. By learning how to use the natural aids, the rider learns how to con- trol the horse’s entire body. The rider’s aids are the keys to success because they are the keys to com- munication with the horse. The aids used to com- municate with the horse are


not complicated for us, or for our horse, to under- stand. The challenge comes in learning how to coordi- nate the use of these aids with the horse’s actions or movements to get the response we want. In this series of articles, I will explain how to use each of the rider’s aids correctly and according to the horse’s knowledge. You will learn how to teach your horse to respond more willingly without using force. This is the path to building a long-lasting and true partnership with your horse.


Here is how I will proceed with the important lessons in this series. I will cover simple basics to teach the horse to respond to the rider’s aids. The foundation in building an understanding between the horse and rider comes through learning how to correctly use seat, leg, and hand aids.


I will teach you how to introduce these basic aids to your horse through


using different patterns. I use patterns because, when a rider changes direction, gaits, or speed within any gait, the horse learns more easily. As a rider, you will learn how to more effec- tively use your aids to communicate with the horse. This work will help you learn more about your horse’s personality, sensi- tivity, and level of knowl- edge. By continuously and consistently analyzing his reactions, you will build a willing rapport with your horse. Our goal is to have a horse respond to the light- est of aids effortlessly, softly, willingly, and immediately. When we reach this point, riding and training become rewarding and fun.


fit from these lessons if you use them to help you correct any problems you may be having with your horse. So many of the problems experienced rid- ers encounter may be traced back to a problem in a basic element of their rid- ing—a flaw in their foun- dation. By going back to these basics, you may dis- cover the missing element to help you correct that problem.


Equipment


I always start with the basics to build a strong foundation for future advanced lessons. In this series of articles, I will start with the very basics of rid- ing. This will be helpful for beginning riders. Those of you who are more experi- enced riders also will bene-


Coming Events EMG EVENTS


Sept 22-26 - Canadian Show Jumping Tournament


EQUINE NORTH EVENTS


Sept. 25 - TPHC English, Tot Lead Line and Western Performance, New Liskeard Fair Grounds, email: annae@internetwebdezines.com, www.tphcon.net


GREENHAWK MARKDALE EQUI-FUN SCHEDULE FOR 2010


September 19 - Class #12 Awards Dinner, BBQ & Pot Luck - Awards to be given to participants.


COPDA EVENTS September 26 - Fun Day November 20 - Awards Dinner and AGM, Terra Cotta


MINIATURE HORSE EVENTS Sept. 18 - Miniature horse race held at Hanover Raceway at 7 pm for the "B" race (over 34"). Con- tact info: Sheila whiskygirlcan@hotmail.com


ONTARIO PINTO HORSE ASSOCIATION - will be hosting All-Breed Open Horse Shows along with its Pinto Shows.


October 2 (tentative) - Fall Colours Trail Ride, Orangeville area, TBA December 5 - Annual General Meeting & Awards Banquet, Cale- don


For more information go to www.ontariopinto.com


2010 EQUI-CUP SHOWS Fox Run Stables, 840 Valens Rd,Troy 905-628-3020


foxrun@xplornet.com, www.foxrunhorseproducts.com Sanmar Friesians, 1044 Scotch Line Rd, Elmira, 519-635-6723, info@sanmarfriesians.com, www.sanmarfriesians.com Sept. 18 + 19 - Equi-Cup Hunter Show at Cupar Farms, Woodstock Oct 1 - 3 - Equi-Cup Oktoberfest Jumper Show & Course Design Clinic at RCRA in Newmarket.


BIG CREEK SADDLE CLUB Shows held at the John Green Val- ley Horse Rings, Paris Fair- grounds, Paris, ON. For more info, contact Carol 519-442-1849, Sharon 519-449-5878 or bcsc- news@yahoo.ca Sat. November 20 - Annual awards banquet at the Paris Fair- grounds


COPDA NEWS


We all enjoyed a beautiful day at the Orangeville Fairgrounds for the Aug. 1st COPDA Pleasure Driving Show. After enduring the more ‘bracing’ weather of the June 6th show, it was nice not to have to test our dedica- tion to the sport! The Orangeville site has a great main ring - which held the both competi- tion rings for the show!!


Judge Kail Palmer of Pennsyl- vania was presented with a varied assort- ment of driving equines- from some very polished VSE’s (miniature horses) to a miniature don- key named Daisy!


We were thrilled to see a marked increase in juniors in the ring, all doing a fine job and showing us how it is done.


2010 CEDAR RUN EVENTS October 3 - Cedar Run Hunter Pace, 3rd Annual Hunter Pace


2010 ONTARIO SHORT COURSE SERIES


Sept. 26 - Corner Stone Farm, Kingston, www.corner-stone- farm.com, 613-547-3735 Oct. 17 - Emerald Meadows, Kingston, www.emeraldmeadows- farm.ca, 613-353-1109


ONTARIO HORSE TRIALS ASSOCIATION


Sept 18-19 - Glen Oro Sept 25 - Touch a Rainbow Sept 26 - Grandview October 10 - Woodwinds


OXFORD TRAIL RIDERS Banquet date is Saturday, Novem- ber 6th at the CAW Hall in Inger- soll, On. We are celebrating our 55th year this year.


RUSTY GAITS SADDLE CLUB,


Shows held at Aylmer Fairgrounds on Sundays starting 9:30 A.M. Sept. 19. For more info. contact Mary at 1-519-773-5752 or mary- dc@amtelecom.net


The cones course gave some of us a few ner- vous moments, as it was a challenging course with a great layout.


Champions were as fol- lows:


• VSE champion: Magic Man’s Silver Sheik driven by Jordan Alma


• Single Horse Champion: Kitia owned and driven by Cynthia Zalewski


• Single Pony Champion: Joe driven by Nicky Gluck • Junior/Novice Driver: Alexis Clark


There was also an


award called the Concours d’Elegance which is pre- sented to the entry with the most elegant effect during


TOTTENHAM EQUESTRIANS English & Western Horse show series - held on Sundays through- out the season. Beginner, interme- diate and advanced English Hunter and Jumper classes and Western Performance and Games classes. Cert. helmets mandatory for all rid- ers. Visit www.tottenhamequestri- ans.ca for more info. August 29, September 26


WOMEN HORSE OWNERS ASSOCIATION


Sept 21 - TackAlternative, Tree- less saddles and bitless bridles seminar Sept 25 - Caledon Tack Swap Oct 16 tbc - Jane's 3rd annual Trail Ride - Mono Cliffs Oct 19 - Farm Stewardship Pro- grams seminar - CVC how to make money off your farms Nov 16 - The Anatomy of Riding - Horse and Rider Connection semi- nar


Dec 14 - EFO (Equestrian Factory Outlet) Member Shopping For Additional Information, please email w.h.o.a@sympatico.ca, or visit www.womenhorseownersas- soc.com


the show. It is judged on vehicle, harness, appoint- ments, horse and driver but mostly it is based on over- all impression. The winner was Miss Amy Kohler driving Relhok Honour Role.


Congratulations to you all! Thanks to all those who came out for the show - we will see you next year in June!


COPDA wishes to thank our dedicated (and brave!) volunteers for all their help in running the show- we appreciate your time and couldn’t do it without you!!


I like to use a bit-less bridle, called a sidepull, for either beginner riders who are learning to use their aids or with young horses. It is a great tool for build- ing confidence and relax- ation in both the horse and the rider. For horses that display signs of not accept- ing the bit, such as opening the mouth or having a busy mouth, a sidepull is a good bridle to use.


should rest, run your hand down the horse’s face towards his nose. You will feel the bone change to softer cartilage as you get near the nose. The sidepull should lie over this carti- lage above the nostrils. The noseband should fit just snug enough to get two fin- gers underneath it. If you were to use the reins to move the horse’s head from side to side, the nose- band should be secure enough so that it does not twist or turn on the horse’s nose. Note: If you do not have a sidepull and do not wish to obtain one, a sim- ple Western or English snaffle bit will work with the training exercises in these articles.


The First Step—Mount- ing


If you have never seen a sidepull, let me explain it and its function. The sidepull resembles a regu- lar bridle; but, instead of the reins being attached to a bit, each rein is attached to a ring on the side of the bridle’s noseband.


A sidepull works off the bridge of the horse’s nose. Properly fitted, the noseband of the sidepull should lay down on the bridge of the horse’s nose, but not so low that it is down on the nostrils. To find the correct spot where the sidepull noseband


For me, the most important display of good manners that any horse must have is to stand still during the mounting pro- cess. If he does so, it shows me that he is obedient, mannerly, and thinking slowly.


side. The horse should be standing relatively square. As you address the horse to mount, hold the reins even- ly. You must be flexible enough to pick your left foot up and put it in the stirrup without pulling the saddle towards you. When you are ready to mount, look ahead and push off with the right foot. As you rise up in the stirrup, bring your right hand up so it gently grasps the cantle. Swing your right leg over the saddle while moving the right hand from the cantle to the pommel. Sit down easily on the horse’s back. Put your right foot in the stirrup.


The rider also has a responsibility in the mount- ing process. The rider must learn to mount properly, in a balanced manner, without pulling the saddle towards her across the horse’s back. Whether you are using an English or Western saddle, following are some tips to help improve your mount- ing technique.


Mounting is typically done on the horse’s left


If your horse does not stand still while mounting, use a fence! Position the horse so that a fence is on his right side and he is fac- ing a fence corner or a wall. The fence and cor- ner/wall will keep him from moving sideways or forward while you mount. Mounting properly requires good timing and practice. Because it is one of the first things we do with our horses before starting a schooling ses- sion, any issues we have with mounting can set the tone for the rest of our ride. In the next article, I will cover in more detail how to deal with problems in mounting. For more information about Palm Partnership Training, visit our website at www.lyn- npalm.com.


DAVIS FEED & FARM


SUPPLY LTD. 15770 Mountainview Road, Caledon


Livestock Feed • Custom Horse Mixes • Shavings Pet Foods • Water Softener Salt • Grass Seed (Bus.) 905-584-2880 (Res.) 905-584-2118 www.davisfeed.ca


Visit Our Showroom HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm


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