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THE MARE’S POINT OF VIEW Let’s say the mare in question is enjoying a leisurely ride on a beautiful


trail. Her rider is completely relaxed with slack reins and an accommo- dating riding seat. T e mare is content, knows the deal and feels safe. She knows this routine and is continually reinforced through the peace she fi nds traveling along. T en, a wide-open space is found. Her rider tightens her legs, halts her riding seat, and takes slack out of both reins. At this point, the mare is given plenty to brace on and does just that. She locks up, surges, locks up again, drops her back, raises her head, evades the bit, shakes her body and starts to wonder, “Why? Why is this hap- pening? Everything was just fi ne a few seconds ago.” In my experience, hollowed out backs and defensive riding postures


on the horse’s side are oſt en a result of speed-control issues. At the walk, both horse and rider know the deal and are content. However, as soon as speed or the threat of speed happens, the rider reacts and struggles with what to do. T e result is commonly tight reins in both hands and a riding body posture that is not helpful to the horse. At this point, the horse just wants out of the pressure, and since the rider isn’t helping with this, the horse also reacts and becomes tight and unresponsive to any communication. In order to help a level-headed trail horse remain level and relaxed in


carrying both himself and his rider beyond the walk, certain steps must be taken. T e horse needs to fi nd peace from teaching pressures as soon as he responds correctly. So when you go back to trot ing serpentines in open areas, you can do just that. You can let him know that each time he yields to the bit, you will give it back immediately. T is fair repetition gives him a predictable pat ern that he can understand and learn from. When both hands tighten due to rider uncertainty, the horse doesn’t


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When your horse is uncertain on


the trail, mix up the routine and take turns both leading and fol- lowing. Use the


horse in front of you to help with speed control


and avoid “rid- ing the mouth” with constant


two-handed rein pressure. As your horse proves he can be trustwor- thy, allow him to stride out and enjoy the trail.


WWW.TRAILBLAZERMAGAZINE.US • June 2012 | 19


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