“One of the most difficult things to do when training a young horse is to let go. However, it is through the absence of pressure that the horse learns. The teaching pressure is important and must be gauged correctly, but without a release of pressure, the lesson is lost. In this reader’s situation, the horse ‘does not like’ going backward. I’m guessing the horse was met with more bit pressure.”
trated and evasive by liſting his front end. If he were cued, but the release came early—aſter just one step—and the reins were fully released, the back-up step would have been a success. Tis could have been repeated numerous times and the lesson would have ended well. Instead, too much was asked for too soon in the horse’s education. Teaching must come in small, progressive steps in order to have a lasting effect.
TEACHING HANDS VERSUS PULLING HANDS Tis can be a difficult concept to understand. In order to use pres-
sure with the reins, the slack does have to be taken out of them. So, you might think that “pulling” is necessary. I like to view the process in
two parts: creating the teaching pressure, and maintaining the teaching pressure. When asking for a back up, you spread your hands until you feel the corners of the mouth. As soon as you lightly feel the corners of the mouth come into light contact with the bit, close your hands on the rope and hold your hands in front of you for cueing. Tis creates a small amount of pressure on your horse, but nothing strong. Your hands remain firm. Tis type of pressure motivates the horse to find a way out of the pressure without causing too much stress. At this point the horse might walk forward, move laterally or just
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Proactively teaching your horse to move his feet in the direction you request, even when there is an obstacle, helps him focus on your signals and sets him up to succeed on the trail.
As the rider’s hands resist the urge to pull and begin teaching, the horse has a chance to respond correctly to find his release. Te defensive, hollow posture has now slightly rounded and he is breaking at the poll. Te rest of the body makes an effort to step back. When the request is made this way, and the expectations are reason- able, evasive moves such as rearing are far less likely to occur.
16 | Novem r 2012 • • WW.T TRAB Octobeber 2012WWWW.RAILILLBA ALZEZREMA AGAZINE U RMGAZINE.U.S S
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