32/ AUGUST 2021 THE RIDER


The Science of how Horses Think & Learn Brakes. Keys to a winning stop. Part 2.


ask, stop. Soft, straight and balanced. So let’s break down the training process.


Brakes. Keys to a winning stop. Part 2 In judging a few different riding disciplines, it’s


cool to note the similarities. Though scoring systems vary across competition types, here’s one common de- nominator: a box on each score sheet in which I record a mark for the halt. Equitation, reining, western riding or dressage. Yet the halt remains an often-ignored component


of training. Riders hand gallop past the stopping point in eq-


uitation over fences. Trail competitors lope into the chute and land past the end. Occasionally, I’ve had to step out of the way, judging showmanship to skirt being run into! I coach riders to picture a halt in three stages: Ready,


Ready. A key to a credit earning stop is preparation. Your horse should be ener- getic and straight with his body parts aligned in the ap- proach. Several strides before the stopping point, you’ll make a connection to your horse. A rebalancing, “half- halt “, or call to attention. Make sure his attention is fo- cused on you, softening to your hands as you make con- tact with the reins, while maintaining the energy with your legs. With a seasoned horse this preparatory signal can be as subtle as a slight backward shift in weight. Similar to answering the tele- phone, your horse is con- nected and ready to respond.


Ask. Then you’ll ask him to stop - sitting deeply, “an- chored” in your saddle and saying “whoa”, quietly but clearly. This is your cue to stop. Note- discreet voice com- mands are perfectly accept- able in most disciplines. Though penalized in the dres- sage ring, they remain a valu- able training bridge which


can be eliminated eventually. Horses recognize the tone and volume of voice com- mands – not the actual word. Make sure the word sounds the same every time you say it. Save it only for stopping… and mean it.


Stop. If your horse doesn’t halt on the next stride, follow immediately by backing him up several steps, releasing when the rein-back feels light to your hands and legs. Eventually, you can elimi- nate the back- up step as your horse begins to prepare to stop when he senses your weight shift. This is where anticipation becomes our friend! He lightens his fore- hand and then stops his feet on your voice cue. There- after, only back him when he’s a bit too casual in re- sponding to your “whoa”. Similar to coaching


riders to see their distance jumping, or loping a trail pole, I often count down strides with my students as they approach the stopping point so that they stop out of a rhythmic gait. Ready – sev- eral strides away. Then soften your body and flow for the next couple of strides. Ask – two strides away. Stop - on the next beat. A precise stop puts fin-


ishing punctuation on a pat- tern and leaves the judge with a good point to ponder in de- ciding your placing. From reining to dressage, western riding to western horseman- ship, the stop is your presen- tation’s final “ta-da”. Life lessons learned from horses. Do you ever feel you’re


running on adrenaline? Over- whelmed? Overscheduled? I’m becoming convinced that humans were designed to halt at X – to pause, turn off work


Several strides before the stopping point, you’ll make a connection to your horse. A re-balancing, “half-halt “, or call to attention


a competitor and horse trainer, Lindsay enjoys teaching clinics and travelling to Ontario farms as a freelance in- structor. She’s taught the science of equine behaviour and learning for horse associations, courses for University of Guelph and therapeutic riding facilities. Lindsay judges many disciplines and breeds and serves on an EC judging committee


About Lindsay Grice. A horse show judge and certified riding coach with a special interest in equine behaviour. After 25 years as


Why do horses do what they do? “In the horse world, our traditions and evidence sometimes collide – I love to help riders solve their horse puzzles with logic, patience and equitation science.” www/lindsaygriceridingcoach.com


Big Creek Saddle Club


offers a full day of horse showing for all ages. Our family oriented shows are fun and competitive. With two beautiful show pens


we offer classes for a variety of disciplines in- cluding games riding, western pleasure, and english pleasure.


Find out more on our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/groups/2744211299/ or email bigcreeksc@gmail.com


Dates: August 15th, September 12th Rain Dates: October 3rdWhere: Paris Fairgrounds


Without adequate preparation on the approach, the rider is just pulling the horse to a stop. And the horse's body parts jackknife out of alignment.


and turn off the phone. I noted, while judging


and teaching riding clinics in Israel that everything shuts down for the Sabbath - activities, businesses, even horse shows! Directives in the Jewish scriptures from God to work hard, then


carve out a day to rest, re- flect and recharge are still observed – religious or not. Psychologists affirm that people and families seem to thrive on a regular rhythm of work and rest. Any ideas to take


“mini-Sabbaths” within the


week or at regular intervals through the day? Turn off tech, go for a walk, sit down to eat, pray or opt for a look- in- the-eyes conversation with a friend instead of a text.


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