AUGUST 2023 THE RIDER /29


Jelly Elbows & Clutched Elbows & The In-Between


By Kathy Farrokhzad. That’s because we are more likely to notice the hands of the horse


rider more than anything else. We likely never notice the elbows at all but there is quite a lot to be said about the elbows. Let’s take a look at the two extremes of what can happen in the el-


bows, and then see what the in-between can do to help us keep quieter hands, more subtle rein aids, and generally become more stable in our riding position.


The Jelly Elbows These elbows are often so willing to open that the rider often goes


around the ring with straight arms. Jelly Elbows open whenever there is any pressure on the reins. Sometimes they close when the rider feels that there is little control of the horse, but then they open again. Some- times, they open wide even when the horse isn’t pulling or falling to the forehand (and thereby putting pressure downward). You can get a feel for the confusion that these elbows can create just by reading through the above description! When the elbows are inconsistent, the horse ends up feeling the


result in his mouth. On-again, off-again contact often ends up being re- flected in the horse’s head. If you notice your horse bobbing his head up and down repeatedly, it might be due to on-and-off contact. Which might be due to jelly elbows.


The Clutched Elbows These elbows are exactly the opposite of the Jelly Elbows. These


elbows stay tight and strong constantly. They usually have a strong “L” shape to them, and sometimes, they might be so tight that the rider can actually hold the horse’s head and neck in place regardless of the amount of pressure on the bridle. You won’t see the horse doing much head bobbing with these el-


bows, because the pressure is consistent. But what you might see is the horse going around with a tighter, shorter neck outline. You might see the horse bracing through the jaw and neck because invariably, the horse is stronger than the rider and can capably hold that kind of pressure with the front end. Some horses and riders go along seemingly fine for years and


years in this manner, and many horses (but not all) comply without too much fuss. The thing is, if the rider tries to work on more demanding or advanced movements (like lateral movements or collection), there will be major stumbling blocks to overcome.


The In-Between Well, this third alternative is absolutely the most difficult to


achieve. This is why it might take years to develop really, truly “supple” elbows that can navigate through the gives and takes - and not change the pressure the horse feels in the mouth. Tiny, not-more-than-needed movement in the elbows is the key to achieving quiet, responsive (but not throw-away) contact.


How To Work On The In-Between The best thing I know about finding those in-between elbows


is to stabilize your hands and let the elbows do what it takes to keep the hands stable.


Try this: If you ride in an English saddle, place your hands on the


pommel of the saddle right above the saddle pad. If you have a bucking strap on your saddle, actually hold on to the bucking strap with both hands. If you ride in a Western saddle, you have the pommel as well


that you can just rest your hands on. Make sure they don’t move. Make your reins long enough that your horse is comfortable,


but short enough that you have enough control to be safe (safety first always). Then start riding. (If you ever need to take your hands off the saddle to take up the reins to maintain control of the horse, do so. You can always stabilize the hands again after the horse is moving quietly)


Don’t move the hands! In trot, you’ll be amazed at how much your elbows will need


to move in order to keep your hands still. In canter, they move slower and more deliberately but your hands can still be steady and sure if the elbows open and close enough. Don’t worry if your horse isn’t going perfectly for the mo-


ment, and just focus on your hands. They must stay still while the elbows do their job. You’ll notice there will be times when the el- bows MUST open and then there will be times when the elbows MUST close - all so that the hands can be quiet and calm. When you get nice and comfortable with the elbow move-


ment, take your hands off the pommel or bucking strap and try to maintain those In-Between elbows. Keep the hands close to each other, near the front of the saddle. Every time you feel that you’re heading back into the Jelly


or Clutched elbows, go back to the pommel to remind your elbows of the feel you need. Then let go of the pommel and try again. The thing is, if you can achieve suppleness through your el-


bows, you will also free up through the shoulders, the neck and even through your lower back. It’s all connected. And guess what? Better contact will also be a part of the aids that free up the horse’s poll, shoulders and back too.


Bio: Kathy Farrokhzad is an EC coach and author of the Horse Listening book collection, Goal Setting For The Equestrian: A Personal Workbook, and the creator of the Practice Sessions on- line program. If you liked what you read here, check out her blog at HorseListening.com for many more articles about horses, riding and life in general!


Niagara’s Finest Horse Showcase Come see what Niag-


ara area horse breeders and owners have to offer! Join us for an unforget-


table weekend of equestrian excellence! Welcome to the highly


anticipated 2023 Edition of Niagara’s Finest Horse Showcase, happening on October 7th and 8th. Pre- pare to be enthralled by the beauty and skill of magnifi- cent horses as they compete in a variety of disciplines. Whether you’re a rider, an enthusiast, or simply love horses, this event is not to be missed.


Exciting New Additions We are thrilled to in-


troduce a brand new addi- tion to our Showcase this year. On Sunday, we will be hosting a thrilling hunter under saddle class, provid- ing a thrilling display of el- egance


Witness the harmony be- tween horse and rider as they navigate the course with finesse. This is a must- see event for all hunter en- thusiasts!


Diverse Classes for Every- one


The Showcase will and precision.


feature an array of classes designed to cater to different equestrian interests. On Sat- urday afternoon, prepare to be captivated by the grace and precision of dressage riders as they showcase their skills. Sunday’s lineup will begin with the in-hand com- petition, where the horses’ conformation and presence will be evaluated. Following that, the hunter under saddle class will take place, offer- ing a glimpse into the world of hunter riding. Finally, brace yourself for the exhil- arating over fences class, where horse and rider will


offer a Canadian Warm- blood Inspection and an OPEN breed show on Satur- day. This provides a fantas- tic opportunity for breeders and enthusiasts to come to- gether, appreciate the diver- sity of equine breeds, and celebrate their unique quali- ties. Don’t miss the chance to witness these remarkable horses up close!


Clinics, Education, and Fun


Niagara’s Finest Horse Hyde Moffatt


showcase their athleticism over challenging jumps. Participants have the option to enter one or all four classes, with the chance to earn the prestigious Nia- gara’s Finest Award for the


highest overall score.


Canadian Warmblood In- spection and OPEN Breed Show In addition to the


Showcase, we are excited to


Showcase is not just about competitions and shows. It’s an event that brings people together to share knowl- edge, learn from experts, and have a great time. Throughout the weekend, we will be hosting a series of clinics and educational sessions, covering various equestrian topics. Expand your understanding of horsemanship, training tech-


niques, and more, all while having fun in a supportive and engaging environment.


inquiries


Stay Updated and Get In- volved For any questions or regarding the


event, please direct them to renatemcgillivray@out- look.com. Keep an eye on this website for upcoming announcements and further details as we get closer to


the event date. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Nia- gara’s Finest Horse Show- case 2023, where the extraordinary bond between humans and horses will be on full display. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable ex- perience!


Registration at


www.westniagarafair.ca/ site/niagara-finest


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