The Basics of Western Riding by Charlene Strickland

Author:Charlene Strickland
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
Published: 1998-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

Use as light a pressure on the reins as the horse will recognize. As he learns to respond to a light signal, he will avoid the heavier ones.

Hinton has noted that you can make your horse better by allowing him to make a mistake, and fine-tuning the response. He calls this, “Daring your horse to fail to respond. If you ask with less, you can reprimand, and your horse gets lighter as he starts to read your mind. You want him to wonder what you’re going to do next, and to wait for you.”

The amount of pressure you apply to the horse should fit the situation. A good trainer is firm and consistent and gets to know the horse’s limitations. This rider applies cues to help the mare move in balance. The horse bends slightly to the inside in response to his outside leg and rein. The mare lopes smoothly and “on the bit.” She reaches well underneath herself with the inside hind leg.

The amount of pressure should fit the situation. Trainer Pat Parelli has called this a “just” attitude. “You cause responses, and you don’t force or plead. If you have to get firm, you do it without getting mean or mad. You trust your horse to respond, and you’re ready to correct. It’s not more of one than the other.”

A good teacher is firm, consistent, and understanding. A good horse trainer learns the horse’s limitations. He doesn’t force or abuse the animal to make it perform movements beyond its ability. A horseman lets the horse know when it’s done well. The horse acquires the trainer’s disposition, so a steady trainer produces a steady horse.

For you to communicate with your horse, practice the communication system he knows. Find out how much of a cue you need, and how sensitive he is. Aim for subtle signals, starting by visualizing what you want him to do. Follow up your expectation with a physical cue. If he resists or doesn’t respond, assert your request by repeating the cue, and then increase the strength of your signal.

You teach him to be lighter and more perceptive, so he feels soft and relaxed. Terry Berg has explained: “When you’re on a good horse, it’s like you think the movement and it occurs. To me, that is the ultimate. And it’s fun!”

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