This video will give you tips on teaching your horse how to follow the feel.
Putting awareness and feel into practice with the horse from the ground starts by setting a clear intention as to what you are looking for, so you know what to observe as you start training the horse.
1. Make a decision as to what you want and set the intention. An intention is a type of promise/idea or plan that you "intend" to put into action. The intention is a thought and a decisive energy - it basically directs your focus and doesn't allow you to waiver from your plan.
2. Tune into the middle of your head and go into the center of your body at the same time.
3. Tune into the horse
4.Take contact to the rein lightly - feel how the rein makes contact with the bit ring - then feel how the bit ring makes contact with the horse. Does the horse feel heavy/resistant or does the horse immediately follow the feel of your cue?
5. If the horse gives you the wrong answer, don't release the cue, softly ask more clearly or precisely with the aid using your energy to bring the horse into clarity. Unclear aids create confusion and wrong results.
6. Release the pressure when the horse responds correctly, but release it in a connected fashion, softly feeding the rein back again, not losing contact to the bit ring. There are times when horses need a complete release of the rein to understand that "this was the right answer" - you can start by releasing like that and once the horse gets the idea, move onto staying in connection instead for the release.
The goal is that eventually the horse follows the feel immediately forwards, backwards or sideways so that the two of you are moving "in sync" with the same center of gravity - two bodies and minds as one.
To get the horse "with you" use your energy to support the aids instead of stronger aids. Think light, lighter, lightest with the aids and instead "up" your intention/energy to create focus and impulsion in the horse.
25 авг 2024
