Regardless of the amount of contact, whether it’s a small or large amount, contact is still contact. Riding with loose reins does not mean riding ‘off contact’ because the horse can still feel your hands and any movement, even if there is slack in the reins. A horse that is ridden with direct contact learns to rely on the contact for balance, similar to how a horse relies on contact when you hold its foot up to work on it. The horse shouldn’t lean on you, but it can use the contact to help balance on three feet. Therefore, a horse that is used to direct contact will often seek it and throwing the reins away can be similar to suddenly dropping a horse’s foot without warning, causing it to slam to the ground. The horse can regain its balance, but it would be considerate to give a warning before dropping its foot.
English horses develop a dependence on contact to maintain balance, and this reliance is simply a matter of the horse’s familiarity.
English horses rely on the rider to maintain the desired frame by balancing on the contact, whereas western horses are expected to hold themselves in the frame while being guided with a loose rein (self-carriage).
When it comes to horses, English ones seek contact and stretch into the bridle, which is known as going ‘on the bit,’ while western horses release pressure from the bit, referred to as coming off the bit. Western horses understand that if they hold themselves in the desired frame or yield to bit pressure, they will experience a release, also known as seeking out slack. On the other hand, English horses depend on the contact to maintain balance.
In both English and western horses, the reward is always the release of pressure, which can vary. Even when riding with contact, you can provide a release of pressure without completely letting go of the reins. For instance, as you request for greater collection, you can apply rhythmic rein pressure with alternating reins; when the horse achieves the desired frame, you can gently relax your hands and reduce contact without completely loosening the reins. This is still considered a release and remains a reward.
Basic Horsemanship Principles and Fundamental Training for Horse and Rider
The notion of thinking step by step is to rephrase the following text while keeping the meaning intact. Please refrain from adding or omitting any information. The text to be rephrased: “Hands.” Rephrased text: “Hands.”
The rider uses pressure or contact with the horse’s mouth to communicate commands. The horse can react in various ways based on the type of pressure or contact. The hands can request the horse to stop, manage the horse’s speed, or request a change in direction.
Riders have the option to possess heavy hands, passive hands, or controlled hands.
The horse is usually disturbed by heavy hands, which typically occurs due to an unsteady seat or the fear that the horse may lose control.
Riders with a good balanced seat but little knowledge about horse riding possess passive hands that are light yet ineffective.
Legs.
When a rider uses their legs, they send signals to the horse to start moving. By squeezing both lower legs, the rider can make the horse move forward. If the horse has been trained correctly, applying pressure with the legs and maintaining proper contact with the horse’s mouth will result in different types of movements.
Moving in a direct and uncomplicated manner.
The horse moves sideways, also known as sidepass.
The haunch turn, which involves the horse pivoting on its hindquarters, requires thinking step by step without adding or removing any information.
The forehand pivot involves the horse pivoting on its forequarters.
The process of bending involves when a horse bends its body to the inside of a circle.
When riders have controlled hands, they are able to achieve desired results without disturbing the horse, by effectively combining the use of hands and legs.
Weight of Seat
The horse can be aided in moving forward, backing, or sidepassing by small changes in the rider’s weight. When the rider’s weight shifts slightly forward, it encourages the horse to move forward. Shifting the rider’s weight slightly back helps the horse to back up. It is crucial to master the art of sitting naturally and gently, utilizing body movements that synchronize with the horse’s movements. It is important to remember to use only small shifts in body movement, as exaggerated weight shifts can disrupt the horse’s balance.
The utilization of cues
When giving cues to a horse, it is important to use the lightest possible cue that will elicit a response. It is not recommended to forcefully pull on the horse’s mouth or kick its sides. On a trained horse, the cues should be so subtle that they are barely noticeable to an observer, but still clear and distinct to the horse. The rider’s hands, legs, seat, and voice should all work together in harmony when giving a cue. To achieve the best results, all cues should be timed and executed together, rather than individually.
Take steps
In order to make the horse walk, follow these steps:
Ensure there is a minimal amount of pressure applied to the horse’s mouth.
Apply pressure with both legs using the calf muscles.
Move body weight forward by a slight shift.
Give the command for the horse to “walk.”
Once the horse has started walking,
Relieve the pressure on the leg.
Reduce some of the pressure applied to the horse’s mouth.
Perform either a jog or a trot.
In order to make the horse jog or trot, follow these step-by-step instructions.
Ensure that there is a minimal amount of pressure on the horse’s mouth while thinking in a methodical manner.
Apply greater pressure with both legs’ calves than you would for walking.
Adjust the distribution of body weight by leaning slightly forward.
Instruct the horse to “jog” or “trot” by thinking step by step.
After the horse begins to jog or trot,
Relieve the pressure on the leg.
Slightly reduce the amount of pressure exerted on the horse’s mouth.
Deciding to either lope or canter requires careful thought and logical progression.
In order to achieve a balanced lope or canter with a horse, it is necessary for the horse to be on the appropriate lead. For instance, if a horse is moving in a counterclockwise direction while circling, it must be on the left lead. Similarly, if a horse is circling in a clockwise direction, it must be on the right lead.
In order to make the horse lope or canter on the left lead, follow these steps:
Ensure there is a small amount of contact on the horse’s mouth while thinking step by step.
Place leg pressure on the right calf, positioned just slightly behind the girth.
Shift body weight slightly forward, but avoid shifting weight to the left.
Instruct the horse to either “lope” or “canter.”
In order to make the horse lope or canter on the right lead, follow these steps sequentially.
Ensure that there is a minimal amount of pressure applied to the horse’s mouth while thinking sequentially.
Begin by exerting pressure on the left calf, slightly positioned towards the rear of the girth.
Shift your body weight slightly forward, but do not shift it to the right.
Instruct the horse to “lope” or “canter,” using a logical thought process.
Once the horse starts to lope or canter:
Take off the pressure from the leg.
To alleviate pressure in the horse’s mouth, release a small amount.
