Somehow, I don't think this is it! I just read a great blog post by Tristan Tucker http://www.trtmethod.com/mindset/create-a-willing-mindset-in-our-horses/ about how a lot of riders are so focussed on what the horse is doing that they forget to focus on what the horse is thinking. A lot of truth in this. Riders get so intent on whether the horse is round, using his back, or doing a specific movement that the bigger picture of what the horse is thinking during all of this gets forgotten. Any somewhat experienced rider can have a pretty good idea of what the horse thinking but first the rider has to be asking that question, instead of focussing on the question of what the horse is doing. And of course when the focus changes to what the horse is thinking, what the rider chooses to do with the horse might change. I've been making it a point several times over the past couple of rides to check in on what Jet is thinking and it has led to some real insights and a few changes to how and when we are doing things. Good stuff.
Makes sense to me. The connection between rider and horse is essential.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, the connection is everything, but it is easy to loose trying to get certain movements or competition goals...
DeleteThat is very interesting! A lot of times horses are clueless especially when they are young. I always try to give my horse and me haha a mental rest/pause after working hard on collection or some type of maneuver before we move onto something next. It seems to help my horses grasp what I'm trying to tell them. Makes the next training session better too!
ReplyDeleteI was focussing more on what the horse was thinking at certain moments Christy. I have never thought of giving them time to "process" after doing something hard or new. Maybe by doing a loose rein halt for a minute or two? Good insight!
DeleteI do that too! Sometimes it feels like I spend half my ride just sitting in the middle of the arena with loose reins while my horse thinks. Lucky my saddles are comfy haha!
DeleteDressage Naturally does a lot of relaxed standing with a loose rein as a reward/tension reliever. It has worked great for Jet Set and I wonder if that is because it also gives him some down time to process things...
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