As we discussed in an earlier article, horses will often put themselves into flexion and offer soft feel when going backward or sideways. Whilst in play they will also happily go forward flexed, our next task is to teach them to go forward into pressure, something we have taught them to yield from in previous Levels. Plus … to ride forward with a contact rein, we need to learn to have a lot of release and feel in our hands, seat and body as well as excellent timing.
Confidence is a major factor in this, as we are putting our horses into a vulnerable position and asking them to trust us.
In the exercises that follow from this point on in the QS programme, we will look at building forward movement with soft feel. In many cases you will be able to do the tasks first with a casual or loose rein, picking up the soft feel as you go. Allow this to build gradually over time. Trying to make your horse get used to soft feel will only make him feel even more claustrophobic and nervous. Be quick to offer comfort when he tries; it may well be only for a moment, and remember that this is soft feel not soft look. In other words, it’s how it feels, not whether he has a vertical headset or not. A vertical head set will be the result of true impulsion, flexion, collection and engagement so it is the result of all these things not the aim. It will come when the horse and the time is right.
Try not to let your horse lean on your hands; that is, get heavy on the reins. Remember, horses will push against pressure, so if he leans and finds you pulling back on him, he will lean harder. Instead go back to your lateral flexes, spirals or flex-to-flex change of direction so soften his hind get your lateral flexion back.
Remember, vertical flexion will come with confidence. Don’t worry too much if your horse gets in front of or behind the vertical in the beginning. As he learns that he is not threatened and that he can find comfort, his confidence will grow and he will offer greater vertical flexion. When he does, it will be with his whole body, from his first back foot on the ground, right up through his back, wither, neck and to his jaw. Expect this to come some time in Level 4 or 5. For now, work on the two of you becoming soft, feeling for each other, developing more accurate communication and creating a graceful and harmonious combination.
Read More Road To Horsemanship articles.
- By Meredith Ransley, Quantum Savvy.