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Good Hands Require Intelligent Thought

Good Hands Require Intelligent Thought

Posted in: Observations, Quick Posts, Riding|September 4, 20111 Comment

[dc]By nature[/dc] we are designed to work against the horse, and the use of our hands is no different. When we sit in the saddle we respond in fear by leaning forwards rather than sitting up taller or leaning slightly backwards. We squeeze with our legs when we want to stay in the saddle instead of relaxing them and allowing them to drape fully around the barrel of the horse. When we want the horse to stop, slow down or when we are tense, nervous or need balance we pull back on the reins.

All of these things are against the nature of the horse. To stay in the saddle best is to sit upright or slightly behind the vertical which helps to plant you in the saddle rather than creating ripe conditions for a catapult when you lean forwards. When we squeeze our legs it helps only to push us out of the saddle than to hold us in it. And when we pull backwards on the reins we incite the horse to move into that pressure by leaning heavily on the bit and to move on the forehand.

Every action of the hand must be executed with intelligent thought because without it we are left only to our ape-like instincts and to pulling backwards on the reins.. or pulling sideways. The most effective actions of the hand are: left to right, right to left, up to down, down to up. Executing these directions in a circular motion only helps to increase their efficacy and to relax the mouth of the horse when he is tense.

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Erica K. Frei

Author of the book, "Centered Self, Centered Horse : A Simple Guide to Horsemanship." She practices French Classical Dressage and has a diverse background in horses. Erica currently lives in southern Wisconsin.

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One Response to Good Hands Require Intelligent Thought

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actions of the hands • ape like • ape like instincts • backwards action of the hand • falling off • good hands • hands • hard mouth • hard mouthed horse • heavy in the bridle • heavy mouth • holding on with the legs • intelligence • intelligent thought • leaning backwards in the saddle • leaning forwards • leaning forwards in the saddle • leaning on the bit • leaning on the reins • natural instinct • on the forehand • pulling back • pulling back on the reins • pulling on the reins • reins • rider instincts • soft hands • squeezing with the legs

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