rein aids

The Natural Aids

The Natural Aids

The aids are the means by which the rider communicates his or her will to the horse. Artificial aids, such as whips, spurs, long whips, and all types of special tack, can be very effective when properly used. But the secret to equitation lies int he use of the natural aids — the seat, the hands, and the legs.

Relaxation is a Virtue : Calm, Forward, Straight

Relaxation is a Virtue : Calm, Forward, Straight

When training the horse relaxation must come first. Anything we gain in ‘training’ without the horse being relaxed is compromised. Any measure of tension prevents him from fully committing to your request.

Now, the rub is that most training methods are built upon manipulating and maintaining some measure of tension in the horse.