One of the most time consuming training issues I deal with are horses who have been jerked on so much, that they have absolutely no lateral (side to side) bend or flexibility. Yes, the horse may be moving with their head down and neck level, but they have been pulled on so much, that they are stiff, to the point of rigid, from their throat latch all the way through their ribs, and very forehand heavy in their movements. . Think about it, if I punch you in the mouth enough, not only will you hate me, but you stiffen your jaw, neck and back. By the way, just because a horse moves with their head low, does not mean they are collected, but that is a subject for another article.
Bottom line…bump and wiggle fingers instead of pulling on the reins and bump with your legs instead of squeeze. As soon as you get a change, no matter how small, release the pressure. And as I always say…”Don’t Pull!”
Bottom line…bump and wiggle fingers instead of pulling on the reins and bump with your legs instead of squeeze. As soon as you get a change, no matter how small, release the pressure. And as I always say…”Don’t Pull!”
