Tip/Quote of the Day # 4303
"A steady hand with a soft, following elbow invites a steady, soft contact from the horse. Working the bit or being busy with your fingers invites a false frame." ~ Alexis Soutter
"A steady hand with a soft, following elbow invites a steady, soft contact from the horse. Working the bit or being busy with your fingers invites a false frame." ~ Alexis Soutter
You should feel like you have to ask your horse to stop, rather than simply "letting" him stop. If he stops when you let him, he is behind your leg.
To successfully maintain the elusive forward feeling hands, imagine that you are pushing a shopping cart as you ride forward into the bit.
Horses speak through their actions. Try to listen to what they are telling you.
Spend time on the basics, such as straightness and suppleness, and the more difficult movements will fall into place naturally.