Tip/Quote of the Day # 4629
"Suppleness means that the muscles contract and de-contract, and this has to go through the entire horse, it cannot be blocked in the middle of the back, and it also has to go through the rider." ~ Susanne Miesner
"Suppleness means that the muscles contract and de-contract, and this has to go through the entire horse, it cannot be blocked in the middle of the back, and it also has to go through the rider." ~ Susanne Miesner
"Indeed, in most horses, it is only one part of the 'machine' that is working, i.e. the limbs – the neck, the back, the loins, the croup remain uninvolved, because they are braced and stiff. Is it a surprise under those circumstances, if the horse wears out
With horses, just like with people, let your actions speak for you. For example, you may think you are rewarding your horse when you say "Good boy" or "Good girl"… But if you don't also release the aid, your horse will not really feel
Always sit the trot for a least a few strides before asking for a transition to canter or walk.
It is common for riders to accidentally teach their horses undesirable behavior by releasing the pressure of an aid at the wrong time. Be mindful of only rewarding behavior that you actually want.