| I've occasionally heard people say, "Horseback | | | | complicated maneuver (due, entirely, to the fault |
| riding is easy; you just sit there." Oh, how wrong | | | | of the rider). |
| they are. | | | | Much of riding is being acutely aware of what |
| While you certainly could "just sit there" you | | | | NOT to do; the things we need to do are |
| would be giving the horse the signal that he, | | | | relatively few and simple. |
| rather than you, is the leader. Do you, as a | | | | Another example; imagine you want to go right. |
| natural predator, really want to be lead by a 1200 | | | | We'll assume you're on a horse that doesn't yet |
| prey animal? I don't think so. | | | | know how to "neck rein" (meaning it understands |
| It is true that, while far more than simply climbing | | | | to move away from the feel of the rein on his |
| aboard and going along for the ride is required, | | | | neck) and so you will need to use a "direct rein." |
| horseback riding probably shouldn't be as difficult | | | | That means you gently ask the horse to step |
| as we humans sometimes make it. Horses are an | | | | right by moving that right rein forward and to the |
| exceptionally compliant and cooperative species, | | | | right. Again, pretty easy isn't it? Yes, unless you |
| when we speak to them in a way they can | | | | pull back (which a lot of newbies do because |
| understand (physically, telegraphing our intentions | | | | they're balancing off of the poor animal's face |
| in a direct, honest manner that makes sense to | | | | instead of their own seat). Or, if you pull on the |
| the horse). | | | | left rein as you also indicate the right turn. These |
| For example, if you're on a horse and you want it | | | | are common mistakes made by riders who aren't |
| to go forward (which, 99% of the time is the | | | | aware of everything they're doing. Keep it simple |
| preferred direction), your hand (or hands, if holding | | | | and logical. Don't add unnecessary steps. Pay |
| two reins) go forward. Your body slightly inclines | | | | attention to the actions and placement of your |
| forward. You gently nudge the horse with your | | | | body, hands and legs. |
| leg and, 99% of the time, the horse will comply | | | | One last scenario; stopping is gently cued with |
| and go, as requested, forward. Sounds easy | | | | your body (subtly leaning back), your voice (a |
| enough, doesn't it? | | | | clear, calm 'whoa' delivered in your best Alpha |
| However; here's where many people complicate | | | | voice) and, if necessary, a gentle reminder with |
| the issue; as they "prepare" to move ahead | | | | the rein slightly pulled back. Do NOT yank harshly |
| (people are notorious for an unduly, over-complex | | | | on the reins. When the horse stops hold the |
| amount of preparation), the rider will pick up on | | | | pressure on the reins until she has (a ) taken 2 or |
| the reins. First of all, before you even move, | | | | 3 steps back AND (b) lowered her head. Don't |
| glance at the reins to make sure they're of even | | | | release the gentle pressure until both those things |
| length. Put your hand(s) FORWARD to give the | | | | take place, every single time you stop. Being |
| horse plenty of slack if you need to make an | | | | clear, being consistent and being repetitive, are |
| adjustment and do so gently. Unfortunately, it so | | | | mandatory. |
| happens that too often that's far from what | | | | A common rider error when a stop is desired is |
| actually takes place. | | | | to pull quickly back on the reins as they holler |
| Many riders pick up on those reins, holding them in | | | | 'WHOA!' All this accomplishes is hurting and |
| a position that's too short and too tight and they | | | | frightening your horse. Believe me, stopping is not |
| exert pressure on the horse's mouth (seeing as | | | | something a hurt and frightened horse is likely to |
| they're generally attached to a bit, which is a | | | | do. Rather, it's their instinct when scared and/or in |
| piece of metal inside the horse's mouth). Now. if | | | | pain to RUN. |
| the rider inadvertently picks up on the right rein, | | | | So, what should you do if you (or any other |
| the horse is going to think it needs to step right. | | | | external stimuli) have inadvertently triggered the |
| Often this then gets the rider to compensate by | | | | horse's flight response? Sit back (leaning forward |
| pulling on the left rein. So the horse then thinks it | | | | makes it easy for you to topple off the horse, |
| has to go left , and move left quickly is what it | | | | head first), calmly and slowly say 'whoa' as you |
| does. All this drunken-sailor right-left staggering | | | | take ONE rein (not both) and pull it to the side. |
| unnerves the rider, who then pulls back on the | | | | This will take the horse in a circle. Even if he's |
| reins. The already confused horse isn't sure if this | | | | racing at a full-on gallop, he can then only gallop in |
| means stop or back up. Maybe it tries both. But | | | | a circle. Your job is to breathe and, to whatever |
| the rider is still thinking their goal is to go forward, | | | | extent possible, relax. Try making the circle |
| so he kicks at the horse. | | | | smaller. Eventually guide him, with that one rein, to |
| Your guess at the animal's reaction here is as | | | | a stop. Reassure the horse with your relaxed and |
| good as mine. Already frustrated and confused at | | | | calming demeanor. If you are tense, you're |
| all the conflicting and random signals, our little pony | | | | conveying to him that he should be tense. |
| could shoot rapidly backward, forward, or even to | | | | When you are polite and consistent, when your |
| the side, depending on which rein was last (or | | | | communication with the horse is delivered in a |
| may be currently) pulled in conjunction with the | | | | simple, logical manner that shows respect for |
| unwarranted kicking from the rider. | | | | your mount, it's highly likely that you'll have a |
| What could have, and should have, been a very | | | | wonderful interaction with that animal. And then, |
| simple directive has turned into a ridiculously | | | | yes, horseback riding will be easy. |