Synchronized steps Hjalmar
learning to "follow a feel."
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It is all connected This is such a great visual example of the "strings" I often talk about throughout the horse's body.
The trickle-down effect of how one body part influences another, even if literally at the other end of the horse.
I've used the analogy of the string on a dog food back, where you start pulling one end, and the whole thing become unraveled.
I find when people tell me about a horse that is heavy on the bit, resistant in the backing, have difficulting holding a canter or lope lead, etc. that they are other factors contributing to the unwanted physical behaviors.
Example: I talk about when there is a heaviness in the horse pushing on the halter or bridle, and noticing and addressing unlocking the physical brace- or locked up feeling- in the horse's hocks, students are shocked.
This image is a great demonstration of that. Learning to help each body part then influences the quality of the overall movement and softness of the horse, which of course starts with his mind first.
PC: The Equine Documentalist
What if...
We applied this first to Ourselves?
*Mentally
*Emotionally
and then
*Physically
when we are with the horse?
So many riders use the horse as time for the human to escape from reality or as an outlet from life's stresses.
Rarely do they recognize and address the Supportive Communication the horse needs from Us for them to stay mentally present, emotionally quiet, and physically reasonable.
The "Equine Partnership" will not be successful or retain quality if its foundation is based solely on the horse serving the human.
Direct route isn't the fastest
I find folks unreasonably expect (and are sales-pitched) things should happen quick and immediate with horses.
I find most horses asked to stand have a massive degree of containment imposed upon them to prevent them from physically moving.