Trainer Tip Tuesday! How well does your horse stop? Do they respond to your body language for stopping or are you hauling on their faces?
The next question might be do you give your horse a chance to stop with your body by putting weight on your stirrups and sitting down and deep in your saddle? Your horse may actually surprise you if you give them the chance to respond in this way and then pick up on your reins after, rather than the other way around!
It is almost like putting on your signal light, you are giving your horse a warning that you intend on slowing down either to stop or change directions. By using your body to help them prepare, it isn't a shock to them, and they are also able to gather their bodies properly to prepare for a nice stop.
When you do take ahold of the reins, it is important to draw back on them slowly and steadily so that you aren't jarring their mouths. Once you do have them come to a stop, if you practice always asking for a backup or at least a shift in their weight to the hind end they will learn to use their hind quarters to stop in anticipation of a backup, resulting in a nice smooth stop.
It is nice to have a little warning before being pushed or pulled on, giving time to think and react accordingly! So next time you are riding, try giving your horse the courtesy of a little warning by signalling your intentions with your body first before picking up on the reins.
Happy Trails! - Dawn
The next question might be do you give your horse a chance to stop with your body by putting weight on your stirrups and sitting down and deep in your saddle? Your horse may actually surprise you if you give them the chance to respond in this way and then pick up on your reins after, rather than the other way around!
It is almost like putting on your signal light, you are giving your horse a warning that you intend on slowing down either to stop or change directions. By using your body to help them prepare, it isn't a shock to them, and they are also able to gather their bodies properly to prepare for a nice stop.
When you do take ahold of the reins, it is important to draw back on them slowly and steadily so that you aren't jarring their mouths. Once you do have them come to a stop, if you practice always asking for a backup or at least a shift in their weight to the hind end they will learn to use their hind quarters to stop in anticipation of a backup, resulting in a nice smooth stop.
It is nice to have a little warning before being pushed or pulled on, giving time to think and react accordingly! So next time you are riding, try giving your horse the courtesy of a little warning by signalling your intentions with your body first before picking up on the reins.
Happy Trails! - Dawn
