reinersblog.com

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1) I used my leg aids as taught in hunt seat riding; because I began my riding journey in Virginia Hunt country. 2) I quit using my leg aids. 3) I went back to using leg aids. I found my horses more soft and responsive to my leg. My horse who can feel a fly can surely feel me.  I found horses can become non-responsive to the leg, as they can be non- responsive to the bit, commonly called hard mouthed.  When I got to stage 3, I knew my horse at stage 1 was not responsive to my leg. I had to experience non- traditional riding in stage 2 (no leg) to learn this.  I did not know, what I  did not know, but I found more softness. 

    I got on my unbroke colt, first ride. No movement. I feel on this colt  if I kick I may get buck.  What to do? I pick up my left rein. With the left rein I ask the left foot to step forward and sideways on about 11 o’clock. The colt does. The feet become un- stuck. One foot is connected to the rest of the feet and my colt moves forward in a good calm walk. This is exactly what I want in a first ride. No storms.  Wow? How did that happen? Not sure.  I did not know I could do that. I was amazed.  Who do you know that directs the specific placement of the foot with the rein?

       A cowboy in Washington state told me to listen to what he said. I did not understand. He told me to use what you like and toss what you dont like. I have been doing that ever since I met him, each and every time I meet a trainer or coach.  I did it with him, too. He taught me how I can learn something from people I dont agree with. Maybe there is something they say that I do want to keep.  Train or ride your horse to the best of your knowledge today, and keep what works for you.  And I am learning to be kind to everyone I meet, but I am not good at it yet, LOL.   

      I am at this clinic. The clinic guy is tearing up styrofoam cups and putting them on the ground. Our assignment is to step one foot on that cup, and stand. Horse put your foot exactly precisely here.  What the heck are we learning today?  I was confused. I did not know what he was teaching me until years later.  All we did was walk and stop at that clinic.  I learned alot from him, but did not know it at the time.

      Happy Trails to you, and may you always ride a good soft-light horse.