10/13/2022
We must break the habit of holding an aid, be it leg, seat, or hand, for any extended period. OK, but what's an extended period? Well, an aid (or cue) is the request that a horse shift his weight in order to perform a specific movement. The aid no longer works when the horse has moved beyond that point of balance. So when the horse has moved past that point, cease your request. For instance, when circling right by right Direct Rein, we are asking the horse to shift his weight onto the right front leg, move his haunches left, and take a step forward. Do not hold the rein open through the entire turn! Ask the horse to rotate the haunches left ONLY when he is on his right front leg because that is the only time he can. Ask and release. If you want to ask again, then wait three strides (assuming you are walking) until he is on that leg again and ask with another application of the Direct Rein. Repeat as necessary. So how long do you hold the aid? Only as long as he has his right front hoof down. This is one way you can move with the horse instead of against him.
(Questions in the comments are welcome!)
More tomorrow š¤
