As in, we should be riding with better "connection."
This is not just about contact. It's quite a lot more than just what you feel through the reins (although that is a part of it).
Since I started the blog in 2011, I've ended each year with an article about something that I feel is a common problem for most riders. In the past, I've discussed the leg aids, pulling on the reins, the outside rein and more. I've zeroed in on bits and pieces that make up riding, but this year, I've been thinking a lot about the "whole" of it.
I often feel it's necessary to break riding skills down into small, concrete chunks. Because without the pieces, we can't possibly put it all together. On the other hand, if we never consider "the whole," then we won't be successful in the application of the skills. Plus, we effectively cheat our horses out of what we should really be doing, which is to make everything seamless, smooth, balanced, and not interfering.
So we need to begin somewhere. Because really, if we always ride our horses in bits and pieces, we will always ride the horse into lack of connection.
How can you improve connection?
There really is no one magic pill to developing connection. Unfortunately, it takes time and practice for you to be able to influence your horse well enough to make a difference in your horse's way of going. You will likely need an instructor's input to first identify the many skills you will need, teach them to you, give you feedback as you try and make mistakes, and finally confirm when you make progress.
However.
There is something you can try on your own, and get enough feedback from your horse to help direct you on your path toward connection.
Try this:
1. Squeeze both legs.
2. Go with the horse.
3. Give with the reins (a little).
4. Half-halt to maintain the same tempo throughout.
So this sounds very simple and it can be, if you know what you're looking for. First, you have to create energy, then ride that energy.
1. Start with a soft but steady contact. Then apply leg pressure to ask the horse to move ahead. Keep steady rein contact throughout.
2. When the horse does go, you go with him! Don't get left behind.
3. Give the horse a little space to step into - even while you maintain a light contact. You can do this by extending your elbows just a little, or letting the reins out - not more than an inch. Make sure you don't suddenly let go of everything and "drop" the horse on his forehand. It's just a little give, but it's enough to let the horse move more freely forward.
4. Maintain the tempo in the interest of balance. If the leg speed changes, the horse will likely lose balance and the whole disconnected thing will start all over again! Use your half-halt to keep the tempo, and to keep the energy from "leaking out the front" of the horse.
Do it on a circle and stay on that circle as you play with the aids. You can start with walk and trot at first, as you will have your best balance in those gaits. Initially, you're looking for what I described above:
- your horse moves straight forward,
- rounds through the body,
- reaches farther underneath with the hind legs,
- lightens the forehand and stays in balance,
- swings through the back,
- swings through the shoulders,
- reaches for the bit.
Any of these responses are a step in the right direction.
Don't be too disappointed if nothing much happens when you first start this exercise. If you and/or your horse are used to riding without connection, it will take time and coordination for you both to learn how to let the energy flow and reach forward (rather than pull backward) to achieve movement. But practice, and one day, all the bits and pieces will fall together as one!
Good luck, and happy Horse Listening!
