September Master’s Zoom

Horses aren’t symmetrical but soundness for the work we request of them depends on us trying to develop the horse as equally as possible.

Stay humble. Stay kind. Be realistic. Appreciate this amazing opportunity.

I had an incredible opportunity to teach a three day camp in Michigan a few weeks ago. Rach Riding Academy organized a very educational three day event for the campers. Here is part one of my teaching takeaways.

Body work is not optional. That’s true for you and your horse.

If the pain is not addressed the horse will continue to be “snappy” and have poor communication much like a human with an incessant headache

Be positive. You are supposed to be having fun and there are much worse ways to spend a day. You are getting to be on the back of your horse

Horses that are tense are suffering. It is our job to change what we are asking to relieve the tension.

Enlist professionals to help you find the source of the reactiveness. Your horse will thank you.

Restriction leads to bracing. Bracing leads to tension. Tension leads to undesirable behavior.

Pulling the head in the direction you want the horse to go will give you short term results that create long term problems.

Communicate your intentions with your horse. Don’t surprise them

Your hands are a team. They should work to stabilize the base of the neck and massage the reins.

DQ is not the end of the world. Don’t Quit. It is an opportunity for education.

Our next Zoom will be Thursday, September 9, 7p cst.

Havre a conversation with the horse through your legs. The conversation needs to be in complete sentences not caveman point and grunt.

I hear this a lot in regards to glue on shoes. I hear it as a justification to keep putting metal nails in the horse’s feet. I hear it as a justification from farriers who don’t want to continue their education.

Encourage correct function of the hoof to increase caudal foot support by getting him to use the back

A correct warm up does a lot to set the tone for the rest of the ride.

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