Give even when it feels like you can't or shouldn't. When your horse is showing big emotions, give. When you aren't getting the response you were after, give. If the horse seems confused, give. Holding doesn't help. Holding creates bracing, tension and starts to overwhelm the nervous system. Giving allows time to process, let's the nervous system reset and interrupts the bracing. You can always take back what you give, but you must give. Holding ALWAYS leads to bracing. Bracing ALWAYS leads to dysfunction. Dysfunction ALWAYS leads to pain. Pain ALWAYS leads to undesirable behavior. I don't use the word always lightly. Help your horse by giving.
Trainer’s Tip Tuesday
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