In this article, we will continue our discussion of the bending and turning aids. The goal for both the bending and turning aids is to control the horse’s body position and balance. I have received many requests to describe in detail the role of these aids, and so I want to review the nuts and bolts of this very important issue in riding.
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In the last article, I discussed the importance of the rider’s natural aids in communicating with the horse. This time, I would like to share with you a simple exercise to help you improve the use of your aids: your seat, leg, and hands.
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The rider’s aids are the tools with which the rider communicates with his/her horse. The “natural” aids the rider uses are the seat, the legs, and the hands. The rider’s legs and seat control the two-thirds of the horse’s body from the withers back. The rider’s hands control the forward one-third of the horse’s body, including the shoulders, neck, and head.
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Most people who do any form of exercise know that it is important to warm up. Because a horse is an athlete too, he also needs a pre-exercise warm-up routine to help loosen and limber up his muscles after standing in a stall or in a pasture. A warm-up also prepares the horse’s mind, as well as his body, for the work you will be asking him to do — whether it is schooling, trail riding, pleasure riding, or showing.
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This month’s article is the second in a series based on part two of my five-part visual series, “Dressage Principles for the Western and English Horse and Rider.” This section is titled “Communicating with Your Aids…Keys to Success” because I believe that it contains the lessons every rider needs to create a responsive and willing horse.
Last month I discussed the importance of a horse that stands still while the rider mounts and the rider’s responsibilities during the mounting process. In this article I will give you more advice on how to mount safely.
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