ACTHA Monthly | March 2015 | 16
Trail
Talk
With
Lisa Wysocky
When riding, we tend to be more proactive in an arena or at home, because we often work on goals with our horse there. On the trail, however, we are more reactive. We want to relax and have fun, not teach our horse a new skill.
If you are solid in the use of your aids, though, you can be proactive and also have a relaxing trail ride. Natural riding aids include head, hands, seat, legs, and voice, not necessarily in that order. Artificial aids include crops, martingales, tie downs, spurs, etc. You use aids every time you ride, but on the trail you are more likely to enjoy the scenery than pay attention to the messages your horse sends you. You might be talking with a friend behind you when your horse suddenly jumps three feet in the air, then attempts to whirl.
Riding aids can be used to steady your horse, but you might be so startled by your horse’s behavior that you forget all about them. Here are a few ideas that will turn you from a reactive trail rider to a proactive one.
1. Always be aware; think ahead of your horse. If you suspect there’s a chance he might balk or whirl, give encouragement with your seat by dropping your tailbone into the saddle and urging your horse forward. Firm squeezing with your legs and a firm voice command will also help.
2. Focus all of your attention and energy solely onto your horse and the situation. Your horse knows what you are paying attention to, and this will give him confidence, as well as give you needed information about your horse’s thoughts.
3. Avoid the urge to lean too far forward and bring your lower leg back. That’s a sure indication to your horse that you are tense. If you, his leader, are tense, then he will become tense, too.
4. Be clear with your rein directions. Use steady hands, but do not pull hard enough that your horse becomes totally focused on resisting. Bump and release repeatedly. Two hands here are usually better than one.
4. Breathe. Deeply. This will help your horse relax. It will do the same for you, too.
5. Keep your head turned in the direction you want your horse to go. Turning your head also moves your seat bones to give additional direction to your horse.
6. After the danger has passed, relax, but keep an eye on your horse’s subtle (and not so subtle) signs of concern: raised head, nose poked out, swishing tail, shorter length of stride, inattention to you, weight shifted to the rear, overly perked ears or ears twitching quickly back and forth, blowing through her nose, and shakiness. If any of these signs occur, switch back into proactive mode.
Lisa Wysocky is a horsewoman and clinician; a PATH instructor, mentor, and ESMHL; and the author of many books, including the new Therapy Horse Selection, and the award-winning Cat Enright equestrian mystery series.
Find her at LisaWysocky.com
or on Facebook.
Are You Proactive or Reactive
on the Trail?