nature of the horse makes them feel very pressured moving up onto any bridge. I’ve been told by many horses that there is a significant barometric pressure change at that point, but maybe that’s horse drama.
OK, here is how you get your horse across the bridge in three easy steps. Now don’t take the bit between your teeth and raise your eyebrows. I can hear those comments, “Right, sure.” You know the story behind the one-eyed cat who tried to watch two rat holes don’t you? All you need to do is focus.
First, to get him on the bridge you need forward movement. Forward movement can only be attained by degrees, so don’t be like the bear in the bee hive, don’t get greedy. Instead, find your ear and listen to your horse. Pressure from your aids to move forward must be followed by a release of your aids (and pressure), before your horse decides to balk. “Ready, set, go” may mean he just looks at the bridge. But remember this: The measure of your talent is in your ability to spot the slightest hint of Junior’s thoughts coming around in the desired direction at once. Sometimes it is a mere twitch of his muscles, a blink, a flick of an ear, a snort, indicating forward progress that he is considering, as a realm of possibilities, obedience to your request and confidence in you. Then it’s as easy as sliding off a greasy log backwards.
Secondly, once you are on the bridge with all four feet, Junior needs to navigate through the unique sound of the bridge (your aids need their library voice), and stay on the bridge without jumping off the side. Thirdly, the exit off the bridge is hopefully not a jump, or a bolt, but a steadying, confident “ta-da” building moment from you for your horse. You were keeping him so safe. Oh to suffer the ravages of outrageous success!
Have I mentioned daily practice in this
article?
Jeff Wilson Cowboy Dressage
Jeff Wilson has worked with problem horses professionally for over 30 years, training horses of all breeds. Jeff has turned most of his training program into liberty work, trick training and teaching classical dressage movements in a fun and easy to understand way.
Click to visit >
Jeff