Learning to let go
Many riders never achieve self-carriage because they are simply afraid to let go and educate the horse to carry himself. It is basic, but often overlooked. The training process involves a constant communication with your horse, you will ask him into his frame and then
soften when he gives the correct response, repeating over and over until one day, quite
far down the track your give and takes are far less repetitive. This is the day when you will
enjoy true self-carriage.
Don’t get into the trap of holding him in a frame, or allowing him to lean on the bit.
You can create a false illusion of roundness and thoroughness by riding your horse
in a double bridle and holding him in his frame but this will never bring you the joy
that good, correct, patient training will bring if you simply spend a period of time
educating your horse to go on his own. Give him a chance and trust him and your
training that he will in fact go on his own when you stop holding him.
It will feel messy for quite some time but the result will be truly worth it! Take a
chance and reward his efforts with plenty of pats and rest breaks, especially while
he is still developing strength to work on his own.