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Dear Horses For Life and Susan,

I have just taken some time to go back and view all four segments of Susan's story, "I'm Scared to Lengthen My Reins!" from February 2007 to May 2007. It is such a remarkable transformation even knowing the first picture was a year old.

As humans, we rely so much on the tactile senses from our hands that it is very easy to want to use them when we feel tense or insecure. On our two feet, we grab a door frame or a chair back when we become anxious. Or we even wring our hands. It is not surprising that we instinctively want a firm handhold on something when we feel out of control (do you grip your steering wheel when a car cuts you off in traffic?)

I do this in my own riding, too. I even tell myself that when my mare gets a little wind up her tail, it is a "good" time to ask for more engagement and collection... when I know darned well I am lying to myself to find a good reason to *take* contact!

Susan's story has been a wonderful illustration of quite a few things, but I look at her first picture: the pull on his mouth shows heavier contact, but his ears show his attention is elsewhere. I look at the videos from May: always one ear back toward Susan! And look at that trot on him!

Our horses look to us for leadership. When we "tell" them there is reason for vigilence, they listen well as the prey animals that they are. When we tell them we don't trust them by "taking them in hand" they believe they are not seeing some "danger," and so they become hypervigilant.

Conversely, when we give them responsibility and become lighter and more subtle, they turn their attention to us to look harder for our cues. Over the last several months I have applied this to my leg and seat as well as my hands, and sometimes all I have to do is "think" canter for my mare to feel the minute preparations my body makes unconsciously.

Reading Susan's story has been both lesson and reminder for me - forcing me to think through and recognize my own habits as well as admiring Susan's efforts.

Bless you, Susan for "putting yourself out there" and for getting your instructor involved, too. You have my admiration for the work you are doing and your courage to do it. And, finally, congratulations on taking this monumental step! I think you are going to accomplish things with your horse beyond your expectations while also enjoying the journey, which is, after all, the most important part of life with horses.

Sincerely, Mellanie in Austin, Texas

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Hi Nadja,

I really loved this issue and feel vindicated in my doing it my way, being in not over bitting, or not bitting at all and teaching the use of the bitless bridle to the new owner of the horses I’ve sold.

I’ve been in the business for a long time and have worked with and observed many trainers and it has always bothered me the practice of over flexing a horse especially with putting side reins on or tying the horses head over and leave it to learn to give to the bit for 15 up to 30 minutes on both sides. I can’t tell you how I hated that and promised myself even if it meant going against the grain with other trainers.

I’ve forwarded your link of your publication to a friend.


Thanks for the information and publication.

Sincerely,
Regina

Just wanted to applaud the June issue .. especially the article on returning to confidence. How timely! I did lose some of my confidence the last few years especially while caregiving parents .. ... as I begin to ride seriously again .. I'll keep the article in mind (and body).

thanks and blessings,

Karen

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