MAY 2006 • VOLUME 9 • ©HORSES For LIFE™ Magazine

Relaxation – the concept of relaxing a horse, can often cogitate the word lazy in people’s minds. I do not often ask for relaxation. I want my horses swift, responsive, instantaneously responding to each of my aids, anticipating and waiting for what I am going to ask of them next. Think of bullfighting, would you want your horse relaxed? I don’t think so. You would want your horse alert, quivering with energy beneath you and responding like quick silver to your very thoughts.

 

It is easy to turn what some might see as hyper-activity into energy, impulsion and self-carriage - getting the horse to give 110% of himself beyond what he thought he was capable of. Almost impossible to do with a horse that is relaxed.

What I go for when I first mount any horse, is energy if there is not enough. Then my focus becomes “decontraction.“ This is a French word which really has no equivalent in the English language.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subscribe to HORSES For LIFE™ Online Magazine for full access to the exclusive and educational monthly articles in every Issue.
YOUR SUBSCRIPTION INCLUDES ACCESS TO ALL PAST ISSUES!

For the Instructor, For the rider, For the Horse. Horses For LIFE
Your Magazine for Life.

Register FREE and
Have Fun Reading the Two Free Articles in This and Every Issue!