♘امیرحسین♞
♘ مدیریت انجمن اسب ایران ♞
Help your horse work WITH you, not FOR you, says this Pan Am dressage silver medalist.
* Your horse is your partner and friend. Encourage him to try for you by always rewarding any positive response, no matter how confused or slight it may seem. Say, "Thank you for trying," and give him a pat. When he responds negatively-backs up or kicks out, say-remind yourself that he doesn't understand. You wouldn't punish a child for not knowing how to act, so don't punish him. Read his mind; then simplify what you're asking, or explain in a different way.
* Your horse isn't a dull animal. If he can feel a fly on his side, you can appeal to his natural instincts, awareness, and responses. Realistically, though, he's not always going to respond to a "fly's worth" of aids. When he doesn't, gradually turn up the volume until he does respond; then turn the volume back down again, but expect the same response. Eventually, when you whisper, he should move as if you shouted.
* You want your horse to have a healthy respect for your dressage whip, but not to fear it or hate it as an instrument of torture or punishment. Use it as lightly and artistically as a conductor's baton.
* Your horse is your partner and friend. Encourage him to try for you by always rewarding any positive response, no matter how confused or slight it may seem. Say, "Thank you for trying," and give him a pat. When he responds negatively-backs up or kicks out, say-remind yourself that he doesn't understand. You wouldn't punish a child for not knowing how to act, so don't punish him. Read his mind; then simplify what you're asking, or explain in a different way.
* Your horse isn't a dull animal. If he can feel a fly on his side, you can appeal to his natural instincts, awareness, and responses. Realistically, though, he's not always going to respond to a "fly's worth" of aids. When he doesn't, gradually turn up the volume until he does respond; then turn the volume back down again, but expect the same response. Eventually, when you whisper, he should move as if you shouted.
* You want your horse to have a healthy respect for your dressage whip, but not to fear it or hate it as an instrument of torture or punishment. Use it as lightly and artistically as a conductor's baton.