We had a terrific collection of riders, ranging in level of experience and horses too! Morgans, Rocky Mountain Horses, an Arabian, a Fjord, a Paint and an Apaloosa. Several riders sought to reduce/eliminate the use of pressure on the bit. Others sought to connect with and bring out the calm and confident horse within, yet still have the life in their horse available - and learn to shape that through feel and release. Another lady took the principles of feel and release on the ground and under saddle to driving.
We focused our time on how to get with the feel of the horse, and how to shape the feel between horse and handler or horse and rider -- raise your awareness of where the mind is, where the feet are, where the weight is... etc, in your flow, vs. asking the horse to do something from a "void". Be quiet, sure and intentional. Let the judge out the trap door… leave the feel of wrongness out of it, for you and for your horse…. Don't be too literal about what you saw me do, it will become mechanical; take the concept, feel of your horse and release your own creative flow.
- The key that leads to a fitting presentation for a horse to offer lightness in his response is in reading the horse and how he is 'set-up' before a particular request is made. Allow this to shape your presentation to your horse.
- The release in "feel and release" is the offer of a float or a feel that creates a feeling of freedom of movement for the horse, associated with the shape or maneuver desired, vs. a reward for "delivering" the particular result requested. The horse will offer the same shape or movement later when presented with that feel -- it is an association that was crystal clear and just felt good.
- When we have a particular maneuver in mind, for example to turn, let's set the horse's balance point and shape in order to turn, vs. just turning. This sets him up to respond softly, because he is already balanced for the maneuver we have in mind, and that maneuver therefore comes to mind for him too, it fits the flow, and is easy for him to offer... with lightness.
In essence... get the feel of the horse in your flow! Get aware of the feel of you in your flow! Shape the feel through release, in time with, and with respect for how the horse needs to place his feet to offer the maneuver you need -- whether to step the shoulders over to allow a bike past on a narrow trail, ride a smooth as silk circle in a dressage or reining pattern, or just release a foot into a puddle to splosh through it if a sudden jump does not appeal!
I sincerely appreciated the opportunity to work with both returning students and many new folks, all with such open minds and a willingness to put time into discovering what "fits" their horse and developing their "better feel". It was inspiring to see the horses experiencing reward just in the FEEL presented in a request as students experimented. The horses were all so different and each had something to teach -- what a treat!And what a great venue Hannah found. The Childrens' Ranch runs on donations alone (61011 Sebastian Ln. Prairie du Chien, WI 53821), to bring quality educational experiences about horses to all. It's funny how the feel of the folks who run a place is in the air - welcoming, supportive and open. Hannah will be sponsoring another clinic for us there in September 2010, and Sharon is also hosting a clinic not too far away in Mankato, MN in June 2010. See www.theartofriding.com for details. Or contact me direct to receive information as it is announced. See you there!
Much, much for which to be thankful. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
KM
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