THE ROAD MAP: Look to the pyramid of training in approaching the training of a spooky horse
PHYSICAL THERAPY: Suppling and bending exercises, like this shoulder-in, help relax the horse’s body and calm his mind as a result. Ashley Perkins rides Veredus, an eleven-yearold KWPN gelding owned by Maude Carr.
usDF illustration; ricHarD MalMGren
able (longitudinal suppleness). He’s not obedient to the rider’s aids, and he loses the rhythmic relaxation along with the contact. Let’s face it: He loses everything. in contrast, horses that are round and bendable are on the way to becoming relaxed and obedient. Te
kindest way to put a distracted horse out of his misery is to require that he be obedient to clear aids that are frm but friendly. if the rider needs to be strong, it’s important that the horse not feel he’s being punished for his spookiness. instead, you’re assuming the role of positive, proactive leader by telling him with clear aids what to do. in a positive and even playful way, the aids say, “Leg-yield left, leg-yield right, bend left, bend right, go forward, slow down,” and so on. Te successful leader has an obedient horse. Tere are endless creative ways to devise your proactive, positive plan. Tey should focus on exercises that improve obedience and suppleness. You’ll get to your horse’s mind by working his body; then, when you have more of his mind, he’ll give you more of his body. Te kinds of exercises that are most helpful for spooky horses include leg-yielding, bending, stretching, and upward and downward transitions. Here’s an example of an exercise that might help:
USDF ConneCtion • July/August 2013
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