This message is from: Sue Freivald <[email protected]>
just a couple of observations from my own (not very extensive) experience. Western riders generally use bits that have some serious leverage and often just the weight of the loose reins provides more "contact" than some of the immediate contact with a non-leverage bit English style. Just to take in to account what "loose reins" may actually imply. A very light movement of the hands with a "Western style" bit provides a lot of correction, or may do so. As in every style, the hands are truly more important than the bit. I had an appy mare that I started under supervision of an excellent trainer. The mare was very heavy in my hands (riding english with a broken snaffle). Felt like I was holding the entire horse up! The trainer told me to just "throw her away". I thought she was nuts at first, but riding in a nice arena, didn't feel too threatened to try it (after all, if you are paying for good advice it is not unreasonable to give it a try!). So I did and it was remarkable. The mare had to find her balance and carry herself. It took a while for us to sort it all out, BUT she really began to listen to me, find her own natural balance, and made riding a pleasure. And it was kind to both of us :~). Enjoy the process, and please keep us posted :~) Sue F. Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
