--- In [email protected], "Karen Thomas" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > In truth, we really don't practice the one-rein stops since I think they are > pretty harsh - I'd only use them in a true emergency - like heading into the > path of the oncoming train.
I have never used this, I don't really like it. I can't really see getting to a place where I would need it, because I'm not getting on a horse who is going to do something like this, it can be taken care of before it gets to this point, I really believe that. Most of the natural type trainers I have watched focus on controlling the horse's feet, controlling their minds, I don't see what it really has to do with the mouth, if you can't control a horse through their mind, body and feet good luck stopping them with a bit or a sidepull. There is too much attention given to the bit/bridle in controlling a horse. It seems much more effective to use our bodies, our energy to keep a horse where we want him, and repitition. I think of the bridle as a signal to stop, just like tapping them on the shoulder means I want them to lift their legs, if someone is pulling hard or even doing a one rein stop, there is something major missing there, a well trained horse should really stop at a tap of the reins, or even with body position, or energy alone. You can think stop, get really grounded in yourself, make yourself feel heavy and ground your energy into the ground, this kind of feeling help to keep the horse from gaining momentum when you don't want them to. I also start my horses walking, walking, walking...only going faster when I ask, not when another horse goes or when they decide to, walking should be the default, and once they are really good at that we might go faster for short sprints, then back to walk. If a horse isn't really good at the walk, how are they supposed to be in control at faster speeds? I would especially do this with a more naturally forward horse. Kim
