> as a rider of an icelander-trained icelandic horse, i have to add
> my
> agreement to this. i actually *drop* contact to ask for some
> transitions, such as tolt->walk, and stjarni's brakes are
> excellent.
> you do have to know this, though, and it's definitely not the way
> all
> american riders are trained; my more-experienced students sometimes
> have
> trouble with this. i once felt quite out of control on a beach
> ride
> where we were cantering along and i increased rein contact and
> stjarni
> sped up -- i suspect he thought he was going to be asked for flying
> pace. (he wasn't, i turned him into some dunes; always careful of
> his
> footing he promptly slowed to a walk. knowing him better now, i'd
> do a
> left-right, pull-release rein signal rather than just an increase
> in
> contact.
This is well said Vicka....Sally and I had to learn this way of
riding as well.....it is especially harder for me....but it makes
sense to me now.....with Dreki, if I pulled for a stop, he would
increase speed, if I used my knees and put pressure to his shoulders,
he stopped great. My rein contact meant to go faster, mabye go into
flying pace like you said.....I ride using my seat a lot now for most
of my communication.....I aspire to have light contact on the
reins......
I know that Iceland is a very big place and not every body who is
Icelandic trains the same way.....it would be like saying that all
Americans train the same way, that would be a ridiculous statement.
Skye
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