And since we usually can't see > ourselves ride, many times we don't even know that we're asking for opposing > things at the same time. > > > Karen Thomas, NC >
very very true! there was a parelli episode on recently were some people had inadvertently trained their horse to rear by apply pressure to go, while at the same time applying breaks to stop. so if you apply pressure for a horse to jump forward and then pressure to stay in place, nowhere to go but up... it was amazing to see. and thats what a severe bit does. some people dont realize some bits are so bad you dont even have to apply rein pressure. I bought a cheap cheap heavy engraved scrolled metal bit with long long shanks for Jas to wear in a parade. it was so fancy and i figured what the heck i dont have to even use his mouth anyway. but that bit weighed about five pounds and when I put it in his mouth he got so mad at me... he just started walking backwards swishing his tail. I bet if i had hauled on his mouth with that bit he woulda flipped over backwards! and he is a horse that has never reared in his life except in play with other horses. Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
