Heavy Contact

[KarenRO]

All,

I am not sure whether to post this in Rider Training or Horse Training as I think it is a little of both.  :-)  I rode with a clinician the other weekend that I think highly of...she trained my CSH gelding, HobKnob, for 10 weeks after I purchased him as a 4 year old about 2.5 years ago.  The trainer is excellent, has taken many horses up the levels and her students do well.   The gelding is a big mover, naturally drives off his hindquarters and is relaxed in the poll.  He has been a little like a see-saw with contact but is getting better all the time.  The last time I rode,  clinician had me take a lot heavier contact than I am used to and I am struggling with the concept.  I feel like I have 20 pounds in each hand!  She said I need to provide that support for him or all his impulsion just 'squirts' out the front.  I can see the concept but the weight in my hands, arms, abs, seat is tremendous and exhausting.  I'm NOT pulling but I also feel like I am being dragged along by his drive up to the bit.  I'm not explaining this very well but does this sound correct?  Thanks!  KarenRO

[newhallfarm]

Sorry, I've not got time for a lengthy reply just now.  But in short, NOOOOO! this doesn't sound at all correct!  Sadly, it does sound like how a lot of people (particularly in competitive dressage are taught to ride).
The idea of a horse in self-carriage is exactly that - he is carrying himself - not you holding him up and together.  I suspect that your horse is as uncomfortable with this type of riding as you are.

[Casey76]

I agree with Ali,  He shouldn't be leaning on you, and you shouldn't be leaning on him.

Having a lot of pressure on his mouth is just going to desensitise him (his mouth), and no doubt p*ss him off.

What does he do if you have normal contact (an ounce or two)?

[yvonnemzz]

I learnt from my mistakes with this problem. I agree with all the above. The more contact you create, the  more the horse will need. Sounds like you need to be doing lots and lots of transitions to re balance him and get him off the forehand and 'carry himself'. In this case, less really is more.
Make him wait via transitions and he shouldn't 'squirt' out of the front door. If your arms ache, then his neck must be feeling the same as you are creating a tug of war tension. If it doesn't feel right or make sense to you, then don't do it.

[ros]

Totally agree with all the others. I've been told in the past by some instructors to take a strong hold, but if they said that to me now I'd just cancel the next lesson and wave bye bye 

The fact that a horse is a big mover, or just plain big, doesn't mean it can't learn to carry itself correctly. I do think there are times when a horse may look to us for a bit of support - a sort of "are you still there, Mum?" - but not in the context of hauling them in at the front end and hanging on for grim death! 

[Mossy]

Echo Ros

[KarenRO]

All,

Thank you so much for letting me that I am not crazy!  Prior to this ride, I've been keeping light but steady contact with Hobby and he has been fine.  He has been a little inconsistent with contact but then, he is just 6 years old.  I have no interest in showing but I do enjoy going to clinics...or I did until this last trip.  PLUS, Hobby refused to get back on the trailer after the lesson.  It took over an hour to get him loaded, which is unlike him.  I am now wondering if the lesson upset him?     I'm riding tomorrow and will go back to my light contact and see how he reacts.  Thanks again!  KarenRO

[ros]

Good for you    And bear in mind that work that self-carriage on the horse's part, and the lightness that comes with it, requires strength as well as education. A horse that is unfit or green won't offer the same way of going that a fit, well-schooled horse can. 

[Candypony]

I totally (and I mean totally!) agree with the others that this sounds too much - but just a caveat that I do think there is a huge difference between a light contact and no contact... one of my trainer's favourite sayings is "lightness without abandonment".  A tricky balance to find and one that I think does change with the type, level of training and circumstances...

[KarenRO]

CandyPony,  I totally agree.  Before last Saturday's clinic, I was riding with a light but steady contact.  I could feel when Hobby was or was not on both reins and I was definitely not holding him up, which is what I feel with the heavy contact.     I am going to ride today and hope that I have not messed him up!   I will report later.  KarenRO

[spottygiraffe]

You won't have messed him up, don't beat yourself up. He will just be relieved that you are back to normal! I'm trying to find ways of containing my mare who has tons of impulsion -transitions and laterals are definitely the key.

[KarenRO]

Finally got to the barn today - last week was insane at work.  I talked with my regular trainer about my concerns and she agreed.  So, I lightened back up and was rewarded with a happy horse!  I felt a tug in both reins rather than most of Hobby.     He really pushes from behind at the trot and my trainer had me 'think' a walk transition to rebalance him over his hindquarters.  Thanks again for everyone's input and encouragement!  KarenRO

[winnieandben]

Great to hear you are back on track 

[spottygiraffe]