Read the signals!
Be observant and stay safe!
Now that the lockdown rules have progressed, are you about to get on your horses to ride again for the first time for a while?
It is essential that we use our common sense when starting up again, to keep both you and your horse safe and confident.
You know your horse and your own fitness and capabilities, so take care and take your time.
Check the body language.
Before you jump on your horse, notice his body language, when tacking up, mounting and riding away
Is he relaxed, mouth relaxed and muscles soft?
Are his ears pricked forwards, tight or relaxed?
In the photo below, the horse is very relaxed, his ears are floppy and so is his bottom lip, he is in his own little world, I would want him a little more aware of his surroundings before proceeding.
What do his eyes look like....soft focus, worried, withdrawn?
In this photo, the horse is worried and withdrawn, his eyes look glazed and internal and his ears are tight. This would tell we have a bit of work to do before proceeding.
Is he fidgeting or standing calmly?
Does his skin feel tight or pliable?
Is he twitchy or swishing his tail?
How is is breathing....quickened, holding his breath, deep breath, big sighs?
Is he carrying his head high?
The photo below shows the horse looking happy and confident to proceed with his training...soft eye, pricked ears, with head low, muscles and skin soft and a relaxed mouth
Whenever backing or re-backing horses, these are questions that I ask myself before I progress to the next level, I have a check list and I like to tick every box. If I sense that the horse is a little tense then I will take a little longer to gain relaxation, both mentally and physically, before progressing to the next stage to allowing him time to think and process.
This enables both the rider and the horse to build in confidence. Always go with your gut reaction, be patient and take your time, remember there is always another day to progress.
Most importantly stay safe!
If you need any help or advice please do contact Karen.
Now that the lockdown rules have progressed, are you about to get on your horses to ride again for the first time for a while?
It is essential that we use our common sense when starting up again, to keep both you and your horse safe and confident.
You know your horse and your own fitness and capabilities, so take care and take your time.
Check the body language.
Before you jump on your horse, notice his body language, when tacking up, mounting and riding away
Is he relaxed, mouth relaxed and muscles soft?
Are his ears pricked forwards, tight or relaxed?
In the photo below, the horse is very relaxed, his ears are floppy and so is his bottom lip, he is in his own little world, I would want him a little more aware of his surroundings before proceeding.
What do his eyes look like....soft focus, worried, withdrawn?
In this photo, the horse is worried and withdrawn, his eyes look glazed and internal and his ears are tight. This would tell we have a bit of work to do before proceeding.
Is he fidgeting or standing calmly?
Does his skin feel tight or pliable?
Is he twitchy or swishing his tail?
How is is breathing....quickened, holding his breath, deep breath, big sighs?
Is he carrying his head high?
The photo below shows the horse looking happy and confident to proceed with his training...soft eye, pricked ears, with head low, muscles and skin soft and a relaxed mouth
Whenever backing or re-backing horses, these are questions that I ask myself before I progress to the next level, I have a check list and I like to tick every box. If I sense that the horse is a little tense then I will take a little longer to gain relaxation, both mentally and physically, before progressing to the next stage to allowing him time to think and process.
This enables both the rider and the horse to build in confidence. Always go with your gut reaction, be patient and take your time, remember there is always another day to progress.
Most importantly stay safe!
If you need any help or advice please do contact Karen.