Q5 Are You Consistent With Your Aids?

Published on: March 31, 2017December 10, 2017Author: PatriciaComment: 0

Horses thrive on routine, doing the same thing repeatedly is how we train effectively, how they learn easily. It is doing the SAME thing time and time again that gets us there. So, if you try something different every time you train your horse will become confused.

How many of you have had the comment “needs a more consistent contact” from the judges?
Are you clear and do you fully understand and give consistent aids or
Could you, unwittingly, be creating creating confusion?

Developing a clear, non-verbal language with your horse means making a connection and is where your dressage journey begins.

Unfortunately, expecting something to be difficult to achieve can often become a self-fulfilling prophecy. So, in order for you to begin the process of achieving a ‘usable contact’ with your horse you must decide for yourself that it can be done. That is decide that yes, you may face obstacles that will be challenging for you; you may have to sort out a few issues; most likely with your riding but sometimes with the horse (teeth, back), sometimes tack issues (saddle, bit), but get your mindset right and choose to believe that you and your horse are not only willing, but more than capable (once all issues have been investigated and dealt with) of working in an outline; with a contact; on the aids; on the bit, on the vertical, call it what you will.