Howdy Folks,
This weekend I
had the joy of chatting with a Facebook friend in England about her horse. Of
course we had lots to talk about. You know how we horse people are! We
discussed a few things going on with her and her new horse and one in
particular. Does your horse know where her feet are?
Reconnecting your
horse to her feet. They know all about forward momentum. They see and know
where they are going, but because of many things we do, from training, to housing, diet, hoofcare, and other things, they can actually lose
the ability to know where their feet are. This will help.
I'd like to share
an important exercise Diane Sept taught me years ago, that I believe goes a
long, long way to helping any horse become sure footed and light on the
forehand. It promotes a proper healthy posture … She calls it the,
"One-Step." And I teach it in my, "Therapy For Therapy
Horses," clinics. It's easy and fun to do.
Stand in front of
your horse and ask for, "One Step Forward," – This means the left
front and right hind, and a soft whoa. When your horse stops, ask her to,
"Rock Back Off Her Forehand." And allow her to feel and process this.
Then ask for, "One Step Back," the same feet and then rock back, wait
and process. Do this 3 or 4 times each side, always asking for the "Rock
Back" and allowing time to process. Some horses prefer to start with
"One Step Back," first … I never swing into Kessy's saddle without
doing this (and other pre-ride exercises).
You might find
your horse has great difficulty taking only "one Step." This is
because she has lost connection with her feet. This little exercise will fix
that. And will also help improve body carriage and engage the hind end. Just
take your time, go slow and allow your horse to, "feel the change."
Let her find her feet again.
Another great
exercise to add to this "One Step" is the "One Step over a row
of Cavileties." Lead your horse slowly over the cavileties, but pause and
rock back, at each one, each step. Allow a second or three at each pause for
your horse to process. It won't take long until you will notice a difference in
how your horse places her feet. When you've mastered this, back through the
cavileties, one step at a time.
 |
| Kessy & Dutch demonstrating "Rock Back" |
What is the
"Rock Back?" … Look at your horse from the side, really look. Study
where she carries her weight. Does it look like she has most of her weight on
her forehand? Leaning slightly forward? Very gently touch her chest and ask her
to shift her weight back, off her forehand. That is correct healthy posture.
Not a step back, but just a "Rock Back." Do this after every step in
the "One Step Exercicses."
Kessy and I hope
you'll make this fun exercise part of your routine. It also goes a long way to
helping a horse look for soft cues. And helping us become softer in giving
cues.
Gitty Up
Dutch Henry
