Balanced Stride

To start with I want you to realize that I want you to learn as much as possible about the communicating art of horseback riding. Remember, this is a relationship and a bond – you have a tremendous amount to learn and perfect.

I want people to start this program using a “solid” bit.  That is to say a “port” or “kimberwick” style bit. This is a style of bit that has a solid center in the horse’s mouth. The main reason for this is that if you were to be hit with an additional factor of the proper operation and feel of the “snaffle” or hinged style bit, it could be rather overwhelming. The next pictures are some examples of bits.

There is a lot more freedom using this style of bit (solid or kimberwick) over the snaffle style bit. The solid or pelem bit is a bit that can be a lot more forgiving to the new and learning rider. After all, if the action of the bit itself is only one action, there is a lot less to be concerned with at this point. We will cover the use of the snaffle style bit, its design, operation and proper application in the third level of the riding program. That particular style of bit has to be left to then since it is a multi-action and advanced style of bit. I have also seen many prospective students have so much thrown at them so fast that they become confused and drop any further instructions. What we want is a well informed and well rounded student and one that want to progress and at the same time learn and progress at a fairly quick pace. Learning what you need to learn so that you can create your bond and communicate at this level takes times and commitment, and that all boils down to time invested. You are going to get out of this what you put into it.

With the introduction of the solid port style bits or even a bosal you will be able to use one hand for the proper operation of this style of bit. It will be much less for you to try to comprehend at this time.

 At a later time we will progress into the proper use, operation and function of the snaffle style bit. I leave this until later since this is a multi-function and multi-action bit. It is best to learn the basics and then progress to different levels of comprehension as time permits. This goes back to the fact that new students get so confused with so much new information being thrown at them so fast that they become so confused that it is much easier to stop going and learning rather than put all of the pieces together at once.

Once that you become proficient in the basics of horseback riding and the art of communicating to the point that it has become second nature then it is time to move on. The use of multi-function style bits is a more advanced item and needs to be treated as such. The program calls for you to make a smooth and solid progression into the various levels of communicating and working with your horse. It takes time, commitment and dedication, just as anything else does. This is an investment into your ability, your life and into a relationship.

So This is Contact and Feel

 It is at this point in our program that I do like to discuss the factor of "feel".  The word "feel" is a term in the horse industry that is often mentioned and very seldom truly understood. The reason that I do say that is that it is a fact that most instructors and students talk about feel, very few have even a good understanding as to what it really is. "FEEL" is when you have mastered the art form of "CONTACT " and are able to ask the horse to accomplish a task when others do not see you do it. More simply put -- when you ask a horse to do something, when others are watching -- all they see is the horse doing the task, not the horse being asked to do it.  It has to appear that it is their decision. This is when you have progressed into horsemanship.

"FEEL" is when you can feel the weight of the bit, or hackamore, or halter, in your hands.  "CONTACT" is when after mastering the feel of the weight of the bit, etc., in your hands -- you then are able to feel at the exact moment that the item comes into contact with some portion of the horses body, be it the mouth or even the bridge of the nose.

 Here is where a simple example best explains what you need to learn in the area of hands, contact and feel. For you must understand that the bit, or any other devise that you chose to use, is an extension of your own hands.  After all, the devise that you are going to use is attached to your hands -- through the use of the reins. The actions that you do use are not only transferred to the mouth but are multiplied in strength as well. What you need to do is to take whatever devise you are to use, be it bit or hackamore or even a halter, drape it over a pole top of even a door knob at home. You then let it hang there, look at it study it see what areas are heavier than the others. Try to keep in your mind that certain areas are heavier than others and will lay differently in the mouth, or on the bridge of the nose of the horse. Also look at the item to notice if there is any way that the item will cause any pain or injury to the horse.  At this point pick up the reins of the bride, or hackamore, and remove the slack in the reins until to bit of the bosal moves very slightly.  The movement, in correct cases, is almost never noticed. For all you are doing is to make "contact" with the rein to the bit or bosal. Try not to move the bit or the bosal at all. 

This will give you the correct "feel" of the "contact point" of the bit or bosal.  This is the same "contact point" that you as a rider want to have with your horse.  REMEMBER -- YOU ARE TO NEVER BALANCE OFF OF THE MOUTH!  The mouth is to guide with -- so therefore, your hands are to guide with -- but where is balance? That is simple ~ balance is in the seat of the rider. A balanced rider is sitting down into the seat of the saddle (thus, allowing the saddle to do its job) and asking the horse to accomplish tasks through the use of aids from the hands and the legs.

 Continue to practice the example of feel and contact, since it takes most people some time to fully understand what is required to have the correct feel of contact.

Balance is Everywhere Except the Hands

Time and time again I have mentioned balance - - but some might still be confused. So let’s go into some detail at this point before we go on.

Balance, as it pertains to the rider, comes from the saddle, and the biggest reason that most people do not understand balance is due to the fact that they think they are smarter than the saddle. The saddle has been made, redesigned and refined over the years to make it easier and easier for the rider to become part of the horse’s movement.

The saddle is designed to do a very specific job – let it! Do not try to sit anywhere but in the seat of the saddle. When used correctly the seat of the saddle will throw you into the correct posture for your body to be in the maximum centering of your weight on the horse’s center of balance.

Become loose and flexible in the wrists, the elbows and the shoulders. As you learn and perfect contact and feel  you will learn to flex with the movement of the neck as it moves back in forth in time to the movement of the body.

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There are two articles available at our downloads page about this topic

Look For:

The Movement of the Saddle Horse.

Straight Talk About the Western Saddle.