28/08/2024
Excellent description.
I'm hoping there's one on use of the whip as well.
๐ช๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐ช๐๐๐ก๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ฌ: ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ ๐ด Understanding rein contact is crucial for ensuring our horses' well-being. Rein contact refers to the pressure applied to the reins by the rider to maintain steady communication with the horse. It is essential for higher-level dressage and jumping, offering the rider a fine degree of control and serving as one of the first steps toward collection.
Contact should be light and elastic, moving with the horse and applying just enough pressure to prevent the reins from sagging.
At Pony Club, we emphasise pressure-release training, teaching our members why heavy contact or unrelenting pressure is detrimental to both the horse's welfare and training.
๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐พ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐จ๐ป๐ฟ๐ฒ๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ
Heavy rein contact can be a sign that the horse is in a state of flight response, indicating that if you were to release the reins, the horse might try to run away. Constant heavy contact will make the horse less responsive to the stopping aids, and is bad for his welfare. Consequences include:
โช๏ธ ๐ฃ๐ต๐๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป: Prolonged pressure on the sensitive areas of the horseโs mouth can lead to bruising, sores, and chronic pain. Over time, this can cause the horse to become resistant or fearful of the bit, creating a negative association with being ridden.
โช๏ธ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐๐๐ฒ๐: Unrelenting pressure can lead to a range of behavioural problems, including head tossing, bit evasion, and bucking. These are often signs that the horse is trying to escape the discomfort and communicate its distress.
โช๏ธ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ๐๐๐ป๐ฒ๐๐: If the horse cannot find relief from the pressure, it may eventually give up trying to respond to the reins altogether, entering a state of learned helplessness. This condition results in a horse that appears unresponsive, but in reality, it has simply become disengaged due to consistent discomfort.
โช๏ธ ๐ก๐ฒ๐ด๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐: Heavy rein contact restricts the natural movement of the horseโs head and neck, which are crucial for balance. This can lead to stiff, unnatural gaits, increased tension throughout the horse's body, and even long-term musculoskeletal issues.
Ultimately, these issues compromise the welfare of the horse, highlighting the importance of maintaining light, clear, and consistent rein aids to promote a positive, stress-free riding experience. By understanding the principles of rein contact and the consequences of unrelenting pressure, we can ensure our horses remain happy, healthy, and responsive partners.
