07/10/2023
KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING.. are these our wisest aids ?
François R. de La Guérinière (18th century):
“Knowledge of the nature of the horse is one of the cornerstones of the Art of riding; and all horsemen should make it a main point of study... Without this theory, practice is always uncertain."
Alexis L’Hotte (19th century):
“Nature is the first of all masters. Its book is the fairest, most knowledgeable of all books... the most useful to consult.”
Philippe Karl (21st century):
"The mouth is a crossroad of numerous biomechanical synergies. Strong or continuous pressures on the tongue or sensitive bars are painful and traumatic, physically and pshychologically.
Nowadays, we have enough knowledge (physiology, biomechanics, motion, balance, ethology) to reject counter-nature riding concepts. Therefore let us study how to put the horse 'on the bit' by the light of these sciences.".............................................................
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT KNOWING:
In a mindset of 'submission' and from the position of low hands with tightly closed fists, the only option is to pull backwards. This leads to an inward brace of forceful pulling or 'sawing' the reins, and a stiff back to still hold or push with the legs. Riders fixate on enforcing control and immediate obedience, there is no consent or harmony, no dignity, elegance or grace.
The lower the hand, the harder it acts on the hypersensitive tongue. Why this obsession with low handed riding? Tightly cranked nosebands preventing or stifling the horse's protests only make it worse, and more cruel.
In natural defence, horses attempt to protect their tongue by pulling it up out of the way, over the bit, to the side, or out. Failing that, they grind the teeth in tension and pain.
What on earth possesses an instructor to then advise a student to tighten a nose band for more torture? Without a chance for mutual conversation or dialogue, without a right of reply, the horse then reduced to a mindless senseless machine - a tool of sport or whim. I ask, is that why you wanted to have a horse?
UNDERSTAND YOUR ACTIONS
o Educate your mind and your hands, don't accuse the horse
o Understand the massive forces involved on frail structures
o Understand the consequences, short and long term
o Know the difference between prejudices & principles
o Ask questions, observe, reflect and reassess.
o Find confidence from curiosity, seek horse knowledge.
Edited 11/7/23: This post is about being aware of learning how to use your hands thoughtfully to communicate and teach with kind compassion, knowing why, and knowing how different positions and actions impact a horse. Whatever is in your hands. Be it a bit, a bitless or a neck rope. Knowledge and a kind heart directs a kind hand. Any gear can do harm in the thoughtless hands. We must fully understand the impact of what WE do with what we use.
Susie 🤔
Illustration below from Philippe Karl in "Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage" showing the problem, and what not to do.
