My new horse11/24/2023 ![]() ![]() They often say that the outside of the horse mirrors how the horse feels on the inside. Full body comfort and release shows up in the ears. If you can ride your horse in comfort most of the time, you might be able to find those floppy ears! In general, horses that flop their ears in rhythm to their strides also demonstrate all the other signs discussed in this article. Even when the horse notices something around him, he only pays slight attention while he passes by the object. The ears may flicker back and forth as they horse pays attention to you and what is around him, but they remain light and mobile. The horse that is truly "in the zone" has different ears - they are soft and not directed at one particular focus point. Stiff, unmovable ears indicate tightness somewhere in the body. Pinned back ears are a clear sign of discomfort. Although looking around may be fine during most of your riding, the horse is externally focused. Perky ears are usually a sign that the horse is looking at something. You can tell a lot from looking at the ears. The back moves up and down in a clear, well maintained rhythm. Swing is a full-body movement, combining suspension, ground cover and looseness in the entire body. I often write about an increase in "bounce" in the horse's way of going, but it's really more than that. I think of it as a "cardboard back" - the rigidity resonates most in the back and I can feel the immobility and increased concussion through my seat. But for most horses, tightness anywhere in the body will prevent the "bounce" - the movement feels flatter and the stride shorter. All of these skills help to develop a soft, well moving back that allows for better movement and ultimately, comfort.Ī horse cannot swing if it is uncomfortable in his body (well, it is true that the best conformed horses have an easier time even when they are tense). Follow the horse's movement with your lower back when he offers impulsion. Work towards using your seatmore than your hands. Use half-halts to keep your horse well balanced. If he leans on the bit, or is resistant to your rein aids, you might need to look for ways to communicateother than just through the hands. If your horse never develops a "white lipstick", there's a chance that he is tight-jawed or tense through the body. It's not about the bit or the nose band - it's about how the horse feels inside. There is a good kind of slobber that indicates a soft jaw, an active back, and this feeling of looseness in the body that indicates comfort and relaxation in the horse's body. There is something nice about breathing - both by you and your horse! In all cases, the snorts come with deeper breaths. Horses always feel better when they move straight - and the snorts roll out right after it happens. Sometimes, it's after a correction - for example, fixing crookedness in the horse's body with your aids. What is the circumstance? Sometimes, it's because he did something (like canter on) that made him breathe deeper and have opportunity to move. ![]() When you ride, pay close attention to when exactly your horse snorts. It was a fun way to really focus on our horses - and get them to work well and powerfully with looseness and comfort.Ĭheck it out yourself. In the old days, my friends and I used to have "snorting" contests - as in, the first one to get the snorting horse was the winner. How can you tell? Here are six ways to gauge your horse's level of comfort - while you ride. Is your horse really comfortable while you ride? If you listen carefully enough, he will tell you using his own form of communication. The bit and bridle fit and your horse works well in them. You've got everything you need for your horse to be comfortable while you ride. ![]()
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