Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Not sure if this will be a good discussion, or if I'll get flamed, or what -- but I do have some questions in this regard to a horse I'm having difficulty with so I'm gonna dive on it :-/

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I've got a gelding whom I've had difficulty riding but I've managed the best I can.? To date he has always seemed a bit spooky and we just?can't get our act together well enough for either of us.? I keep wanting to hold on with one hand on the pommel for that unexpected spook or whatever he throws my way.? Likely it's also we simply won't make a good team together.?

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However, I've had others ride him and he seems to be nearly the perfect gentleman, whether a lady friend or a young man who is currently riding him for me.? I only recently figured out what they were doing.? This young man has maintained solid contact with his mouth, putting him on the bit and collecting him -- all very nice I must say, I'm quite impressed.?

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So this leads me to ask -- how many LD/endurance riders ride with constant contact using both hands (english style IMHO) or using a general looser contact with one handed neck reining (western style IMHO) ???

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I tend to use the one handed neck reining and like to maintain as little contact with the mouth as possible or within reason, always afraid of the infamous "being in the horses mouth" thing too much.? One mare I'm able to direct directionally just using a tap of my heels telling her which way we're gonna turn and/or twisting my body in the direction we're going to go.?? The other mare is learning my heel taps and neck reining and coming along nicely.? Both are happy with looser contact.?

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I've taken dressage lessons but haven't found the right instructor.? The one closest to where I live makes riders heavy handed to where your shoulders/arms hurt and the horses mouth is strapped shut as well.? Not my idea of fun or learning a better way to ride.?

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Thanks for any feedback,

Val

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