Communication, not domination.

Correct Hand Position

Correct Hand Position Leads to a Correct Riding Position for Both Horse and Rider

A great example of the correct position in the saddle. Even line from the rider's shoulder, through the elbow, hip and heel. The rider is sitting on the center of gravity of the horse. The elbow-wrist-rein line is a perfect line to the contact which is soft but connected. The horse is standing square and attentive waiting for the next command. 

A close up view of the contact reveals a soft connection to the lips of the horse. The top line of the horse is soft, and the nose is slightly in front of the vertical. You can see a softness of the horse's bottom neck muscles. 

Definitely a bad connection and position. The riders' hands are too low, creating pressure on the bars of the horse's mouth. The rider is out of line, leaning forward, therefore putting too much weight into the horse's front end. The horse is badly behind the vertical and is stressed with the mouth open attempting to avoid the rider's hands. 

The horse's mouth is gaping open in avoidance to the rider's hands. You can see the pressure behind exerted to the bars of the horses' mouth. The fingers of the rider are open. The open fingers do not illustrate "soft feel" but at times the total opposite. The hooked finger is stronger than the whole hand, and as far as a safety element, if the horse trips, the rider may easily lose the reins. The open fingers also create an inability to keep a consistent rein length. 

Below Photo: I often call this the "Band Conductor" position. The hands of the rider are extremely high breaking the elbow wrist rein line. The rider's back is hollow, and the horse reflects it. The bit is pulled upward in the horses' mouth causing the horse to lift and arch his back. Note the bulge on the bottom side of the horses' neck. Definitely painful and detrimental to the horses' way of going. It also creates the rider who is always changing their position in the saddle. The reins to the horses' mouth should be like silk threads. Even a rein that appears to be "tight" can actually be quite the opposite. I like my reins to be in contact  so that if I have to make a correction, I do it by bending my knuckles only. Minimize to maximize! 

 The horse is very uncomfortable with a tightened and crossed jaw and opened mouth. 

If the hand is correctly carried, the whip is carried across the rider's thigh. There is a clear line from elbow to wrist then rein to the horse's mouth. 

No matter what your goals are, correct position is very imperative to learning and advancing through the levels with your horse.

Acceptable Outlines for Basic Level Western Dressage Horses

                            Acceptable Outlines for Basic Level Western Dressage Horses

What is a Western Dressage horse supposed to look like? Does it look like a dressage horse? How about Western Pleasure?
Well, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, here is a collection of photos that were taken with in the past two years. What you will see is relaxed horses, with energy and impulsion working with willing attitudes.
Draw reins, martingales, training forks and the like have NO place in Western Dressage. Western Dressage is about teaching the rider correct communication with the horse. There is NO reason for gadgetry in correct riding. If you see a trainer appear with the "paraphernalia", please seek someone else. Your horse will thank you.
Here we go with the photos.......

Photos by Les Norris©. All photos copyright and cannot be used without the express permission of the photographer.

Good Training Techniques are Timeless......

All About Pets Show- Feature Clinician

Come and meet me at the All About Pets Show in Mississauga Ontario Eastern Weekend. April 18-20. I'll be bringing Allie and a special guest to demonstrate Western Dressage. I'll be at booth 1504

Partnership

Spring is in the air...Well Almost.

Spring is in the Air....Well Almost

 It's been a long weekend and just now starting to feel normal again. Cold weather and clinics really drain the life out of me! But even though the clinic this past weekend was faced with snow and chilly temperatures, the enthusiasm for learning left the arena feeling warm and cozy! 

This was the first time that I was teaching at Debbie Stockers' lovely farm in Metcalfe. It was a wonderful group of diverse Western breeds, including Paints, Quarter Horses and a Canadian. 

Thanks so much to Cortney Little for organizing the clinic.

The photo is of Stewart and his lovely gelding. Photo credit to Richard Latremoullie.

I couldn't resist adding this photo of my Arab/Trakehner gelding Garcon. The arena was freshly worked up and the sunshine through the new lexan panels made such a neat photo. 

Last but not least, the Harmony Western Dressage Saddle. It's being shipped up from the USA and should be here soon. I can't wait to start riding in it. It looks fantastic. Here is a video of the Harmony and why it's so different to traditional Western Saddles.