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Pixie
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
6586 Posts |
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Montikka
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2653 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Oct 2008 : 6:18:08 PM
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I agree that it's a real shame that using the voice is 'frowned upon' in competition. It's ridiculous really considering that most of us, when dealing with a youngster, rely on that particular aid more than any other (or should).
We all start off using the verbal commands 'stand', 'walk-on', 'over', etc.
Once our horse is used to this aid - we are suddenly told it is unacceptable; I accept that we need to 'move-on' and become more subtle once mounted, but let's be honest, it's our voices that we naturally use, and our horses respond to this.
My voice calms my mare when she's afraid, steady's her when she's rushing, and reminds her when she's forgotten her manners (don't tread on me).
I sometimes dispair, when I realise that 'gentle methods' will never compete with the 'produce them quick' people who don't give a damn about 'bonding' or 'respect'.
Maybe that's why I like the Arab people. |
   
Louise, Warwickshire |
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mittens
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2109 Posts |
Posted - 11 Oct 2008 : 6:39:28 PM
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Pixie (I think!!), I also was told the baby bird analogy, that seemed to work....luckily all the baby birds could then happily land on my stupid "bird perch" feet!
Sadly though in my youth I was abit of a tugger of mouths as at 11 years old I got my first big pony who happened to bolt. Took to hanging on for grim death until I learned other ways. I subsequently purchased a parachute and an anchor. I jest. |
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nrisby@btinternet.com |
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madmare
Platinum Member
England
2129 Posts |
Posted - 11 Oct 2008 : 11:44:00 PM
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I have ridden Crystal both bitless and bitted....she responds well to both...but, unfortunately, due to the ridiculous showing rules in the UK, you have to have a bit in your horses mouth. She's ridden in a dutch gag at home...as she can be very strong out hacking. In a show ring, she is in a double bridle.....I am light with my hands, or I try to be as much as I can, but, again, she can be strong and heavy....
I would love to go into a showring bitless and treeless...and show people how it should be! I used to get laughed at for having her unshod (before it was fashionable to go barefoot) but now, it's fairly common!
Emma xx
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ashabarab
Gold Member
England
1378 Posts |
Posted - 12 Oct 2008 : 4:40:51 PM
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l too was taught as a child that the reins were made of cotten, in fact one instructor actually attached the riens to the bit with pieces of cotten...and if they broke we were in big trouble
for a long time l rode my pony in a head coller and bareback as it was tricky to carry a saddle and bridle on a bycycle so l did not bother..
to keep my pony l had to ride others horses and ponies to pay for my pony's keep...if l was not any good l lost the ride...as that meant l could not keep my pony l soon became very good..a lot of these horses had problems..mostly caused by being over bitted or the missuse of gadgets that were incorectly fitted...even to this day l use the mildest simplest bits around, constanstly checking fit and making sure my horses mouths and backs suffer no abuse
[l can no longer ride myself due to a bad back injury]
these days everything is done in a rush....everyone wants a quick fix, and good hands are rarely seen, at least by me
ash
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