Horses...Howe & Why

by Wil & Beverly Howe

Tips from the Little Things That Count

As people turn to us for ideas and techniques for better communication with their horses, we help them to discover that they are actually training their horse with every action that they make. However, working a horse on the ground and gaining some "feel" and finesse is only part of it. To relay the same message of authority with sensitivity, and to maintain leadership and trust of your horse while on its back is a totally different thing. We find most riders, no matter how much they've ridden, wanting to improve certain responses and "moves" on their horses, still are having to start at square one with us. This self- examining, eye-opening experience can be very humbling. But one must come to this realization in order to learn and make lasting changes in their horsemanship.

We try to instill a style of riding that imparts a "oneness" with your horse, to be able to ride so as not to cause friction or interference with your horse. Most people merely "get in the way of their horse" or hinder the very moves they are working so hard at attaining with their horse. To start with, we'll talk about our seat and balance. Most people brace against their horse, rather than relaxing, especially in the saddle. We like to take the saddle away from our students for a lesson or two for starters. Not totally bareback, but with a bareback pad or a saddle pad. This gives enough cushion to make the ride smooth,

yet not have the rider be slipping and gripping the horses skin (which can roll). We then have the students focus on the rhythm of the horse and sheer balance, while relaxing the entire body, flexing the hips and lower back to the shift of the

horses stride. We work on using your stomach muscles to "pull your belt buckle to your chin." By concentrating on the movement underneath you by closing your eyes, and becoming a "wave," allowing flexibility from your head to your tail bone, we emphasize the concept "your hip pockets are your horses hip pockets" in order to move in sequence with your horse. This allows your legs to swing freely, naturally with your knees and toes out, thus encouraging our "calf first" rule of leg aides.

Balance and confidence is critical for a rider to gain harmony with their horse. There is no greater place to build both of these than in the security of a Wil Howe Round Pen.

When one has acquired an independent seat, in which the movement of the hands is disassociated from the movement of the rest of their body, one can then ride fluidly and be able to work on more communication through the reins and master collection and use of your legs. If one is still out of sync with their horse, they are giving their horse mixed signals, often telling toe horse "go" and "whoa" at the same time. This is why an independent seat is so important. Balance and coordination is attainable if you work at it. Next time you head for the round pen, have someone videotape your riding and make your own analysis!