Have you ever thought about the energies present with horses whether we are on the ground or in the saddle?
1. Pushing 2. Blocking 3. Drawing
How do each of these engergies effect our horse?
The energy in a horse flows both ways: front to back and back to front. Nose first then body can cause stress - being out of balance. Body first then the nose - creates relaxation. (also refer to Physical Energy Blog)
Lets explore each one:
1. Pushing: (driving, forward energy)
Correct use:
In the pushing energy, we are using our body and legs correctly to push on the horses body (hind, ribs, shoulder) and cause the body to start responding first.
The nose of the horse should be the last thing that turns or responds.
Incorrect use:
Pushing on the nose/head, can cause your horse to be more in the flight/fight mind set (cortisol creating). They will see this action as aggressive or predatory in horse language and will cause the horse to turn away or act defensively.
Exercise: Think about this with your own body - or do this with a friend. press on your friends ribcage - how do they respond to this pressure, do the ribs move before the head?
be subtle, and mindful.
2. Blocking: (containing or stopping)
Correct use:
Blocking creates a boundary or stopping signal. You can block (Politely with consistency) if your horse moves into your space. Or when riding, if the horse starts drift through your leg, you can use your leg to block.
Incorrect use:
If you are asking your horse to go forward with the leg and hanging on to the reins, will lead to confusion and resistance. Anytime you are not clear with the question you are asking your horse - as an example and something I see all the time. People micro managing the horse by holding close to the horses chin on the lead rope. All leads to a confused and resistant horse.
3. Draw: (inviting the horse towards you)
Correct use:
Drawing the head or body towards you with energy, in an open invitation. The horse should see you as peace, as a rest space, comfort. In the saddle you can add a slight draw on the rein combined with a forward seat, can help shape the horses body (yes - collection!)
Incorrect use:
Poor timing or not being consistent with your draw signals, like pulling on the reins and pushing with your seat can cause mixed signals, resulting in tension, resistance and a heavy horse.
Other notes:
Groundwork
You want to be clear and consistent with your horse. Ask the same questions using the energies the same way everytime.
We all know horses can read our internal and emotional states - they feel our energy. Stay calm and unphased. NO MATTER WHAT!!
Ridden
Physical tools used in training such as running reins, draw reins, side reins - using physical retraints on the head/neck of the horse CAN in some, cause significant stress and tension in a horse. This tension can build quietly inside the horse until a point where they WILL react in a negative way.
These tools are sometimes used in the hands of professionals and yes can help explain to a horse the desired shape/place - but this form should feel good to the horse to the point he then seeks it. In the hands of a novice or someone who does not have "Good Hands" or a lack of awareness/timing (eg. Knowing when to release). More harm than good will be the result.
BE AWARE ~ BE PRESENT
There is so much to consider when being with our horse. Try to make it "normal" In your every day life, strive to be aware of your feelings, be aware of how you open a cupboard or picking up objects, typing on a keyboard. Be soft, be gentle, be present. Your horse will love you for it.
Happy horsing
Faith xxx
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