Stopping the Horse with the Body (No Reins)

This exercise involves body action. As a prerequisite, the rider must be able to follow the horse’s rhythmic gait in balance with (1) a steady seat – no upper body tossing around left or right, forward or back; (2) fluid flexibility of the hip, knee and ankle joints to absorb the horse’s motion, and (3) continuous soft thigh and calf contact with the horse’s sides. Note: Any gripping of the horse’s sides with the thighs constricts the horse’s shoulders and tightens its back.... Read More