Connective Riding
Many horsewomen feel pressured and stressed out about all the things, techniques and exercises that they "should" be doing with their horse under saddle. It feels like it's all about performance.
If you feel that too, I want you to know that there's another approach: a gentle, connective, and more "passenger-centered" approach.
Connective Riding is about the journey of connection that begins with liberty and can extend into riding, if desired.
This is not what horses deserve...
Look at the picture on the right. This is an example taken
from modern competition dressage. I know, it's a dramatic picture, and a lot of dressage trainers would never ever do this to their horses. But, we should not close our eyes for this, it still happens... And sadly, some recreational riders follow the
example to some degree.
The red arrows and circle are the places that hurt. Rips form in the ties of the cervical vertebrae, muscular blockades in the back and bone growth on the layers in the mouth. The horse gets a headache, has trouble breathing, and upsets his stomach and intestines. This is not what horses deserve…
Know what you're doing
It doesn't have to be so dramatic like in the picture above for the horse to experience discomfort and pain, though. For example: from the moment the horse moves with his nose behind the vertical for only a few centimeters and for only a few seconds because you pulled him in that shape, the stretch in the neck can already cause a painful muscle tear in the neck.
So it's important to know what you're doing and to never use force to try and meet a particular image you have in your head about how your horse should look under saddle.
Instead, it's better to do the correct preparatory work with the horse on the ground, and then continue this gymnastic work under saddle.
However, there's a lot more to it...
In Connective Riding, the physical and biomechanic part is only one part. We also focus on
the emotional and mental well-being of the horse.
How does my horse feels? Does he even wants to be ridden??
If he allows us on his back, what does he like and enjoys doing? What does he dislikes?
How can I make it a good experience for the horse?
Connection is key, also under saddle.
You also have to know that the way a rider breathes, the way he moves in the saddle, how much body awareness he has, ... has more influence on a horse than most people think.
That's why, also in the saddle, is starts with you! The connection with yourself.
As always...
The Ten Minute Horse Ride
The Ten Minute Horse Ride is about riding for only 10 minutes per session. I've been thinking about and practicing the Ten Minute Ride since a few years now, but I never really talked much about it, except with a few of my students who I knew would be open to it.
There are some interesting reasons to embrace the Ten Minute Horse Ride. I will be posting articles about the what, why and how of the Ten Minute Horse Ride soon, so stay tuned!!
Bonding Time Deep Dive
A simple but powerful mini-course with clear guidance to build a deep, magnetic bond rooted in trust.
Discover a simple, heart-centered way to work with your horse.
No treats, tricks, or pressure. Just connection, clarity, and calm.
And, develop a magnetic bond where your horse chooses to be with you.
Because a strong bond comes from trust, not treats.
Ready to take the first step?
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