Tip of the day (more like lifetime) - Suppling the horse is UNIVERSAL.
It doesn't matter what type of riding you and your horse do. What type of work or play. You don't have to be tall, short, big, small, advanced or just a beginner to learn how to relax and supple your horse mentally and physically.
There are only so many ways a horse moves. Regardless of breed, class, or training. Gaited or non-Gaited... pacers, rackers, tolters (is that a word?). Whether you lope or canter. Jog or Piaffe. Jump or enjoy Obstacles --- a soft, relaxed horse is a happy horse.
So how do we achieve this?
First, we take to the ground. There are several methods to use but the ones which take Bio-Mechanics and Straightness into consideration are the ones that will be the most thorough and useful.
Second, we take these same tools into the bridle but still on the ground. It is important to keep each foundational layer thin and completely understood before moving forward.
Third, we take these tools into the saddle.
Here, I teach owners how to teach their horses how to move balanced. We start with the poll, then work through the neck, then shoulders. When that is very clear to the horse/human, we move to the hind legs... Then we move into patterns on the ground.
These are all great "rainy day" things to do with your horse. 100% of the people I've taught these tools to are shocked at how their horse feels, acts, and looks in less than 3 sessions.
IF you are interested in learning these things for yourself, please contact me. This is something that would be simple to put into a 1 or 2-day clinic format or 1 on 1 format.
Below is a before and after photo of the same horse. This was in the same session 1 hour later. In the first 5 min, this horse reared and threw a couple big tantrums with me. The horse is very sensitive and had learned to start out already offended. The owner who is a beginner was surprised at how simple and easy these tools were to use. How it helped connect them and helped her be a leader/guide.
Horses are simple creatures. They simply want to feel secure, safe and balanced ~ if you find yourself without the tools to provide these feelings for them, you will also find yourself with unwanted frustrations.
- Sarah Orloff, Still Waters Equitation