If your goal is to create a solid partnership with your horse, a good place to start is by determining your current level of communication.  You can do this by performing a simple self test – the results you get will clearly dictate the path you should take to reach your goal. 

Start with a relaxed horse.  Don’t do this on your first ride after a week-long break, or during a windstorm, or the day that they are replacing your roof.  Warm him up until he’s as limber and responsive as he normally is.  If your horse takes a while to settle in, put him on a longeline and let him play.  The goal is NOT to wear your horse down, the goal is to fairly assess his typical level of responsiveness and your communication skills.  If you need to longe for 45 minutes to gain responsiveness, you probably have some work to do. 

You should conduct the exercises in a quiet place where you can focus on your cues and your horse’s responses.  If you feel comfortable with someone watching, have them videotape your ride.  When you are ready to begin your assessment, gather your reins so you have light contact.  For the purposes of this exercise, you should have enough grip that you can make light contact with your horse’s mouth, but should not be pulling or holding him with your hands.  Remember that your hands are a GUIDE and are not the primary method of communication between you and your horse. 

*Start by walking in a 20 m circle in either direction.  How does your horse respond?  Is his body stiff or his shoulder poked out of your circle?  You want your horse to gently arc in the direction of travel, with his nose just slightly tipped in, his shoulders upright, and his hips tracking under him.  How is your body reacting?  Are you unconciously twisting to coerce him to bend?  Are you sitting harder on one seat bone than the other?  Pulling on one rein?  Take note of the cues that are being exchanged and don’t get frustrated.  You are simply gathering information at this point.  Repeat this at the walk, trot, and canter in each direction.  You will often see varying responses at different gaits or directions.  Again, take note.

*Next, practice halting from a walk.  How does your horse stop?  Do you have to pull back?  Does he hollow his back, lift his head, or shift to the side?  Does he slam on the brakes, dropping onto the forehand?  The goal is to stop soft and round, staying in the frame he was traveling in.  Repeat this exercise at the trot and canter and note your results. 

* Continue walking around the arena.  Practice signalling with your body, concentrating on not using your hands.  For example, squeeze your outside leg on him.  Does he get faster or move over?  Does he even acknowledge the pressure?  Alter the pressure points – squeeze your leg along different points on his side.  Do you get a different response as you move your leg?  Practice changing your seat, shifting your weight to one seat bone then the other.  Shift forward and back.  Are you feeling any response from your horse? 

After you have finished testing out your cues, devote some time to just walking around on a loose rein.  Let your horse absorb things – if you’re not used to riding with your seat and hands, chances are he might be a bit confused.  Use the time to carefully consider the cues your horse gave you.  Is he resistant on one side more than the other?  Does he consistently hollow his back when you cue him?  Is he sticky in his shoulders or hips?  Try to analyze all the information that you were given; when you design your riding program this information will come in handy.

It might be helpful to develop a log or journal of your riding sessions.  When you are practicing new techniques, it will help you clearly track your progress.  In addition, journaling will help you notice trends that can be important in your future training or showing endeavors.  For example, does your horse get stiff in his left shoulder when the weather is cool?  Does your mare get backsore when she comes into heat?  If you note trends and prepare for them, you can adjust your training program accordingly.

Hope you enjoy your ride and your first day of riding consciously!  Next up in the series, we’ll talk about what might be causing your horse’s responses and what might help shift you into a more successful partnership with him.