When you begin training a horse under saddle, your primary objectives are to establish a responsive “gas pedal” and a reliable “brake.” A horse with a good gas pedal will increase its speed with a gentle squeeze of your calves and maintain that pace until signaled otherwise. Simultaneously, a horse with a good brake will immediately stop when you sit deep in the saddle and relax your body. Once these two fundamental controls are in place, you can then focus on developing a “steering wheel” to direct the horse’s movement.
The Down Under Horsemanship Method utilizes exercises such as One Rein Stops, the Cruising Lesson, Follow the Fence, and Diagonals to teach horses these essential controls. These are all considered controlled impulsion exercises, designed to create forward momentum. It’s crucial to work with a horse that possesses energy in its feet and doesn’t run off, as progress is impossible without this foundation. You can learn more about establishing a good gas pedal by visiting downunderhorsemanship.com/good-gas-pedal/.
After a horse demonstrates a good gas pedal and brake, and you can effectively steer it, the next step is to introduce suppling exercises. These exercises aim to make the horse soft and responsive to both your hands and legs. The Fundamentals Series digital download includes excellent examples of suppling exercises like Bending at the Walk and Bending Transitions. You can explore the Fundamentals Series for detailed guidance.
Achieving a horse that is both responsive and relaxed requires a balance between impulsion and suppling exercises. Overemphasizing either can lead to undesirable outcomes. A horse trained solely on impulsion might be eager to move forward but could become stiff and heavy. Conversely, a horse trained only with suppling exercises may be soft and light but resistant when asked to move forward.
When initiating suppling exercises, the use of spurs can be beneficial. Spurs act as an extension of your leg, similar to how the Handy Stick extends your arm during groundwork. Their purpose is to encourage the horse to move its five body parts and to soften and supple its body, not to increase speed or compensate for training deficiencies. You can find related accessories in the shop.
Introducing spurs during suppling exercises helps address a common tendency for horses to lean on your leg and become unresponsive. Spurs serve as a reinforcement to your leg cues, teaching the horse that ignoring your signals will have a direct consequence. While it is possible to achieve suppleness without spurs, it requires significantly more time and may not result in the same level of softness. Horses, like humans, can sometimes become lazy and exert minimal effort. In these instances, spurs can be a valuable tool.
The Fundamentals exercise “Bending at the Walk” is typically the first time spurs are introduced to a horse within the Method. This systematic approach ensures that the horse learns to respond to leg pressure and develop suppleness in a controlled environment. Further details on foundational training can be found within the Fundamentals Series.
In conclusion, establishing a solid foundation for your horse, built upon a responsive gas pedal, a reliable brake, and effective steering, is paramount. Incorporating suppling exercises with a balanced approach and understanding the appropriate use of tools like spurs will lead to a soft, responsive, and relaxed equine partner. Consistent training and a focus on these core principles will set you and your horse up for success in all disciplines.
