Laura helps a rider with a mare that is fussy in the contact. In order for the horse to start to build the topline, she has to get her to a place where she will hold the bit steady. The rider has to work the horse in many different patterns and a little bit sideways to help the horse release tension. It is tension in the horse body that causes some of the fussiness in the bridle.
Up Next in Second Level
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Confirming Second Level - Part 2
After the warmup, Laura first focuses on transitions within the trot, shoulder-in and haunches-in to help supple and align the horse. It is important to maintain the forward energy in the lateral movements, and when the horse gives an honest effort, it important to reward and let the horse out.
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Confirming Second Level - Part 3
The next exercise Laura has the rider do is leg yield from the quarter-line to the rail followed by haunches-in. The horse is fussy in the bridle because she doesnt want to close into the connection. Keeping a steady elbow connects better to the seat which is a strong base of support compared to ...
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Confirming Second Level Day 2 Part 1
This pair is back for their second ride, and they build on what they worked on during Day 1. Laura reminds us that tension has to be handled through the leg or hand through counter flexion, leg yield, shoulder-in or whatever movement the rider feels necessary to diffuse the tension. Any time ther...
