Is a horse really controlled by pulling on a piece of metal in its mouth? Wouldn't that feel extremely unpleasant? I'd always assumed that the reins pulled gently on its head.
There are two main ways to train a young horse - the vaquero method where a bit - if used - is more for decoration or to reassure the public (western is a diluted version) and English, where a colt bit is used in early training while the young horse learns the meaning of the cues.
A horse is not controlled per se, but a conversation is taking place.
The rider uses voice, slight shifts of weight - whether using hands or seat - and the reins.
These are tools, sentences communicated and desires shared.
In show jumping, the rider steers towards the next jump by looking at it, the horse landing in a turn.
In dressage, the slightest squeeze of the hand holding the reins will stop, turn or back the horse.
Everything invisible.
This horse would slow or stop if I moved the reins (draped) an inch back or speed up if I moved my hand slightly forward.
Using the reins on her was a calculated risk.
I was learning to ride down on the bit (invisible cues) and the horse strikes a handsome pose - her neck arched and her forehead perpendicular to the ground.
You ask for the mouth gently, by give and take.
A request, gentle and respectful.
A twiddle of your pinky finger makes a difference.
When you feel her mouth in your hands, you keep them open and soft and the horse is content.
That mare had some dressage training and an understanding of the Airs - I never expected to experience a levade in a ditch - but she had to think quickly to save her legs when we found some hidden ruts.
Very smart horse.
A horse is controlled because when he is three days old, he is persuaded that we are good friends.
He is seduced and as long as certain promises are kept, he is willing to believe it because his mother believes it and vouched for us.
When a horse is four days old, he is stronger than you are - and only getting stronger.
The term breaking is misleading in that it implies a battle of wills that the human won.
A true battle.
When young Mustang is captured and sold by the BLM, he knows he doesn’t need humans and that he is quite able to survive and thrive without a human near.
He knows the truth.
