Don’t try too hard

In the actual moment of training, if you try too hard and want what you want too much, you get into the future moment instead of the present moment of connection with your horse. Your mind focuses on something finished and near perfect.

If it doesn’t happen, you end up using more leg and more hand, your seat contracts, and your body tenses.  All this can confuse and distract your horse instead of showing him what you want to do together.

Trying too hard can shut down an authentic two way connection between horse and human.

If you stay within the present moment, you’ll start to notice small details that are needed for your bigger picture.

Here are a few examples of what you might notice.

• If you want a collected trot, pay attention to these things in the present moment:

Notice if your horse’s trot is rhythmic and relaxed on a loose rein.

Notice if your hands are steady with a light and consistent connection.

Notice your own thoughts and if they are helpful or merely expressions of frustration.

• If you want a leg yield that’s really a leg yield:

Notice if your horse’s hindquarters move from the first touch of your leg.

Notice if your body stays in the middle of the saddle instead of twisting to one side.

Notice your own thoughts and if they are helpful or merely expressions of frustration.

• If you want a prompt canter depart:

Notice if your horse’s attention is on you before you ask him to canter.

Notice if you lean forward when you ask for the canter.

Notice your own thoughts and if they are helpful or merely expressions of frustration.

And