Ep 79: The Signal Before the Signal
One of the biggest limiting factors I see in performance horses is a lack of collection. And, I believe this starts with a misconception of what collection really is.
Collection is not what happens when you put contact on the reins--it is what happens when you release. Anyone can hold a horse’s head in a vertical position and call it “collected.” But, true collection is voluntary. A horse is collected when it remains rounded in its back and soft in all five body parts after the slack has been put into the reins.
Most horses do not naturally have collection when slack is put into the reins. This is because when we put slack in the reins, this is a signal that usually means “go.” When we put our hands down, we typically ask our horses for everything they have. Then, we pull on them out of nowhere and expect them to stop on a dime. If those horses never know when that pressure is coming, they will get stiff and brace for impact. We cannot realistically expect that horse to have collection when that is the communication pattern they are used to.
That’s why we have to establish a signal before the signal.
Collection begins with the feel you have in your lower body. This feel serves as the signal before the signal to stop. The signals you send with your legs tell that horse that a change in speed or direction is coming soon. When a horse is collected, its body is in the optimal position to move its feet and change speeds.
Unfortunately, there is no quick way to establish collection. It is something that takes time.
Horses are very willing to do what they are asked if they understand what you are asking. If they don’t understand, they get defensive. It is our job as trainers to help them understand. And, that starts with establishing your feel and collection.
To learn more about the One Rein Stop and other exercises discussed in this episode, enroll in our Foundation to Finish online training program.
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