So many times I see people riding bridleless or bitless saying they don’t have to maintain a constant contact with the horse’s mouth. At the same time they pull cordeo each step into the horse’s neck. So strong, constant contact, but by other means, is actually present.
It’s not enough to change the tools.
You have to change your thinking.
The problem is not the tool you use; the problem is your thinking.
If you think you really NEED any kind of tool in order to turn, stop or keep your horse under control, you are at the same point. The tool you try to avoid, literally becomes you. No matter if you use a curb bit, snaffle, cordeo or sticks to ride your horse.
Use cues, not force.
Teach your horse to understand the cues, and then use them only and precisely when they are needed.
It’s not about the tools, it’s about the thinking.
You can ride on a curb bit, a snaffle, on cordeo or bridleless&bareback on your horse. If you don’t change your state of mind, the tool you use won’t change anything in the relations between you and your horse.
I can’t wait to learn and teach the “don’t do it” and the “keep going” cue, and all other voice cues to help my mare relax when we are together. My cues are not consistent and strong enough using just leg or hand and I feel that voice and reinforcing group work will help so much to relieve Ellie’s stress and worry.
Will work on this together, Laura! Don’t worry :)
Yes, you are right when things are more clear to her, she is going to be so much more relaxed when with you.