Good Hands --for horsemanship
Children up to 9 yrs of age --must hold the reins so they do not drop them easily, therefore a firmer grasp of the reins --by the fist --is necessary.
Pre-teen riders from 9 to 12 yrs. can now begin to get the 'feel' of the horse, to lessen the grasp of the reins, to become more compassionate.
Teen riders --from 13 through 18 are much more sensitive to touch and feel. They are going through the frustrations of becoming an adult, and the inner conflicts mirror the growth patterns they are experiencing. Emotional energy is challenged. The mind body conflict becomes apparent. Working with teen, can be a challenge for a coach, as the teen can often change their behavior for a short time, but they will revert back to what they are comfortable with. This is effected by their personal existence. They may have hands that seem numb to feel. This may show reason to suspect abusive treatment or fear. This can also be the opposite. Their heavy hand with the horse may also show abuse of some king, possibly emotional abuse, or the need to express their anger.
How an individual holds the reins of a horse can tell us more than words express.
Riding 'instructors' may teach the tight hand for the show riding 'image' they want to see, however what does this do to -or for the horse?
Riders are definitely effected by the demands of an 'instructor' who may want their entire class to 'appear' to be riding at the 'same level', even if they skip the important classes that they do not like taking the time to teach --or instruct. They feel they may do better to show parents --that their child can participate in the show ring in such a short time. How proud they are at seeing their child going over 2 foot jumps, while cantering around a ring, often within 4 classes. This is common in traditional riding lessons -as observed on the east coast.
For beginning adult riders, who may be holding in many experiences and emotions -that they are 'searching' for something to do that will bring them 'outside' of their realm of familiarities. They want to find a form of happiness that they can somehow not grasp by themselves. They are most interesting to work with as a Horse Holiday Coach. The study of hands, relates again to life experiences.
A totally balanced person/rider will 'feel' the horse's movement and flow with them, recognizing what is needed to perform for different tasks that are given to the horse. The hands are relative to the true heart of both horse and human. This is the highest goal, to 'feel' and assist the horse, and to be able to adjust our hands at a moment's call. Safety and survival and good communication rests in the hands of a good rider, after they have learned to 'allow' their body to learn and accept the natural movement of the horse and self, without being controlled by the human instincts and impulses. This is true of the human body as well as the hands and finger-tips. Absolute personal control and 'true feelings [absolute honesty between beings, horse and human] are necessary before the 'finest riding' can exist.
Do not believe an 'instructor' who declares:
"it is done 'this way' because it has always been done like that."
Be sure that you know --WHY YOU ARE DOING --as you do.
An intuitive riding coach, can see that something has been missing for way too long.
Just watch a horses head and eyes, and the neck.
Then watch closely --the back/spine, and hindquarters to see any stiffness, resistance or discomfort.
Take notice to the bits and how they effect the mouth of the horse.
Take notice to the tightness of the bit that may be 'pulled up' into the horses mouth.
Actually try to feel the reins, to see if they could be plucked like guitar strings, or if they are like gently held elastic, never being 'taught' or tight, but flowing with the movement of the horses head, neck and jaw.
Watch the ears of a horse, are they perked forward, as if to be enjoying their work --'with' the rider? OR,
Are the horse's ears partly back or flickering back and forth trying to understand what is being asked of them?
Are their ears perky, firmly planted, or are they limply just there, another indication of just doing a job that they know they have to do --and in discomfort.
Watch the riders hands, are they clasped, to hold tight? Are they gripping the reins?
ARE the hands moving forward and back to any degree, or are they stationary, not moving anywhere? Rigid?
Are the wrists moving forward or back? Are the hands just an extension of the hands? OR,
Are the wrists gently moving with a soft bend and release, taking the pressure off the horse's mouth?
Now, look at the fingers. Do they move at all? Or are they clinched in that fist? How would a horse's mouth feel with those hands holding the reins that connect to that metal bit?
Now, look hard at the fingers. Can you see the fingers that are facing each other --the outer two joints of the fingers? Are they moving at all? If so, do they move so the horse feels uncoordinated with the rhythm they are creating?
As the rider goes by, can you see any subtle moves at all? Look carefully?
Do the fingers look rigid, or flexible? Is it possible that the fingers are 'fluttering' so the judge does not see them moving? OR
Are the hands and fingers held in a position that makes the horses neck 'set' in a permanent position -until the class is over?
Again, take notice to the horses ears and eyes? Is this horse comfortable or irritated, or possibly bearing discomfort?
Now, back up, and look at the entire picture of the horse and rider. Is it a pretty picture? OR, does the rider look like they are solely concentrating --on themselves?
Search for the horse in the class that seems to really be enjoying themselves. Check out their rider's hands. Is there any difference between this riders hands and fingers, compared to the one you were studying? What is it? WHY --does this horse look brighter, and happier than the other horses?
On the horse that seems not as comfortable --now look at the entire body of the horse. Does that horse's body seem to be moving in sections, like blocks? OR is the horse moving okay?
Now look at all the horses again. Pick out the horse that just seems to be 'floating' across the arena. Check out that rider's hands and fingers. What do you see?
Did you even notice if that horse was a purebred or not? OR was the better moving horse just a hybrid? Fascinating isn't it?
When you look for the best presentation, breed does not matter at all. The best 'show' is in the hands of a compassionate and caring rider, who has the interest of their horse --well balanced, right there --in their finger-tips!
The best performances are those when the reins are held like cobwebs. You ride so not to break or stretch too tightly that --
The reins --a 'Cobweb of Communication' --between horse and rider.
Soft Touch Quantum Horsemanship --The Mind Body Connection -Horse or Human
Rose M Foreman
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Touch Quantum Horsemanship The Mind-Body Connection -Horse Or Human
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Revised: January 24, 2007.