Back to Basics

Now that I once more have a saddle that fits Harley, we have had to return to the beginning of the Training Scale (Relaxation, Rhythm, Contact, Impulsion, Straightness, Collection).  It was necessary to work on Relaxation again, as he had become tense in anticipation of pain from the saddle, which also probably brought back frightening memories from his abusive past.  To help him relax, I did very little ring work, and just rode around on the trails and paths on a fairly loose rein, with little or no trotting.  You cannot make bad memories just disappear, you have to replace them with good memories, and a calm, simple trail ride can do just that.  And I talk to him constantly, telling him how good and brave he is, and he really responds to my voice, and to a gentle stroke of his neck.

Then, when I did ride him in a ring, it was in a very calm, relaxed manner, staying soft on his mouth, talking to him, and doing small exercises such as loops down the long side, a few serpentines, even some figure 8's.  My trainer, Jane Armour, explained to me that the best thing to do when a horse gets distracted or is looking for a reason to get excited or spook, is to keep him moving forward and give him something to do, such as turn or change direction.  This works beautifully with Harley.  By keeping him "busy" he forgets to look around, concentrates on what I've asked him to do, and then relaxes in spite of himself.

Because of Harley's past, he wil lalways have "flashbacks" to the abuse and mistreatment, but over time, these moments will become fewer and farther between as he learns to deal with situations calmly and choose to move forward and past the fear.

A very relaxed, slightly chubby, but happy Harley standing ground-tied....