Archive for the "Training" Category
Tension in the rider prevents the horse from moving freely. Recently I was working with a student and we focused on relaxing the hips and thighs which resulted in the horse relaxing and a tremendous improvement in the gaits. Watching the horses gaits tells everything about tension in the rider. Thus, I always warm a rider up with breathing excercises to open up the back, loosen the neck and relax the hips. Another simple excercise is to look right and left while walking straight ahead, eventually this can be done in trot and canter as the rider progresses. This simple movement demonstrates if the rider is in balance and loosens up the spine for a more elastic connection to the horse. Sometimes the rider is not even aware of how much tension he holds until performing these simple excercises. Remember, the goal of the rider is to allow the horse to move with freedom and rhythm. So go out and practice relaxing in your work and feel how much happier your horse is as a result.
RJ, the star of the Hollywood film Hidalgo (2004)
What exactly is it about horses that attracts our imagination and attention? Anyone who has a horse or who connects to them knows there is a powerful magnetic pull toward the horse’s energy and being. They are healing animals who always ground us in times of turmoil. Think about how exhilerating a gallop across the countryside is at dawn, or the feeling of connecting to your horse after the perfect ride. The natural high from this experience is better than any drug and can carry you for a week. The magic of horses is profound.
RJ, the co-star of Viggo Mortensen and Omar Shariff from the Hollywood film “Hidalgo” demonstrated some of his tricks to an eager audience on May 5 at Windrock Farm. RJ is charismatic and funny, entertaining the crowd with his favorite tricks of pushing the ball around in an imaginary game of soccer or dancing on his hind legs. RJ was very patient meeting his fans, allowing some to be photographed up close and posing for the cameras. He will be performing again at the farm, so if you missed this special event be sure to check the web site for new dates. www.cariswanson.com
Working with RJ, the star trick horse from the hollywood film Hidalgo (2004) has made me more aware of how a horse pays attention to the footing. RJ is particularly aware of the earth under his feet. It seems the first thing he does when he steps out of his stall is to take a moment to assess the situation. He purposefully places his feet down and tests the ground. If it is muddy or wet he will not do any of his tricks. RJ is a very clever horse. This is something each rider should pay attention to as well, especially when preparing to jump fences across country or work a horse in tight circles. The rider should always consider the safety and well being of his horse.
Horses are extremely intuitive animals picking up on your mood and emotion each day. Take the time you have with your horse to pay attention to how he is feeling and if he is reacting to your energy. Set the tone for your ride by working with him on the ground before mounting. A calm horse on the ground generally translates to a good ride. However, if your horse is dancing in the cross ties and misbehaving, you are likely to have a lousy ride. Take the time while grooming to feel how your horse is doing. As herd animals, horses look for a leader and that should be you.
Last week I was judging a schooling show with many talented riders. For the most part each ride was accurate, however they all would have improved dramatically if the rider was more relaxed and had more feeling in their seat and hands. This elusive idea of being one with the horse is difficult to explain but magic to feel. It takes a lifetime to learn how to ride correctly and each hour in the saddle is an opportunity to shift to that goal. Simply relaxing the shoulders in transitions and within the gaits is highly effective. Try this simple excercise and see if you achieve a more connected and relaxed feel. My grandmother used to say a good ride would make her feel high for days, better than any drugs!
Is your horse trying to tell you something? If you take the time to watch and listen, you will often find your horse is actually talking to you. I have one horse who is constantly moving his upper lip, no matter what we are doing. He can be standing in the cross ties or performing highly collected movements in the arena. It is important to know what is normal and what is unusual for your horse. They are expressive creatures who want to let you know how they feel. It is useful to keep a journal of your observations as well as your training program. Working with horses is fascinating. Being with these noble animals forces us to be in the moment which is the key to life. When you live in the present all fears of the past and future subside.
Here is RJ making funny faces while I work with him at liberty. He is an unusually “talkative horse” with his eye never leaving me. We rode out alone on a hack yesterday when suddenly he stopped on the trail. He would not budge, so I sat and waited. After a few minutes several deer appeared out of the forest in front of us. He was waiting for them to pass. Once they were out of sight he moved on with a purposeful walk looking for more wildlife. I think he is enjoying his move to the east coast.
Patience is critical when working with horses. There is no place for temper. Horses are incredibly generous animals who usually want to please. They are herd animals, seeking the alpha leader. I am reminded of this each day as I work with this special stallion, RJ, the star of the Hollywood film Hidalgo (2004). He teaches me important lessons as we learn from each other. Moving from the desert of Southern California to Dutchess County New York has been an adjustment. He is not familiar with crossing muddy streams on trails or galloping through the countryside where we often meet hawks and deer. Although he is curious, these critters are not as strange as the camels he worked with on the set of the film in Morroco. I teach him some basic dressage movements and he is reminding me of sliding stops. Communication is easy if we remain clear in our request and patient in understanding what is desired.
Come meet the Hollywood Star of Hidalgo on May 5 at Windrock Farm in Millbrook New York. Limited tickets available so if you are interested in seeing RJ perform some of his tricks contact cari@cariswanson.com.
All proceeds will benefit the Horse Rescue, Rehab and Retirement Foundation.
RJ, the main star of Hidalgo, has arrived at Windrock Farm. He is an amazing horse in that he is highly trick trained and super intelligent. Working with him every day is a challenge and an honor as he teaches me many things each session. This horse never takes his eye off you and loves to work.
There will be several opportunities to meet him at the farm, check out the web site for dates and time www.cariswanson.com