Pacha - january 9, 2012

In seeking to stretch Pacha's back, I have been experimenting a new way with draw reins. I know, it might raise some eyebrows with purists, but it... produces quite interesting effects. It consists in riding him with draw reins only( snaffles reins looping, resting on the withers), in complete descente d'encolure (nose in the dust). Of course, nothing to do with hyperflexion. Here the draw reins are not taut, they are just maintaining a very light, constant contact with the sole weight of the leather. For the rider, it feels like riding almost without reins , like those ethologists who ride with a hunting collar only. You are obliged to ride with your back and your legs only. The reins feel like spider web threads, which you can lightly raise or lower, without resistance, and the horse's nose remaining down, without coming behind the vertical.You cannot use them for direction, which you have to manage with seat weight and legs.
This practice has a remarkable and quick effect on calmness and relaxation. The cadence becomes more bouncing at trot.Transitions to canter are noticeably smooth, without the neck coming up further than the horizontal.downward transitions from trot to walk, and walk to halt are achieved with the back only, and pressing the fingers on the leather.
All this was a pleasant surprise. I would not have expected such an effect with a hot temper like Pacha's. over several sessions, and even when used at the beginning of the hour, I have not seen any attempt to run away or other undesirable initiative taken by the horse in applying this process.
It certainly indicates a sensitivity of mouth in particular which is much greater than I thought.
I will come back on these findings soon...