Why horses need to learn how to carry our weight

[@lindog51]

I used clicker training to mark and reward my horse both from the ground, and while on his back while teaching this. It greatly increased his understanding of what I wanted.

[@cinderella2761]

Yess, so much more tuned in ❤️

[@jimmyyounger618]

This might be the most cogent break down of this I've ever experienced, and the chart of progression is super helpful to put things in order. An up vote wouldn't be enough, so thank you!

[@callieking5406]

Thank you so much for your comment. Glad you found it clear and helpful!

[@pc6620]

The HorseClass videos are presented so clearly and her demonstrations help me to understand how and why. I only wish I could be on my horse at the same time! Thank you so much.

[@N2Dressage001]

Lovely explanation - thank you! I ride my older, arthritic QH with the mantra "Working over the back guides everything we do." Some days all we do is power walk in the stretch, always testing if I can bring his poll up a little at a time. The moment I feel him hollow and lose his back, I go back to the stretch. It's worked wonders for his topline development.

[@RaagaA460]

Thank you very much for this great break down of how to keep a ridden horse healthy. I think this is really crucial for every rider. Personally, I try to improve my pony's posture on the ground, mainly by bending and straightening him, with the help of transitions and by making him step sideways. There are also some circus tricks like "compliment", "Spanish walk" or "mounting a podest", that might help. Unfortunately we don't have any hills near by. Climbing hills, e.g. walking backwards and upwards is said to be a great exercise. What I would like to improve for myself is to learn to see better if a horse "walks over its back" and walks healthily or not. This is really difficult for me with some horses.

[@callieking5406]

Regis, absolutely! Good movement is healthy movement, for horse and rider.

[@joycebliefernich6955]

This was super informative and the way you broke it down by putting the dots on your horse was great! The charts also helped. Thanks so much!!

[@callieking5406]

So happy to hear this was clear and helpful to you! Thanks for watching.

[@cinderella2761]

It's the pushing under from behind that naturally makes the head drop, don't focus on the head as that comes when their pushing from behind, that's what counts! Get them strong and over the back in hand before being asked to carry weight or it's pointless to ride them. Arttoride on youtube are masters at this

[@N2Dressage001]

Yes, Art2Ride opened the door for me in this. I'll never go back to how I used to ride.

[@christopherjones2884]

Always enjoy your special videos 📹

[@k.healey1928]

Instead of "tickling" my fingers under her belly to bring her back up which my mare does not like and results in pinned ears, cow kicks and moving away, I instead use long strokes with my fingers from the ventral line under her belly outward, which produces a much better response from her, ears forward, no kicking and moving away. And it allows her to move her back upward!!!!

[@N2Dressage001]

I'm going to try that!

[@Latarielle]

My horse really struggles with engaging the hind due to hock arthritis. I'm actively working on his stiffness with my vet but it's still so hard for him to really engage his hind, and I'm sure it makes him more sore to exercise with an inverted posture.

[@sunrisehollowfarm]

Is it possible to get that diagram as a pdf or pic?

[@callieking5406]

Hi MilCo, are you asking about The Scale of Training Dressage?

[@sunrisehollowfarm]

@@callieking5406 yes, where you have it on pyramid form with the pictures. :)

[@HorseClass]

@@sunrisehollowfarm Unfortunately we cannot provide the PDF, but the image is downloadable and free here: www.deviantart.com/arabian-alice/art/The-scale-of-training-dressage-in-drawings-375622233

[@sunrisehollowfarm]

@@HorseClass thank you!!! That is perfect! ❤️❤️