Having A Light Touch

Awareness of the outside world. “She’s risen to be one of 30 Fédération Equestre Internationale Level 4 show jumping course designers in the world and the only woman who is currently active at that level.” Chronicle of the Horse: Marina Azevedo Keeps Setting Goals And Courses, Sorge 2022/2023.

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Coach Courtney called my hands gracious.

I like that.

At my lesson, she complimented how well I had done with the bridle at the show. Remember I was showing with the double show bridle. She said she hadn’t seen any infelicitous hand activity.

I had to demur. I said it wasn’t a matter of being good with my hands. It was more a case of working hard to do as little as possible and having Optimus willing to coast along without rein input. [Staying With The Series, Show Report]

She said that was no small thing. Apparently, many Saddlebreds are quite happy to be left alone in the front. You can get yourself in trouble by doing too much, or grabbing too hard with the reins. Again, show bridle, which means two bits, one being a curb. Erring on the side of light hands can work in my favor.

This is not the message I have gotten from the dressage world. They go on and on about the dynamic, humming contact between the rider’s hands and the horse’s mouth. I have never been able to achieve this. My hands have always been soft to the point of ineffective.

My first horse was known to have the occasional moment in front of a jump. We got around by me flinging the reins at him & then supporting like hell with my legs. Any contact with the reins was taken as a request to halt. So, I learned not to touch the reins and to ride without them. The habit never really left me.

Optimus, at least, approves.

Onwards!
Katherine