The ABCs of Horsemanship Part 1 - Forward Movement - RES002 [podcast] - a podcast by Van Hargis

As I’ve said many times over the years, when it comes to horsemanship (and maybe life?), there’s nothing beyond the basics. For horsemanship, those basics are what I call the Absolute Basic Criteria. In this episode of Ride Every Stride we’re talking about the first of those ABCs.

The Absolute Basic Criteria of Horsemanship

Even the most complex, sophisticated maneuvers on horseback are refinements of the basics. Understanding those basics–the ABCs of horsemanship–will equip us to work with our horses to accomplish whatever our horsemanship goals might be.

What are the ABCs of Horsemanship?

1. forward movement


2. control of forward movement


3. stopping of forward movement

 

Although most beginning riders are especially concerned about the last of those ABCs–stopping–we actually want our horses to move. Forward movement generally constitutes one of the three basic gaits: the walk, the trot, or the lope (or canter). If we understand the mechanics of each gait, we can cooperate with our horse to make it easier for her to move forward easily at the gait we want.

In this episode Van shares a simple tip for knowing where your horse’s feet are without leaning over to look. Using this method keeps you centered on your horse’s back, which is safer for you and more comfortable for your horse, and helps you use a simple technique to encourage that forward movement that’s the starting point to accomplishing our horsemanship goals.

Ride Every Stride is about empowering you with knowledge. Understanding the mechanics of how your horse moves is key to letting you work with your horse instead of against him. 

Knowledge of how your horse works (and thinks) leads to greater confidence, which leads to greater enjoyment.

What do you think?

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Next Time on Ride Every Stride

We’ll talk about the next component of the Absolute Basic Criteria of Horsemanship: control of forward movement. If you don’t want to miss it, be sure to subscribe in iTunes. 

Thank you for listening. Until next time . . . remember to Ride Every Stride!

Van

Van Hargis Horsemanship

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