Going with the Flow

A highlight from this week in training while riding multiple horses with Master Nuno is learning to listen to what the horse is offering. Having an open, flexible mind able to go with the flow.

Often when we train we have a fixed mind on the task that we are planning to train or teach. This is totally natural. We think about where our horse is in training and we consider our goals. It's completely rational to have an idea in mind about what exercise will benefit and what to practice each ride.

However.

The horse has no such idea.

Sometimes when we are working on an exercise the horse offers something else it's better to go with it. Here is where 'plasticity' of mind in training is an amazing asset, and this the focus of my study at the moment.

Riding Bingo today for the first time he was absolutely bright and light. He offered many things; laterals and changes, rein back - all very light. At one point we asked for canter on the spot. He did it, but when I asked again he was indicating to me he wanted to piaffe and passage. So I let him, and rode his passage which seemed to never fade - but get more and more expressive. He was completely proud of himself and our connection and I felt he was showing me something very special. Sometimes Passage needs to be managed to 'keep it up'. Not this one. It felt like Bingo would have passaged forever if I had not asked him to walk!

If I had insisted on training the canter on the spot to levade, and did not allow Bingo to share with me the answer he so wanted to share - what a loss it would have been to connection! Especially on the first ride. He was so enthusiastic to show me his passage. Like a child wanting to share a special story or interest.

I felt such a connection to Bingo, that he was so willing to show me his talent. What a wonderful ride we had together.