Only if it's Not Forced

I've been working on getting the feel from one horse to another and each horse has slightly different calibrations of energy and communication.

One thing in common is the point at which asking becomes too much and interrupts. I am learning today how to prepare the horse and then not interfere.

Often we as riders end up interfering because we don't prepare - set the horse up to succeed.

Energy without force. Master Nuno is asking me to make a sound with the whip to elevate Bingo's energy. He showed me his energy was up by giving some piaffe steps. Then with the canter aid he began the pirouette. Leaving him alone - he did the steps himself because he was prepared, and I gave him the aid. I did not interfere except to release him.

When I get to know him better (only my second ride) then I will feel more confident and precise.

Bingo was pleased with his effort. We celebrated with a round of passage and then we tried to round up some pigs that were in the paddock.

They squealed and ran. So, we have to practice that.