Aiding is the communication between the rider and the horse. As riders become more experienced it is important that there is a sophistication in how the aids are delivered
This doesn’t just mean for horses that already have the ability and knowledge to understand what the rider is asking, but it becomes even more crucial for a young horse.
The muscles of a young horse are still developing and they lack coordination, balance and are still adjusting to the weight of the rider -which let’s face it is an alien weight that should never be on the horses back-so time and patience is crucial.
Their body map is also constantly changing as they develop, and most horses are not fully mature physically or mentally until around 7 years of age-so their proprioception and the ability to carry the rider is an immensely difficult task
This is where the very act of aiding the horse to move forward becomes something which should be considered as the rider climbs onto their back.
If a horse is having difficulty moving up into a transition-especially trot to canter which is one of the most difficult transitions-even for an older horse that has more training- what is not needed is excessive aiding so the horse is forced into the canter. (Incidentally a good exercise for the rider at this point if the horse really is ready to canter is to rise in the transition so the horse can lift his back)
If the horse is forced into canter not only does this compromise balance but puts immense strain on muscles so by the third of fourth time of asking it may “feel” like the horse is departing the transition easier but it is taking a toll on the horse.
A horse of any age needs the rider to assess what he is able to do and not make a lesson plan which is based on what the rider wants.
Pushing a horse with ever increasing aids is not “horsemanship” it creates tension and resistance in the muscles and mind and the end game will be a horse that becomes crooked and tense as they respond to the riders’ request.
We as riders have to be mindful of tension-never forget this is communication too. If a horse is tense -he is also anxious and worried about some aspect of the environment or more likely the demands of the rider.
Aiding should be subtle-any horse can be taught to understand it.
In the words of Charles de Kunffy –
“You are either actively improving your horse or breaking him down”
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