English Reins
Friday, December 24th, 2010Getting horse on bit via neck reining and english saddle?
Alright, for some bizarre reason, the woman that I am riding for wants me to get the horse a little more on the bit - but alas, I cannot use her saddles (which don't fit the horse anyhow...) so my english saddle fits.
So I have collected a horse via direct reins with a bit of playing with the reins and half halts. I am completely lost on how to get the same thing from neck reining. Believe it or not, I am of english background and just haven't been trained in western (I just ride in it) upon knowing this the woman still hired me to ride.. I'm not complaining - just boggled.
"on the bit" requires contact by definition. Western riding is on a loose, rein with only the weight of the rein on the neck for guidance. The two are diametrically opposite.
I think you are going to have to go back to her for more explanation of what she wants. Is she looking for more collection, stepping under from behind? Does she want a more tucked up headset? Does she want him working off the leg more swiftly?
The saddle doesn't make a difference to the horse; it helps your balance. Maybe you need to help her find a saddle that does fit the horse.