Ask Cari

Contact is one of the most difficult concepts for new riders to grasp. Taking the reins and feeling the horses mouth with a relaxed,elastic connection is not easy. The rider must think of the horse taking the contact, not the rider pulling back. Think of riding the horse into the connection from the back to the front, sit tall, relaxed and use your back on the horse to drive the energy forward into the bridle. You never want the horse pulling down, snatching the reins out of your hands and dropping the contact all together. Correct contact is elastic and alive, never static. You should feel the energy moving through the reins, with the horse balanced underneath you. Never wag the head back and forth or see-saw the bit. These are common faults which should be avoided. Remember, less is more. Relax and feel your way toward the contact.