Artificial Aids

[thegeneralhorse]

Everyone in the equestrian world has a different view on the use of artificial aids. Has anyone got any experiences of a situtation where artificial aids were used that would of been a nightmare if you were not using them ? and also have anyone used artificial aids and then regretted it ?

 

[Booboos]

What do you mean by artificial aids and how could you ride without using them at all?

Saddles and bridles are pretty artificial and although I have seen the odd person managing without either, they are the exception. Most riders would struggle a bit without saddles and bridles.

 

[coen]

I take artificial aids to mean whips/spurs, is this what you mean or do you mean things like training aids?

 

[thegeneralhorse]

LOL - sorry guys, well mainly Whips / Spurs I suppose

 

[Booboos]

Whips and spurs, properly used, are very helpful in communicating with a horse. Some very sensitive horses don't need them, but they can be very useful in sensitizing most horses and helpful for distinguishing the variety of different aids given for more advanced movements.

I have used a good slap as encouragement for a horse to go forwards, stop napping, etc. With some horses this works a treat!