containing energy/impulsion

[catherinesweetapple]

I am often told by instructors when riding that I have created enough energy and impulsion in the horse I am riding but I need to contain it which will make it alot easier for the horse to become round through its back.
How do I do this in a way which would encourage them to work over their back? I assumed it was by half halting but this doesnt seem to work for me?
Any advice appreciated

 

[Pearlsasinger]

My advice is to ask the RI what they mean.

 

[Katie :)]

I find, to contain the impulsion I create with my horse, is I try to soften him in the neck, making him rounder, then sitting back and down into the saddle, consciously keeping my heels down. Almost making him have a 'bouncier' canter, however I do more jumping work, so I don't know if its different for you. But I agree with Pearlsasinger that you should ask the RI first

 

[IGWLC]

Relax! Take deep breaths, let your weight sink down through your legs, round your back every so slightly, loosen your shoulders and smile! If you're tense and bursting with energy the horse will be too... in this situation any number of half halts will do nothing! If you can transfer energy over to the horse, then you can also use your looseness and relaxation to calm him! By being tense, using too much rein or too much leg, as you say, having too much impulsion, all you will do is create a dull, stiff horse as you are not creating any clear difference between the required energy levels of the horse.