Engaging your horse's back

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Footlights

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I recently watched a very interesting video on here posted by someone in the CR forum - for anyone who hasn't seen it, here it is... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8cOq7YWXys&feature=player_embedded

Can anyone help me understand how you ask a horse to round its back while being ridden with no rein contact?

Sorry if I am missing something here but I have always been taught that the impulsion comes from behind and then you control speed using your outside hand. The riders in this video are able to round the horses back without any rein contact at all.

Anyone know how they are asking the horse to do this?
 
It takes time and consistency, the horse needs to understand contact to some extent and be encouraged to stretch down with the rein rather than be given a long rein and expected to look for the contact initially.
Once they are used to stretching down they will be happy to do so whenever they are allowed, mine start on a long rein, do some during a schooling session and finish on a loose rein as by then they are completely relaxed. The rhythm of the pace can be controlled by your body/legs and the horse will become softer in its frame and able to lift its back.
 
This is what my trainer taught me........although she had already shown my horse and he 'got it' much quicker than me.

1) Start with soft contact. When you ask the horse to accept this contact,give the rein forward.(hands towards the poll) The head should drop. Repeat as necessary for deeper stretch.

2) Use the legs with a gentle upward suggestion to raise the back. (Lifting the back is a a natural reflex so its a question of finding the spot and the leg aid to which your horse responds.)

3) Keep you chin up and for extra impulsion from behind keep your weight slightly behind vertical.

If a horse is not used to being stretched in this way,don't ask too much too soon. However most horses find working like this much more comfortable and will offer it willingly,provided you are not hammering their back with your seat.
 
Thanks, that helps me understand it a bit better.

So a good start would be a very light seat and encouraging the back to lift with my legs, while giving slightly with the rein?
 
The only person that I found that taught me effectively was my instructer Becky Chapman, who is a biomechanics and ride with your mind coach. If you can get your biomechanics right, themn the horse can get theirs right too. Does that make sense?

There are a few videos of her teaching on this website (scroll down)
http://www.ashenec.co.uk/14.html

Hope that helps
Trina x
 
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