Philippe Karl videos - can anyone clarify

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JillA

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I just was pondering the in hand work with the bit, where he seems to be lifting the bit in the horse's mouth. What is he looking for/asking the horse to achieve? Raising the head, or softening the mouth, or something else? I can see that he also asks for that lift from the saddle, and I'm curious as to where it leads - or am I being thick??
 
Ok..checked in my book.
Pass outside rein over neck and hold near to horses cheek.
Take inside rein and place the index finger in the ring in the snaffle.
Gradually bring both hands closer together ( Bit only acts on corner of mouth) until horse distinctly opens his mouth. Release. Very light contact as long as mouth remains mobile. Start again if mouth becomes dead. Reward whenever horse yields.
Walk a few strides, ask for jaw to release again and repeat until jaw releases at walk.

Repetition sets up a reflex anticipation effect and horse should keep relaxed mouth longer with more subtle hand action.

So yes it's about relaxing the mouth at this stage. Let me know if you want me to look up anything else for you .
 
Oh, thank you. Which book do you have? Could you see if there is anything about standing in front of the horse, bit ring in each hand and lifting the bit in the mouth? Is it towards the corner or the roof of the mouth? It's hard to see and I borrowed the video and have passed it back now.
 
Jill. I've got The Twisted a Truth of Modern Dressage. Love it..well written and illustrated.

Yes, there is an illustration showing PK standing directly in front and lifting / pushing the bit towards the horses ears. So bit should act on the corner of the mouth not upwards to palate. This is for horses who tend to lean on the hand. If horse leans when being ridden you do same from saddle by raising both hands.
Here goes;-
Place yourself directly in front of horse.
Thumb in each ring and push in direction of ears as firmly as is necessary to distinctly lift the neck. Maintain light contact as long as horse does not lean.
Ask for jaw to release through gentle pressure on corner of mouth.
Get horse to walk by pulling head towards you and stop it by lifting the neck.

The exercises vary slightly depending on the horses particular way of going.
 
You've reminded me that I need to go back and get some more lessons from Derek Clark again..shame I can't really justify going to the clinic next week.
 
TrasaM said:
You've reminded me that I need to go back and get some more lessons from Derek Clark again..shame I can't really justify going to the clinic next week.
Click to expand...

If you've had lessons from Derek Clark then, I wonder if I know you? I was working there last year, August - December, did you have lessons then? PM if you like :)
 
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