In our last article we discussed shortly the theory behind the How, what, where of the Emergency brake. We also promised to share with you a couple of practical steps to build some communication about this subject with your horse.
As we almost always do I advise you to start this exercise on the ground first; not just for your own safety but to make it easier on your horse as well (by using simulations).
First of all it really helps if both you and your horse are familiar with the concept of Steady pressure. If this is the case, then this is how you can start:
- Go and stand on the left side of your horse (of course at the end of the exercise you switch sizes and do the same backwards).
- Pick up the lead rope/rein on your side in your right hand, lean your right lower arm on your horse’s withers and make sure your side is touching your horses side. This way you can more easily stay in contact with your horse if he gets confused and starts turning or walking away.
- Now pick up the rein with your right hand and lift it up high. Then glide with your left hand to a good distance away from your horses head and pick the rein up with two fingers.
- Lay your right hand back down on the withers and very slowly start closing your fingers, one by one, around the rein (in phases).
- When your hand is finally closed completely around the rein you can start bringing your hand + rein slowly towards your horses own shoulder until your horses neck bends and his nose comes close to your own body.
–>Naturally you will use phases, as always. And it speaks for itself that your horse for every small try: if you’ve only closed a couple of fingers around the rein and your horse brings his nose a centimeter towards you; immediately drop the rein and reward him! For now it is more important that he gets to understand the concept; the rest will follow later.
The better it go’s the further you can ask him to bend (beware: his head should be able to stay straight, and not go crooked with his nose pointing upwards; if this does happen you’ve asked him more than he can give and you’re bending him in a very uncomfortable position), and the longer you can ask him to stay there.
When your horse understands this exercise on both sides and you know he can handle it physically (take this chance to figure out what your horses weak side is when bending), then it just became the moment to climb in the saddle and do the same thing mounted. Remember; you don’t do the exercise from the walk if it doesn’t go well from the stand still, and you don’t trot until you’ve mastered the walk etc.
Step 1: Relax
This is such an important step but unfortunately it gets lost in the process a lot. If you you’re your horse to relax, then show him how it’s done! The emergency brake is not just an exercise for your horse to learn; you have the responsibility to unlearn your natural fear reflex (fetal position) and teach yourself the Relax-Reflex: breathe out deeply/sigh/yawn and relax your body. You can also use a voice cue to help your horse understand more easily.
But be careful with voice cue’s: only use them when you’re calm and happy, if not, you might confuse your horse when he hears the emotion in your voice. Also, you can make it even easier for yourself by using a voice cue or word that helps your body relax. HALT or STOP for example, are short, harsh words that may make your body tense up slightly. While Whooooaaa is something you can sigh or say while breathing out.
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