Looking in the direction you are headed is more than just good horsemanship and equitation, it cues your horse. When you look in the direction you are going there is subtle changes in your weight placement in the saddle along with how your thighs lay on the horse and contraction in your abdomen, these act as a cue to your horse, making your neck reining less obvious and everything look more fluid. Adding this cue to your roster also helps if you ever plan on riding/training for bridleless riding.
The other part to this is looking up!
This is probably one of the most common errors made by new and old riders alike, and a very important aspect in the show ring. But that is not all. When you look down at the ground or your horse's head, not only does it make you less aware of where you are going, it slows your reflexes. So when you use your reins to cue your horse, you are much more likely to jab him in the mouth and your cues all together will be less fluid.
Looking down also tends to pull your body forward in the saddle, in effect causing your horse to fall on his forehand. This is crucial, we want our horses "moving up", with engagement from the hindquarters and a smooth rounded topline.
So as you can see, these two little aspects of horsemanship are more than just good for the show ring, they are essential for all riders to have a good, smooth partnership with their horse.
Look up and where you are going, it is just like driving.
I totally agree with this. There have been times when I've been training a horse under saddle in the round pen and I noticed another horse outside the round pen misbehaving. As soon as I turn my head and focus my attention on the other horse, the horse I am riding leaves the predictable circle of the round pen and steers toward the horse I am looking at. We almost don't need reins and leg cues, because we can steer with our eyes and head. Also, every time I see a picture of a professional show rider, it seems the rider is frowning and glaring at the back of the horse's head. I think that riders concentrate too hard on keeping the horse's head set that they don't look up and ahead, which results in a not-so-pretty picture.
ReplyDeleteAs a beginning rider, I find looking up to be so difficult! With riding, there is so much going on with your body; arms, legs, head. . .For some reason, I feel that looking down, or looking at my hands and the horse's head my default position.
ReplyDeleteI have to keep telling myself, look up!