This video is another excerpt from a clicker training demo I did, showing the progression of shoulder-in from teaching it in-hand in walk and trot to performing it ridden. Clicker training creates a horse that is amazingly soft and light, while moving forward correctly and willingly.
Toby is 20 years old and for him to be moving this way is incredible! For the first time in our 13 years together he is truly moving properly, with the back lifted and free, soft through his head and neck without tension in his body. Teaching this with the clicker has helped him hugely, as he has long term physical problems causing stiffness and unevenness in his hind quarters. Not any more!
This is also supported by the work I've been doing with James Shaw, ensuring that I am balanced and free in my back so Toby can continue moving in this way while ridden, without being blocked by the rider.
This means Toby and I have years left of riding together, which is great! At least I think it is. Toby is naturally inclined to do very little, so would quite like to retire to mind his herd, I think! The clicker training and Tai Chi riding have meant he is much more eager than ever before to work, though, and he has been thoroughly enjoying his gymnastic jumping workshops recently!
Hannah
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