Theosmom wrote:
Blackandbay, I didn'tmean I don't like the trainers in general, just the ones I live near. I have seen them breaking horses in and they force things like headset and use harsh bits to teach a horse to slow down, they lunge a horse (sweet and calm Arab colt at first and after he would kick anyone who came in his stall) by clipping the lunge line to a thin twisted wire full cheek snaffle and jerking on it as hard as they could to stop. But I have met some (who sadly live a ways away) that I do like and I will continue to look for a good one near me.
To clarify the info thing, he doesn't raise his head when I apply pressure, he turns nicely (he neck reins) moves off of some leg, doesn't know any seat cues, and is a 7 Y.O. Arab gelding who has not been ridden consistently for about a year and a half and before that he had one summer of being used as a guide horse for trail riding at a resort. His main problem is slowing down such as transitions and rating his gates. Tomorrow I don't have class and we will be spending a lot of time in the arena and beginning to learn seat cues and softening his mouth along with having a consistent speed at the walk and trot... (I prob wont get to all of this, but, for now these are my goals with him...)
Your horse is more than likely more aware of your body position and weight distribution than you are.
The horse feels your leg movements and weight shift just as he feels a fly land on him.

Your job is to be consistent in those movements and patiently show him what you want and expect.

Horses don't need bits to know this but the head gear will help with the teacher that knows how to employ them.