Isn't "headset" a term used commonly by saddleseat riders. Not a surprise, since your trainer has experience in this discipline. But that's for Oliver BTW - congrats on your farm!

There are several learning styles, visual, auditory, feel and relating what you learned to something similar or familiar to you. I realized this when a fellow dressage riders mother told me she could not "see" her daughter doing well (or otherwise) on her horse during a test. She was an opera singer who could pick up sounds very keenly, but not visual movement.

Another experience I had was working with a young hunter rider and her pony who arrived at the barn I worked at when others were away at a show (OK). She followed directions REALLY well. I had her not use the standing martingale (gasp) and got her working her pony in a collected light frame. The lightbulb on her face was amazing! Of course, at 10 yrs of age, she had to do what everyone else was doing and quickly put the martingale back on etc. But for that week, she experienced an amazing little dressage pony! She didn't understand the why yet, but she could tell when her pony was submitting, stretched and collected.

ETA pics as requested, lol
Granted, this is not an intro level horse (yet), but does show the musculature in his neck when stretched forward and not resisting. Top muscles are being used, muscles on the underside of his neck are not being used and are slack. He's not submitting to a bit, but he's relaxed and using himself.
image



Use your talents, that's what they are intended for.....
Gus's Training Log

Last Edited By: fireweedak Jul 15 09 10:54 AM. Edited 1 times.