Develop Your Feel And Find Harmony

Develop Your Feel And Find Harmony

- Sarah Geikie And Annie Morris

Feel is one of the most important aspects in a rider’s development. A feeling rider can sense where each of the horse’s legs and his body are at any given moment and allows communication through the language of the aids. When the rider can communicate in this harmonious way with her horse, she becomes able to develop that special partnership in which the aids look effortless and the horse appears to perform on his own. These are the magic moments we all strive for.

What is Feel?

 Feel is the invisible quality in every good rider who is communicating with her horse in harmony. She can perceive where the horse is during every step because he accepts the rider’s seat, leg and rein aids through the connection. The rider can then communicate with the horse in a stable, sensitive and relaxed manner. Some riders have a talent for this, but any rider can improve her feel through education about dressage theory and time in the saddle. In other words, the rider must learn to become aware of the horse’s body and feel his movement underneath her.

Beyond the physical connection between horse and rider, feel also requires an emotional connection. The horse and rider understand each other and become of one mind. The emotional connection is key in the harmonious partnership. A feeling rider is a more effective rider. She is always attentive to what aids the horse needs, why he needs them and when to apply them, allowing her to bring out his best performance. She can use the right aids at the right time with the right strength and for the right duration.

Prerequisites