TRAINING THE YOUNG HORSE by An

TRAINING THE YOUNG HORSE by Anthony Crossley

Re unconstrained movement: "In our early ridden work on teaching the horse to accept, to the extent that he comes to act almost instinctively, that he must at all times be pushing forward with enthusiasm and diligence. It is not sufficient to be just moving calmly in the required direction in a quiet but not particularly enthusiastic manner."

Re half halts: "In essence it comprises an increase in the forward drive of the seat and the legs and a quickly following lift of the hands combined with an increase in the restraining effect of the reins. The action of the legs and seat increases the activity of the hind legs, and the subsequent action of the hands prevents that activity resulting in an increase of speed, thus causing the activated hind legs to work further forward under the mass so that they are able to take more weight off the forehand without loss of impulsion."

"We must always strive to retain the feeling that we are lengthening and not shortening the neck, no matter how much the impulsion or collection is increased."