The Horse | Does a Horse's Work Affect His Personality?
Not the reason why I posted this, but thought it would be interesting to point out:
"According to the researchers, "The fact that dressage riders expect their horses to react quickly to their orders might develop their 'sensitiveness' to the point that can easily lead to nervousness, and by repetition in the long term, become an integral part of the horse's personality."
Which is why many of your "old masters" of dressage constantly stress the important of cross-training.
I popped Greta over a crossrail the other day and, as always, we both ended a good light ride with a great deal of fun! It's hard to cross-discipline, because many riders get terribly focused on perfecting work in the arena, that they can forget they can also work on some of the same skills on a short trail ride, going over ground poles or jumps, from the ground, or just in a new area in general. When I take Greta for short hacks around the property, if she's uneasy about something and wants to move away from it, I try and turn it into a leg-yield (very successful with that today!) I have more room to work on basic speed-up/slow-down at the canter in the pasture in the morning when the horses are already inside for the day (they get night turn-out now that it's so hot) and do a normal ride as well. It just spices things up because we're in a different setting on uneven ground, and we both have to become super aware of where Greta's feet are as we go up and down and around and over the small hills and slopes. Fun stuff!
I totally agree about cross training! Variety also keeps your horse interested and happy. :)
ReplyDeleteThe results stated that "the vaulting horses showed the quietest profile." I'm not at all surprised by this, since vaulting horses tend to be selected because they are quiet! Which leads me to question the whole premise of the study - maybe these horses were chosen for these disciplines because of personality/affinity for said discipline rather than the other way around? Plus, even though the horses were the same breed, within a breed there are often bloodlines that are known for their quietness, or their quickness, or that are especially good at jumping. A better study would be to try the same tests with very young horses, and then evaluate them repeatedly through their lives as they follow the various disciplines.
ReplyDeleteOk, ok, enough of that. Cross-training is great! :)
Very interesting thoughts. The saying "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" comes to mind. Mix it up. Have some fun. Love to read your thoughts and interests. Keep it coming, and stay cool!
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