Gentle Horsemanship with Rhiannon-Amber

Help with ground work, riding & problem solving and workshops in West Yorkshire England (Hopefully to be expanding in the future!)

[gentlehorsemanship]

“Vegans don’t ride horses”

You’re quite right. They don’t and for very good reasons. Traditional methods of horse riding can uncomfortable and painful for a horse. There’s also traditional methods of horse keeping which deprive horses from time to interact with a herd properly and can lead to them developing stress related habits such as “weaving” (swaying side to side when in a stable) “crib biting/wind sucking” (horse places his teeth on a fence/gate/door and deeply sucks in air. This can cause all kinds of issues in the digestive tract)

So yes! It’s completely understandable why vegans would be against this! That’s why I myself no longer ride. I have however spent my entire adult life in vain attempt to improve the welfare of horses lives and educate riders and owners on kinder methods and change some of the common practices.

So far I’ve worked with over 200 horses (including rescuing many myself) and helped their owners understand the psychology of equines, how to make their lives more enriched.

I teach people that horsemanship can be achieved without painful metal bits in the mouth, without whips, without spurs.

My work is slowly paying off. Many competitions now accept bitless bridles, and many owners are starting to better understand how horses think.

Arguably, I do a lot more for equine welfare than merely standing at the side lines and saying “Thats not vegan that” people will not give up owning and riding horses any time soon and fall off their chairs laughing at vegans with no equine knowledge who say riding is cruel. I’m doing everything I can to improve the world for horses and make their lives better and pain free. If this means you don’t agree I’m “vegan” then so be it. My mission to help horses means far more to me than any label means to you.

What do you do for equine welfare, except say “That’s exploitation” on the internet? How many horses have you rescued? How many horses lives have you changed? How many riders do you educate each week?

[gentlehorsemanship]

Why you should stop gripping with your knees

Growing up I was always taught some rather interesting methods of riding. Constant alternating kicks to keep horses walking, that if a horse doesn’t listen we kick harder or use a whip, and that if a pony bucks, bolts or is generally a bit quick around a jump course to grip with my knees.

And today I’m here to explain why that is an absolutely awful idea.

#1 your deep seat is now void. When a horse spooks/bolts it’s best to keep a deep seat and stay planted nice & still than to bounce about and lose your balance. Gripping with the knee causes to lower leg to stop “hugging” the horse and 99% of the time causes the lower leg to swing back and the heel to come up. Try it now off a horse. In order to “grip with the knee” your feet and lower leg come outwards.

#2 You’ll tip towards What happens when your lower leg flys backwards? You compensate the lack of balance by tipping your upper body forwards. With your legs now on a 90 degree angle you’ll probably find yourself on the deck.

Best course of action? Hug the horse with your tigh and calf keeping your heals nice and level/down. Why? When you grip with the knee you have one small point of contact. When you use your whole thigh and whole calf you have two strong points of contact. By wrapping your lower leg around the horse you’re pulling yourself deep into the saddle instead of pushing away with your knees.

Imagine yourself hanging onto a barrel for dear life, would it make more sense to dig your elbows in or to wrap the whole of your arms around it?

[gentlehorsemanship]

‘If the horse didn't like it, he’d throw me off”

One of the biggest lies we tell none equestrians and those who disagree with the methods/training aid we might be using.

we’ve all seen it on Facebook. Someone saying horses should be free and not ridden and some traditional equestrian claiming that if their horse didn't like something it would throw them off. 

But we know damn well this isn't true. Look at the horse in these pictures. there’s a link to the video here (warning - contains harsh riding and may be distressing to some viewers)

The horse makes absolutely no effort what so ever to unseat this wretched rider, but we can tell he’s clearly not enjoying himself. 

We’ve all seen incidents like this, at shows or competitions with a pony refusing to move, fashioning a dull, lifeless look in his eye while the parents of his rider shout “Give Him a whack with the whip! Show him who’s boss” he then has his mouth yanked and is kicked into small circles until he jumps the fence. - and I know we’ve all seen an event similar to what I’ve just described. 

So we know that if the horse is upset or unhappy they won't throw us off. It’s just a sentence we use to make ourselves feel better. Horses are incredibly tolerant of all the crap we put them through and its time to stop lying to ourselves about them not being unhappy. 

If the logic of “If the horse didn't like it or he’d throw me off” were true, horses must be absolute masochists, because they rarely seem to chuck their riders for whipping them, checking their mouths or kicking them as hard as possible, which must mean they like it? I don’t buy it.  neither should you. 

[gentlehorsemanship]

“Don’t get off! Then he’s won”

One of the saddest but most commonly heard statements in the equestrian world.

The horse has no interest in battling us. All the horse knows is he has a problem and that problem needs addressing. 

I’ve seen it mainly while hacking, We will reach a certain landmark such as a gate, field ect. The horse refuses to walk past this point. Napping, circling, mini rears, walking backwards generally refusing to walk forwards. 

Now if the rider dismounts, the horse will happily walk past this land mark without a great deal of fuss but for some unknown reason this means we are losing the battle! We’re told that the horse will “Learn exactly what he needs to do to make us get off his back”

 So out comes the whipping, the shouting and ferocious kicking for a good 3-5 minutes, Which happens every time we ride this particular route.

Give it maybe 6 weeks or so of this behaviour, (in fact, less than that. I’d say even 2 weeks.) and this has become a learned behaviour. The horse has probably forgotten their original reason for not wanting to pass this certain point but what they do know is that this point is associated with being shouted at, kicked and beaten with a whip. 

Think of a child having a nightmare. They cry for your help. Is the child crying just to annoy you to interrupt the film you’re watching, or are they wanting you to help them feel safe and secure? In the same way the horse doesn't want to ruin your afternoon ride to get on your nerves he is telling you he is scared/nervous and wanting your help. I will repeat myself one more time. A horses brain does not have the capacity to maliciously want to get on your nerves. That is not how they think.

The solution? Dismount before the horse has chance to stress out about the scary land mark, reassure the horse and talk gently, pass the ‘scary’ point and remount. Repeat this several times. Your horse will learn they are safe, and have no need to feel threatened and also learn that if they are scared they can count on you and trust you to reassure them. A trusting horse is a less spooky horse.

You have not lost any battle by dismounting. You have defused a battle. You’ve created an alliance and work together instead of starting an unnecessary battle against each other. 

Remember how quickly a habit can be formed. Would you prefer a good habit or a bad one?

[gentlehorsemanship]

Nevzorov Haute Ecole Research Centre

Sign the Petition against equestrian sport. http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/against-equestrian-sport.html

Some of the research conducted by the Nevzorov Haute Ecole research centre. 

I can’t stress enough that I do not use opinion in my work. I use only facts and science.

The experiments carried out used the same technology that is commonly used by forensic scientists in crime scene investigations. Worth a watch.

If anyone believes this study to be biased I'm quite happy to post the full lab report for you to read.

[kimblewick]

Okay but this is seriously perfect <3

Alizée Froment, photo by Sjoert Pegge

[gentlehorsemanship]

[gentlehorsemanship]

A thought for the day - if my horse were a dog would I be doing this?

I had an email this morning, asking me about how to get a horse to hack out on his own. I'm not specifically pin pointing this person, I see this all the time, perhaps even you yourself have used it. "my horse won't hack out on his own. He gets to the end of the street and then refuses to walk and spins in circles. I've tried lots of leg and big kicks to encourage him forwards and a whip but he just rears and gets worked up. Any ideas?" Read that again. But change the word horse for dog. People then seem to magically find the answers all by themselves. I'm in no way saying that the psychology of canines is the same as that of an equine, by far. However when it comes to dogs, we choose a soft, kind approach instead of automatically assuming they're "taking the piss" First we need to address why won't the horse hack out alone? Scared? Nervous? Do they know the area very well? Have you recently moved yards and not hacked out much? If the horse is scared punishment will not solve your issues. You're not losing any battle by dismounting, comforting your horse and walking them in hand a few times so they know they can feel safe alone with you. Horses are herd animals. Of course they feel a bit uneasy without other horses, and punishment wont change that, but it will possibly worsen the situation especially if it happens regularly to the point where they've forgotten why they were originally scared of going past that certain point alone but they know each time they reach that point they get shouted at and whipped and come to associate that land mark with a bad experience. It's up to you to break that habit and learned behaviour. They aren't being naughty by refusing to go forward. They're trying to tell you something, but you didn't listen, so they used a different, bigger way of communicating, until it got to the point where rearing and spinning was the only way to get their point heard. If you can remove that element and reassure them that everything is ok you haven't lost a battle, you haven't won it either. You've simply defused it completely. Horses have no interest in spat for spat with humans. They look for reassurance and safety. They completely lack the mental capacity to want to ruin your day. They have no idea you had the worst day at work, an argument with your colleague, that your car needs servicing and that you're running low on cash. They honestly did not set out to make your day worse. And we need to remember that they are very innocent in their wants and very primal. If you find yourself wanting to punish a horse for something, please first ask yourself why is my horse doing this and treat the problem not the symptoms. Ask yourself "if my horse were a dog would I find it acceptable to punish them for being afraid?

[gentlehorsemanship]

The mental block of bitless

I speak to people almost daily about bitless. Some want to try it, some want to shun it. Either way, the one thing they both have in common is they both think their horse will bugger off with them (me included when I first tried!) even if their horse has never bolted before.

So my advice? Just try it.

I know, I know, I can hear you shouting “THATS THE WORST ADVICE EVER” But it’s not.

If you’re worried keep the bit in, and attach a spare set of reins or lead ropes to the noseband. Your safety net is there if you need it. If a horse bolts, do you really think a bit will help? Bitted or bitless, if they want to bolt there's little you can do to stop that 1200lb animal.

Now, off you go. Try it. You’ll probably pap yourself but I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised. You’ll probably have the most boring schooling session/hack.

Why does it work on stopping spookiness/bolting?

- if you tense up and anticipate a spook in a bit, the horse will feel it, however tiny. Bitless your horse is much less likely to feel you go all tense through the reins.

- how does it stop bolters? That’s pretty simple. Horses are flight animals. They run from pain. Remove the pressure on the soft gum tissue with a gentle, understandable cue from a side cue? Ta da.

Give it a go, let me know how you get on.

[gentlehorsemanship]

What is your favourite kind of bitless bridle?

Hello first question asker!

I’m not so sure if you mean type of bridle or brand? 

so I’ll cover both :D

 my favourite type of bridle, is the side pull as it is commonly known or side cue as I prefer to call it. These types of bridle work exactly like a headcollar with reins attached to the sides. They often have more padding than a rope halter and a wider surface area so are a little softer. But all horses have their own preference. Some prefer crossunders like the Dr Cook some prefer Scrawbrigs like the Lightrider.

my personal favourite brand of bridle is the Matrix which I recommend to anyone wanting to start out bitless, and here’s why! 

The matrix is a multifunctional bitless bridle and can be any kind of bitless bridle. You can simply buy the noseband to fit to your existing bridle, and it comes with an extra chin strap to make it into a Bosal, Indian Bosal, Side cue, Cross under, Hackamore, Double bridle, Scrawbrig or a double scrawbrig.

for more information on all these kinds of bitless bridles, photos of how they work and more information on the matrix you can visit Susan Duckworth’s website HERE

Hope this helps!

[gentlehorsemanship]

Why bitless? Up until a few years ago, I laughed at bitless. I wouldn’t mount Panda without a Pelham, whip and occasionally, spurs. Bitless was for foolish hippies not competitive riders, besides my nutter of a horse couldn’t possibly be ridden bitless. Could she? She was far too strong and hot headed. She was too big, too loopy and too damn well unpredictable, she barely had breaks at the best of times. Then I took up a debate with Rachel Stock. Who simply pointed out to me, if I have little/no breaks in a pelham, then what have I got to lose with bitless, if I can’t stop anyway it must be worth a shot. So after a good hour of the traditional excuses “Why don’t you come ride her bitless and see how you get on” to which she replied, why don’t you?
“Bits don’t hurt in soft hands” 
Rachel responded with “if your hands are so light, and so soft you won’t need a bit then. She’d had her teeth and back checked with no issues, I had it in my head she was just a complete psycho. So the very next day, I made a makeshift bitless bridle by attaching the cheek pieces to the noseband. 
Climbed on, and very nervously set off for a hack. 
We passed a flashing truck with a huge lift on the back & some work men fixing a lamp post, that she’d normally have danced sideways past. No reaction at all. 
We got into the woods and about 30 pigeons took off from a bush next to us. Usually after something like this she’d be in a high speed gallop. But no, nothing. We encountered almost everything. Dogs running from owners barking at her legs. Bounced castles & trampolines in gardens, even rode past a game of cricket at the local pitch. Not one single jolt.
The real test would be the "canter field” as we called them at the stables. (Where the before photos of me in the burgundy polo were taken)
Here she would buck, rear then usually bolt. But on that day, she relaxed, waited with little rein contact and steadily cantered across the field, coming straight back to trot when asked. I thought I had a different horse. 
Since then she’s been bitless, and is calm enough to take even the smallest of riders around a show ground & still place highly! So, even me the most skeptic rider, and Panda the lunatic of a horse can go bitless. I won’t ever deny my past use of bits. Which is why I have the experience to speak about them. We weren’t all born bitless. Let’s not try and deny what we’ve learnt from.

[gentlehorsemanship]

A lesson I gave Gabriella a few months back, on Panda. It was Bella's first time riding bitless, and she was surprised to find there wasn't much difference to riding bitted, once you get over that mental block that tells you that you'll have no control. Panda enjoyed showing everyone that you can still have a springy, uphill stride and lovely self carriage without a bit. Sorry for the picture quality, they're video shots!

[gentlehorsemanship]

Hello and welcome to the beginning.

My website is currently being written, but thought I’d kick start with my social media as it’s a bit easier to set up than the lines of code required to write a website! (With big thanks to my partner Nat, owner of NK Web Creation for all his assistance.)

Those of you who know me will know I’ve recently taken a horsey break to concentrate on being a new Mum and looking after my own mare, Panda.

Now I can walk again without my back giving up on me after 10 strides, I’ve decided to actually use my qualifications and knowledge, and maybe even sit a few more exams. 

I’d love for you to follow me on my adventures and studies, and thanks to all of you for putting up with my irritating Facebook Like invitations.

Let’s see if we can break some myths and traditions “By droppin’ science son” (please excuse the shameless The Big Bang Theory quote)

Bye for now! 

Rhiannon & Panda xx

[equine-awareness-blog]

The Effect of the Bit on Horse Behavior

In a study of behavior, a survey was carried out of 440 written reports from riders who had switched from a bitted bridle to a new design of bitless bridle. Essentially, the comparison was between an invasive and painful method of control (a bitted bridle) and a non-invasive and painless method (a bitless bridle). The unprecedented opportunity to switch a horse, overnight, from bitted to bitless control revealed many new and serious manifestations of the syndrome ‘aversion to the bit.’ The survey demonstrated that the bit is responsible for at least 50 problems. The four most frequently cited effects were to instill fear, to make the horse fight back, to trigger a flight response, and to cause facial neuralgia (headshaking). These and other behavioural effects were associated primarily with oral pain. However, the responses were not limited to the oral cavity, for they included a whole cascade of systemic effects. Predominantly, these involved the nervous system and resulted in adverse behavioural responses (58%). Musculoskeletal system effects interfered with locomotion (26%) and respiratory system effects caused dyspnoea (16%). It was concluded that a bit is harmful to the health and safety of both horse and rider, and an impediment to performance.

Source

If there was a more humane method to achieve your goals, why wouldn’t you try it?

[equine-awareness-blog]

“But you can’t have contact with a horse in dressage without a bitted bridle!”

If you need a bit to have contact with your horse, you’re relying on your hands too much and not riding properly. The majority of communication should come from your body and legs, not your hands.

Riding “On the Bridle”

[equine-awareness-blog]

Allow the rider CHOICE - Allow Bitless Bridles in ALL horse sport

Please sign our petition to support NHTEC's (Norfolk Horse Training and Equitation Club) request for a rule change to allow EVERY rider/handler the ‘Choice’ to compete in ALL UK competitions in a bitless bridle. We ask for fairness and for inclusion in all equestrian sport for ‘bitless’ horses based on the evidence that some horses do not cope with the bit in their mouth – the mouth is a delicate and sensitive structure and sensitive to pain. We believe the RIDER should choose the bridle, bitted or bitless, that best suits their horse for optimum health and performance.

Please sign and share! Get the UK to be the first country to allow bitless riding in nationally recognized competitions!

[kimblewick]

‘For those into driving, from the 1860’s, a pair of remarkable driving Morgans. They are Morgan Tiger, son of Gifford Morgan and Morgan Star, son of Black Hawk. They were both stallions, owned, trained and driven by Amos H. Rockwell (look at the blanket). The special thing about this team is that they were never driven with the use of bridle or full harness, only a 10 foot whip. He exhibited this very special team of Morgans in every state in the Union – except during the Civil War when the most states were focused on some other issues. In 1865, he exhibited this team in New York City to the acclaim and wonderment of many onlookers. “…demonstrated to all beholders the Morgan’s strongest attributes, which are great intelligence coupled with docility and fearless courage.” Country Life, vol 17, 1910. Text by Christian Heidorf.