Your self-use is an important component in riding and training.  It is important to expand your awareness to that of your horse, otherwise, your focus will be limited and self-indulgent.  The kinesthetic sense you develop “when you know what you are doing” (Moshe Feldenkrais) and how the horse and rider move together will provide the basis for subtle but clear communication between both, so “you can do what you want.” (Moshe Feldenkrais).

Too much tension or force will interfere with how you sense your horse.  When we use too much of our musculature to move we move with tension.  We are contradicting ourselves. We end up getting in our own way and interfering with the way we perceive ourselves and our horse. Using your whole self in an efficient manner will impact how your horse senses you. This is achieved through the use of the larger muscles of your back and pelvis synchronized in a specific way to support the actions of your arms and legs.  Combined with how we sit on our horse, the use of the larger muscles are more efficient and produce inviting and clearer aids for your horse.  Instead of focusing on the specific goals of “leg goes here, back works this way, etc.” you will seamlessly discover your innate ability to synchronize your movements and aid to effectively communicate-your actions become part of the process rather than the seemingly endless quest for a goal.

Your ability to feel and recognize the subtle changes in your horse as he processes your request(s) will be part of this process and will produce a situation for optimal learning.  You are much more able to be in the moment to reward or encourage appropriately.