There is a lot of discussion and lecturing about the use of energy when working with horses. Energy is certainly a factor in being an effective rider. But energy in itself does not tell a horse what to do or how to do it.
How do you help a horse not rush at the canter? How do you help a horse that bolt out of a trailer? How do you help a horse that spooks on a trail ride?
With horses, the source of their worry and anxiety is a lack of clarity. I’m trying hard to think of an exception to this premise, but nothing comes to mind.
I explained that the purpose of the groundwork was to better prepare a horse to be ridden. Everything we do should be connected to developing a better riding horse.
When a horse is initially trying to figure out something, there is a distinct lack of clarity in its mind about what are its best choices when confronted with pressure.
