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Drive Lines
Corralitos Play Day
November 19, 2008
Drive lines replicate the feel of the reins for the horse, without the interference
and added distraction of a rider on board. Krista uses drive lines to refine
the body position and improve balance for the horse, working each horse from
the ground to achieve the best position that each horse was able to offer.
Krista worked each horse slowly and patiently, until he/she could understand
what was being asked and could move forward, backwards, and turn with the
lateral and vertical flexion each horse felt comfortable with. For horses
like these, who are used to ropes and being asked to work in balance, the
process went fairly quickly.
When the horse was moving nicely, the rider was added. Krista continue to drive as before. The horse learned to move with the added weight and movement of the rider. The rider was able to experience their own horse's movement and learn to support that movement and balance.
If you decide to try this on your own, stay
safe. Get as much professional guidance as you and your horse need before
starting.
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Zinnia struggles to find her body position at first. An over-achiever, she's over-flexed .. |
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then she can't move forward. |
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Krista
maintains steady pressure .. .. ..
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.. .. .. until Zinnia finds it.
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After
just a few minutes, Zinnia is soft and relaxed on a very loose rein.
This isn't totally new to her and she remembers what's expected of her.
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Zinnia's rider is added,
and Zinnia is able to maintain her soft position. Cristie is able to
feel what she should be looking for when she has Zinnia's reins.
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Joe has lots of experience with drive lines: he's just learnied to pull a cart. Getting a soft frame is easy for Joe. Moving forward softly is a little harder. |  |
This is still a bit stressful for Joe: he's gaping his mouth a little. He'll relax shortly. |
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Joe is a little confused
between going where Scott's looking and where the reins are suggesting
that he go.
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Joe's got it now, and
he's moving right along. Scott and Joe will both be able to recall this
feeling should they feel a little lost in their riding.
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Joe's crossing over very nicely for a sidepass, and everybody's smiling! |
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Miss Pea is a very sensitive
Paso Fino who wants just about none of this.
She quiets quickly, though, and Krista waits patiently for her to figure out that all she has to do is walk forward. |
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Miss Pea is trying everything
she can to figure this out: including going backwards.
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Miss Pea is able to go forward quietly.
and it's time for Sydney to get on board. Krista tries a tap, a poke, a swat with the rope.
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Success: one step forward!
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It's been a great day
for Miss Pea and Sydney. As they practice moving in a new way, Sydney
will remember the soft, relaxed feeling she has. Miss Pea has learned
a new way of going and will appreciate being reminded of how slow and
quiet life can be.
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| Krista@FromStartToFoundation.com |
831-588-6214
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1425
San Marcos Rd. Paso Robles, CA 93446
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