Separating the Aids
Separating the Aids - An effective Balancing Tool Hands without legs, legs without hands (Restraining and Driving Aids)
Using hand and leg aids simultaneously—applied by many all over the world, can have its downsides.
If your horse is lazy, it’ll make him dead to your legs or heavy in your hands.
If your horse is hot and full of fire, he’ll become tense and rush more.
Using ones hands and legs separately as opposed to simultaneously has a much more positive effect on horses. Separating the aids (even momentarily, makes it possible for the rider to balance the horse between the legs and hands. It adds lightness and refinement to riding and it makes horses very sharp to the aids. The concept of hands without legs, legs without hands is also a concept that makes it easier for our horses to understand and execute our requests.
It's a tool to use for whenever we wish to increase our horse’s balance - which is always...
Using hands and legs separately is also a fantastic tool for working with younger, inexperienced horses. Because you never accelerate and break at the same time, the horse will not be confused by your aids and understands your aids very quickly. The younger the horse, the bigger the time interval between the aids. The more advanced the horse, the closer together will the aids be applied until they are no longer noticeable.
Hands without legs, legs without hands is one of the most brilliant principles ever developed in equestrian history. It’s a fantastic for ease and elegance in riding.
