Join me as I post weekly blogs covering many topics relating to Classical Foundation Training. I have intentionally left out the word "dressage" because many people have a negative association with the prevalent "crank and spank" approach or that it is a sport for only those who are afraid to jump.
Dressage as it is meant to be is an understanding of how to best optimize a horse's movement and ability to carry a rider, surely a benefit for any horse, any discipline. It is also important in maintaining your horse's safety, soundness and sanity.
What are your thoughts on the use of balancing/lauffer side reins?
I don’t know what they are as I pay no attention to the latest gadgets on the market, there is a new one or two every year that goes through the barns like wild fire. I will say the same thing about them that I say about all such things: If you know how to train correctly you wouldn’t need it and if you don’t, you will probably create more problems then you had to start with by trying to use a device to help you do something that you really don’t understand.