The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

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Topic: And...Yes, spelling it like brakes in a car is on purpose. We tend to think of spontaneous downward transitions as breaking gait, like something is broken, but there are so many benefits when horses choose to slow down or make a downward transition. Choosing to slow down or brake gait gait is what actually activates our horse's entire braking mechanism. The braking mechanism provides stability during motion, controls body weight internally and is how horses increase engagement of the hindquarters. When we disallow or even get after our horse for braking gait, then we cause a weakening of the braking mechanism which can lead to bad brakes or no brakes at all. When we allow our horse to brake gait, even if only for a stride or two, we strengthen the same braking mechanism and help our horse improve both balance and self carriage.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

The workbook series mentioned is only available at: https://kirstennelsen.com/shop/