--- Robyn Hood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> I would never consider getting on a horse, especially one I don't know, without any rein contact. Anything can happen.<<
That is very true, but I have to admit, I mount all my horses with a loose rein. But I have spent a lot of time with them standing still at the mounting block, then we stand still for several minutes after I mount up. Sometimes I mount up and smoke a cigarette while I wait for my mom to get on her horse, so mine NEVER take off. (knocking on wood) >> Do you think there is only one style of riding in the US? << Not Judy, but I personally (in my small little world) see two basic types: western on loose rein, and english on heavy contact. And while a lot of people who are taught English talk about contact, what I actually see is them balancing off the rein and the horse's mouth. I think people should be taught to ride without any rein contact before they take up contact, as it then becomes hard for them to know the difference if they ride like that from the get-go (on heavy contact). Susan in NV Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545469
