Part 2: Two Fingers | A Judges Letter Asking for Help
Following up on the Two Finger Exercise, this article shares an impassioned letter from a dressage judge dismayed by the use of overly tight nosebands. Discover why this is not just an equipment issue, but a crisis of trust and horsemanship, and what we can do to give the horse back its voice.
The Kjrsos Experience ~ Is knowing we can't give up on the horses.
Article Summary
This article shares a powerful, impassioned letter from a dressage judge, lamenting the shift from soft hands to forceful, tight nosebands in modern riding. It explores the classical 'two-finger rule' and asks why it was abandoned. We delve into the judge's plea to address the pain and fear caused by crank nosebands and rollkur, reframing the issue as a fundamental breakdown of trust between horse and rider.
The full text is a call to action for the equestrian community to return to an art form built on respect and to give the horse back its voice.
Read More From the Article...
We Already Covered Part 1: The Two Finger Exercise Updated
A Coaches Exercise to Demonstrate How Little Strength it Takes to Take Control of Our Horses
This three-step exercise is an invaluable educational demonstration that every coach can utilize to help others understand how little muscle it takes. We think of the horse as strong and powerful. And that head is huge and yet through it we can control a 1200 lb animal. We do so through the bridle, and through the halter. And we do the same when we bind their mouth.
Now you might want this kind of control. And of course, it isn’t any fun not to be in control, to have your horse run away with you.
But this also means the horse can’t get away from you. Can’t protect his mouth from harsh hands.
Can’t straighten his neck, to get a kink out.
Can’t look around to see what is going on.
Tying his mouth shut takes away his voice. His ability to speak. Takes away any opportunity for him to communicate.
Today Part 2: A Judge’s Request
I received a very impassioned letter from a dressage judge. A judge frustrated and dismayed by what she was seeing
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The Kjrsos Experience ~ Is understanding that our voice can change the world.