The Golden Thread Guidelines
Review of the Golden Thread and What That Means
The secret that so many seem unaware of. How when we get it right, the next new thing comes easily because it was premade in what came before. A golden thread we can follow all the way through. Making sure we have a path to follow that makes sure that we succeed and makes sure we can offer the same to those we are trying to help succeed as well. Amazing as a coach when you can offer that.
Imagine a pre-laid out path bathed in golden light, each step a lesson on your journey to a deeper understanding of yourself and your horse. Every experience a stepping stone. No longer including steps that take you off the path to success. Knowing we need to learn not only what to teach but what paths not to follow.
Forget the dead ends and frustration of the past as you discover that not all paths are equal.
We can offer you a road of exquisite and effective simplicity.
No lesson wasted.
No lesson without purpose.
No lesson taken up that takes us in the wrong direction.
Every lesson only taken up if it contributes to the whole.
The Golden Thread, where every lesson taken up, part of a chain that builds towards the next truth that is waiting to be revealed.
When we make every decision with a clear and final purpose, it brings a sense of clarity and allows us to focus on what truly matters and what will lead us to our desired outcome. With the creation of a purposeful foundation, we can align our actions with our goals and know we will be successful as riders, as teachers, as mindfulness coaches, as friends of the horse, as healers.
General Guidelines
Starting with become friends first. Understand how your energy effects the horse. Pushes him away, draws him to you, and/or when you want calm a perfect balance of the two.
Include the Three Rules Sway
Minimize or Don't Include at All Work in Hand. We are too strong. No way to match perfectly every joint in their body in perfect timing because we can't feel what their body is doing unless we are on them.
We pattern all our joints to match the energy of the horse.
We only ride the horse in a Level 1 Balance when in an active free walk.
Poll high
Neck long. The longer the better.
The bend of the poll comes because we take the muzzle back or hold it, but because we have pushed the poll so far forward.
Your reins begin in the small of your back.
The horse works on the diagonal so you do too.
Our job to match perfectly the energy of the horse activated through every joint.
The horse should not be ridden above or below the bit.
The head and neck should be carried.
The horse should be free to wander twenty-four-seven.
The horse should have hills, inclines and grades to protect the stifles.
Don't ride with gloves.
Don't use a bit that slides. It will always put you out of time, and any true connection with the bit will be lost.
Learn how each rein aid works differently based on the current horse's level of balance.
Don't lunge, chase the horse, etc. If at all possible
Don't climb on a horse unless they have said, please climb aboard
Don't put any weight on the cantle of the saddle. Ride as close to the pommel as possible
Keep the saddle off the weak parts of the horse's back. Aim for the support of the long true ribs.
Train the trot NOT the walk. The walk is a gait of healing.
Study full range of motion on the part of the horse, study how to give that back to the horses.
To follow a deep discussion on why?
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We free movement and development of the horse's back the same way a racehorse is given that option. By getting off their backs.
AND by knowing the difference between pushing and carrying. Determined by levels of balance.
If you are already following the guidelines about only riding in in Level 1 in free walk. This is probably not something that you need to worry about! So good for you and your clients! A problem solved before it ever happens.