Episode #33Understanding Soft FeelIntroduction:Soft feel is a vital concept in horsemanship, serving as the foundation for effective communication and connection between horse and rider. In this enlightening blog post, Anthony Desreaux, a seasoned horse trainer, provides valuable insights into the significance of soft feel through a demonstration with his horse, Peppy.Join us as we explore the visual cues, application, and the transformative role of soft feel in advancing your horsemanship skills.

‍The Visual Indicators of Soft Feel:Anthony begins by illustrating the visual indicators of soft feel in Peppy, both on the ground and in the saddle. With the halter on, Peppy demonstrates softness at the poll as he relaxes his head, maintaining a vertical position. He readily responds to the pressure of the rope, yielding and giving in a relaxed manner. Moving to the saddle, Anthony picks up a soft feel with the snaffle bit and reins. He explains that Peppy needs to be light on the reins, maintaining a vertical forehead, and displaying a relaxed and dropped poll. These visual cues highlight the importance of soft feel in achieving harmony and responsiveness between horse and rider.

‍The Importance of Soft Feel:Soft feel serves as a crucial building block for advancing horsemanship. It establishes a subtle and nuanced connection, fostering a deeper level of understanding between horse and rider. Through the cultivation of soft feel, riders can develop a sensitive and responsive communication channel, enabling them to convey their intentions with minimal effort. This not only enhances precision but also promotes a greater sense of trust and partnership between horse and rider.

‍Application and Development of Soft Feel:Anthony guides readers through practical steps to develop and refine soft feel with their own horses. He emphasizes the significance of consistency, patience, and understanding the individual needs and responses of each horse. By incorporating exercises and techniques that encourage relaxation, suppleness, and responsiveness, riders can gradually develop and maintain a soft feel throughout their horsemanship journey.

‍Transforming Your Horsemanship:Mastering soft feel has a transformative effect on the overall horsemanship experience. As riders strive to attain soft feel, they develop a heightened sense of awareness and feel, allowing for subtle adjustments and refined communication. The connection established through soft feel allows riders to navigate various maneuvers, transitions, and challenges with greater finesse and harmony. It sets the stage for advanced horsemanship skills, laying a solid groundwork for future growth and development.

‍Conclusion:Soft feel is a foundational element of horsemanship that facilitates effective communication and connection between horse and rider. As illustrated by Anthony Desreaux's demonstration with Peppy, the visual cues of soft feel—softening at the poll, maintaining a vertical head position, and yielding to pressure—highlight the transformative potential of this concept. By nurturing soft feel through consistent practice and understanding, riders can unlock a deeper level of partnership, responsiveness, and refinement in their horsemanship pursuits. Embrace the power of soft feel, and embark on a journey of advancing horsemanship.