Walk as if you are going to the chocolate shop
Walk with a sense of purpose when you are leading your horse, and as if you know where you are going. This also helps when you are riding. I find my horses go out with a lot more certainty if I am on a mission to find my New Forest ponies.
A smile in the line
Refers to the slack between your hand and the horse's head when he is walking in the place that you want him to be.
Use a motorbike hand
Leading with your palm down on the lead rein rather than facing upwards helps to avoid a horse dragging you off to the grass or leaving! When your hand faces downwards in this way, you have more strength when you need it because it utilises the muscles in your arm and your tummy.
A balloon on a stick
A phrase I use to describe the opposite of a motorbike hand when you see horses pulling their owners all over the place.
Don't wait for him, he's not your boyfriend
Again, walking with a sense of purpose, looking ahead, and not turning towards your horse to see why he's lagging behind. If you lead with a 'smile in the line' then it's the horse's job to maintain that smile in the line. Nevertheless you do have to walk at a pace that is natural to him.
Tomorrow...the Madonna bra and stand like a farmer not a model!
