Freedom Riding Articles, a.k.a. F.R.A., brings you along in a world of respect, trust, listening and watching. These words are the basis for a respectful relationship with your horse. This week we´ll discuss riding with a neck rope.
Bitless riding
F.R.A. has several forms of bitless riding and these have categorized in the bitless riding diagram. This diagram can help you decide which way of bitless riding suits you best. The F.R.A. neck rope falls under category 1 of the diagram: pressure on the neck.
‘That must be a piece of horse tack,’ might not be the first thing that jumps to mind when you see a neck rope. However, that’s exactly what it is. The neck rope is the only physical aspect of communication between horse and rider. F.R.A. neck ropes have a stainless steel core which has been lined with cotton. Riding with a neck rope is a subtle form of communication. The rider is in control of the neck rope, either willingly or unwillingly, by altering the position of the neck rope.
Experience
Riding without any form of physical communication, meaning without a neck rope as well, requires quite some riding experience. With a
neck rope you have the opportunity to give subtle hints and support your seat aids. When riding without any physical communication, a neck rope can give piece of mind as it gives you at least some form of control.
Whether riding with a neck rope is something that suits you strongly depends on your experience. It helps with subtle communications and helps stabilize your aids. Besides creating a stronger bond with your horse it might also help you give clearer aids.
Are you interested in riding with a neck rope? Here’s how to get started: Start in a relatively small, enclosed space. As soon as you get more experienced you can expand this further. Besides rider experience the type of horse and the surroundings play a part as well in successful riding. If you’re anxious to get started or simply in doubt whether to start riding with a neck rope or not, it’s wise to get in touch with an instructor to help you with your baby steps.
Finally
Riding with a neck rope can give both you and your horse an enormous amount of pleasure. By working together you’ll create a mental connection and a way of riding which will give you an amazing feeling. The bond between you two will grow tighter each time you ride. Your sense of stability will grow immensely if you ride saddleless. All this because there are no more physical obstacles blocking the connection between you and your horse. This freedom riding will melt the two of you together and will prove helpful when riding in other disciplines as well.
Do you have experience with the neck rope?
Let us know! Are you curious to about riding with a neck rope? Buy your
neck rope at Epplejeck now!