Mad Skills

TEXT: SKYE LITTLEFIELD

LEARNING TO RIDE IN A NECK ROPE

Iremember the first time I saw a video of neck rope riding - I was inspired! I dived into articles and videos to learn all I could about riding bridle-less, planning to hop on my horse the next day and give it a shot. In truth, the journey took far longer than expected, with ebbs and flows, but it was well worth it in the end. For me, nothing feels better than a successful neck rope ride, whether we’re practising some jumps in the arena or cantering along the bridle paths at home.

HOW TO GET STARTED

If your horse is used to being ridden in a bitted bridle, the transition to a neck rope will require some self-discovery and practice, especially to avoid confusion and frustration. Thorough preparation is vital, and there are a few steps you need to take before leaping into it to ensure that your horse understands what you’re asking for. It’s unfair to assume that your horse will know exactly what to do if you haven’t shown them what you need and mean. Once you’re without a bridle, you’ll be able to identify quite quickly if your horse has learned enough to continue or if you need to repeat a few steps.

Here are the key steps in learning to ride with a neck rope: COMMUNICATION First and foremost, successfully riding in a neck rope is about clear communication between you and your horse. For me, patience and positive reinforcement were huge factors in our neck rope riding success. Just as you may feel a bit insecure removing the bridle, so will your horse; your job is to provide all that is needed for your horse to feel that nothing has changed and that they are safe.

TRAIN VOICE AND SEAT CUES IN YOUR NORMAL TACK The position you hold with reins in your hands is different to that that is going to be required with a neck rope because using a neck rope removes what is commonly the rider’s safety net - the bridle. Without the bridle, your horse is going to rely heavily on seat aids and voice cues, and I implore you to be patient while they learn what you’re asking for.

Some riders like to use voice cues, while others prefer to use their seat. Either of these methods is perfect for riding in a neck rope, provided it is clearly taught. When riding, try to reduce the amount of rein you use and gradually transfer all of your communication to voice and/or seat; I find that a combination of both works best for Nikkle and me.

You may find that your horse doesn’t immediately understand, which is perfectly okay. It may take a few months of practice for you both to feel comfortable without the bridle as a primary communication tool. Patient practice will make progress!

RIDE WITH BOTH A BRIDLE AND A NECK ROPE This is a fantastic way to easily transfer your communication away from the bridle without completely removing it. Hold your neck rope along with your reins, and you’ll automatically transfer the rein cues to the neck rope too, helping your horse to learn while you both feel secure. I like to do this while still working on my normal routines so as not to change too much too soon.

While you’re practising this, be sure to practise your halt cues. If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed or confused, come back to a halt and start from the beginning again.

There is no timeline for success here, but if you have a good relationship with your horse and great communication, you’ll know when you’re both ready to remove the bridle. It’s important to remember that you’re asking your horse for something completely new, so think of it like working with a freshly-backed horse and advance slowly.

PRACTICE NECK REINING I know you probably think that only western riders neck rein, but it’s an invaluable communication tool when you’re starting with a neck rope. Eventually, you’ll be so in tune with your horse that you’ll use only your seat and voice, but for now, neck rein away!

THE TRANSITION Once you’re confident enough to ride in only a neck rope, practice in a lunge arena, incorporating your seat and voice cues to walk and trot, as well as making turns and halting. Your horse may be a bit excited when you finally try working in a larger arena, but with your foundational steps in place, remember that you can always halt and start again.