TheNEUTRAL Power of By Elisha Bradburn | Photos by Connie Ellis
This month I thought I would take a break from my series on the qualities of a horseman, and visit a very important, but not often emphasized topic: The power of neutral.
T
o begin with, allow me to define neutral from a horsemanship perspective. Neutral is the state of being engaged and ready, but not giving out any communications. You are ready, in that you are not slumped over, sitting on your back pockets, and chewing the fat with the neighbour over the fence. You are in an athletic riding position, reins up off the neck and poised for what’s next. It should be comfortable for you and the horse, a sweet spot of sorts, and it should be easily recognized by your horse as the “do nothing until further notice” position. Believe it or not, this neutral position is way easier talked about than executed! Continued on page 6
Fern Valley Appaloosas
Me and Boone at neutral.
UNFORGETTABLE SPOTS QUALITY YOUNG HORSES FOR SALE (watch for 2022’s foal crop) STALLION SERVICES (accepting select mares for 2022) Windwalker Cactus FernValleys Phoenix
Sherry is also a Published Author with 3 volumes of Cowboy Poetry and most recently a children’s book, as well as a farm safety/first aid book. As an Equine Assisted learning facilitator certified through EAL Canada, we offer 1:1 and group sessions.
Raising Quality Appaloosas in Central Alberta since 1985 Martin and Sherry Sikstrom • Onoway AB 780-951-1090 fernvalleyappaloosas@hotmail.ca Or keep up-to-date on the blog: fernvalley01.blogspot.com Check out our for sale page at: www.fernvalleyappaloosas.com OCTOBER 2021
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