"What is it that Carl Hester means, by consequent?"

© Cara Grimshaw/FEI

IMPRESSION

By Trevor Ibborsøn-Woodward, Cumbrian Wood Stud

WHAT IS CONSEQUENT? Recently one of my students in Victoria asked in a passing "what is it that Carl Hester means, by consequent?"

Simply put it is the rider with very clear and concise application of the aids with the full expectation of having a horse respond with positive "consequence!" he horse that trusts the rider is one who rides with “consequent!”

When you hear or read you have to ride with more consequent it works on the principle that you have to be determined, clear, concise application of your aids along with the expectation that is you get a very good response to your request....

That is a rider who expects a consequence from her aids is one who has to ride with more consequent. It is so much easier for the horse to understand and give the appropriate response on three levels:

1. Expectations in behaviour and or responses so we need basic communications and hence some degree of expectation and rideability. Horses at the very foundation (basic) level have to agree and understand the difference between “yes” and “no.”

2.    Good trainers work in a very straight forward way. I often remind student riders “never” let the horse know that you are unsure or show any hesitation as this makes many horses insecure which are then followed by a downsize in confidence and performance.

3.    Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It is better to ride with more consequent and to a make a mistake as you are half way there for the horse to understand then you can learn and modify what, and how you asked for the aids to suit your horse but it must also be with consequent.

If you are hesitant, unsure, too careful, and virtually nothing, you horse then has to guess as to what it is that you want. Horses are happier when you apply your aids clearly and with consequent. Another way of looking at consequent is what my for Coach, Trainer, Employer, mentor and friend Henning Lang (Denmark) used to say: Sometimes you have to ride with “a little controlled anger” to let the horse know you mean business, and give you the results your asking for in a fair but determined non stressful way.

Although I'm the trainer/rider/leader, I am a benevolent leader, not a forceful or violent one. That said, when my aids are precise and kind, I am utterly persistent that my horse complies with them. That is, my aids are of "consequent."

With our broodmares that are free in a herd, they always have a trustworthy leader they can rely on.

Immediately, any horse under saddle, the rider must be the leader. When a horse clearly understands what the rider wants, they are more content, secure, and happier.

They trust a rider who is "consequent," meaning a rider who expects a consequence from their aids and is easiest for the horse to understand; horses become trustworthy because the rider is consistent, yet determined to get the job done in a caring manner.

If the rider is uncertain, the horse doesn't experience a clear consequence for ignoring the aids, and as a result, the horse's understanding suffers, and he can't fully trust the rider. There can only be harmony when the horse has a clear leader that he responds to without question. The horse needs to know precisely what you want, so it's best to be clear.

For example, if I want to canter from walk, I give one aid with “consequent,” and the horse has to react on the first aid with “consequence”: rather than deciding for them as many do when the canter will begin. I train horses to have confidence in me, which is why they pay attention to me and are more contented and happier with life.

Thanks hope this has been useful and don’t hesitate to call or email me if you have any queries or problems only too happy to help, talk soon.

0429 638 511
trevor@cwsperformancehorses.com
www.cwsperformancehorses.com
 

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