This is a term used when explaining the type of communication transferred fromrider to horse when doing Contact Riding. Basically is describes the direct link from humanto horse.

Ideally, to send a direct and concise message to your horse with no possibility ofmisinterpretation, you would stick your fingers straight into the corners of his mouth. Nobit, no reins, just us and him. However, our arms are not quite long enough to reach, sosome compensation has to be made. The accuracy of your yields depends on how good yourconnection from your seat through your hands to your horse’s mouth is.

Sit with your elbows resting lightly on your hip-bones with your hands pointing forward likea handgun, cops and robbers style. Push your left hip forward and see what happens. If yourelbows and hips are connected, your left forearm and hand should be pushed forward also.Imagine that you had a rein in your left hand. What would happen to it? Hopefully you cansee that if you open your left hip up and out, you also open up your left direct rein. Allyou have to do is open your hand just a little. If you have taught your horse to look foropen doors and look for comfort, he would have struck off with a direct rein at whatevergait your energy level dictated. Can you see why it is so important to focus up? This shouldbe an open door.

Now bring your hip back straight again and once again be aware of what happensto your arm, hand and imaginary rein. Can you see how smoothly and easily you can changedown a transition? If you are doing any more than this at this level, you are doing toomuch. Either you need to do more preparation so your horse looks for the open doors, or youneed to ride more gracefully and give your horse the opportunity to take the offer. Doingtoo much usually comes from us trying too hard and making our horses do what we want. Thiskind of ask is usually met with some resistance.

If you have a good rein seat connection, your cues and requests will become almost invisiblebecause your connection is so close that every tiny move you make will send a clear messageto your horse. Remember, be light, sit up straight but have a relaxed posture, and besoft.

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