The Magazine June 2021
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Matt Hicks helps you tackle tension
Posted 27th April 2021
It’s problem-solving time with dressage rider and trainer Matt Hicks, who shares his tips to help you get the best out of a tense horse
We’ve all at some point struggled with a horse who just won’t settle down or concentrate but finding exercises to focus a busy brain isn’t always as straightforward as just running him through certain drills. The most common culprit here is tension, and rather than allowing it to become detrimental to your training, the key is to cultivate a set of tools that’ll help you diffuse the situation.
While knowing which everyday tools to use to get the best out of your horse will help you enormously, having some more specialist ideas ready to pull out should he feel particularly fresh one day will help you make sure your sessions are still productive, whatever his mood when you first get on board.
Top tip
Tension during ridden work can soon manifest into physical issues, such as sore muscles and weaknesses in areas of your horse’s body that he doesn’t use correctly. While learning to work properly is essential to his wellbeing, make sure you’re keeping an eye out for any signs of discomfort and consult your vet for advice.
All about tension
Working out what’s causing your horse to become tense and how it affects his way of going is really important when you begin tackling the issue. He could be uncomfortable – in which case a work-up from your saddler and vet is essential – or simply a sharper ride. Once you’re sure your horse is feeling his best, consider under what circumstances he becomes tense or stressed. Is he finding the work difficult? If he lacks balance or suppleness, he may find it hard to bend through his body or make a transition without hollowing.
A tense horse will struggle to stay soft in the contact and may rush rather than work in a swinging, consistent rhythm. He may become mouthy or bear down on the bit, curling his neck instead of working forwards into your hand. While these aspects of your horse’s natural way of going can be tough to tackle, there are plenty of ways you can help him relax.
Pick up a copy of June Horse&Rider, on sale 29 April, for some great schooling exercises you can do to help tackle tension.
