Game of Contact summary to get started with Try

The Game of Contact

FEEL SLOW HANDS

1. Reins mean go:
a. Driving seat steady feel
b. Practice on a barrel

2. Displaced behaviors: complete release when horse starts to make a change
a. Behind the bit—low head
i. Maintain contact
ii. Suspension or two reins
iii. Wait for Try
iv. Bring up like Cobie
b. High head—higher reins two or suspension
c. Sideways—following reins—reverse psychology

3. Walk without reaction to the bit
a. Match the intensity—more provocative if necessary
b. Shorter reins to maintain contact without noise
c. Trot when horse steps into the feel of the bit when you take contact

4. Trot
a. Bicep/tricep
b. Use of my body
c. Few strides and come to walk to release
d. Come to walk by setting horse on its hind end (stand horse on his tail—seat/suspension rein)
e. 2-3 successes then stop for the day