Читать книгу Cowboy Dressage - Jessica Black - Страница 22

The Cowboy Dressage methods that go into making a horse your partner (discussed in chapters 5 and 6) are very important. Soft Feel and the seemingly effortless communication that it facilitates are essential to both partnership and method. The relationship between rider and horse is the focus of the Cowboy Dressage method and all of its offshoots that are so successfully spreading the message. Just as important, however, is the way we talk about that relationship, and how it extends to the greater Cowboy Dressage community. The rapport amongst those within the Cowboy Dressage world who seek to progress by learning from and teaching other people is as vital as that between horse and rider.

The relationship between horse and rider is reflected in their constant communication. This communication is often explained in terms of “contact.” The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) defines contact as “The reins are stretched so that they form a straight line, not a loop” (fig. 2.6). “Correct contact” or “acceptance of contact” is determined by the elasticity of the connection between horse and rider. In Cowboy Dressage, contact refers primarily to the connection between horse and rider. Contact may happen through the reins (these may not necessarily be in a straight line), but it also happens everywhere else that the rider communicates with the horse. All contact should be light, whether through the reins, legs, seat, or even voice.

2.6 – Cowboy Dressage asks the rider to maintain light contact with the horse at all times. It is important to remember that this refers not only to the reins, but to all points of contact with the horse. Legs, seat, and hands (through the reins) must all maintain light contact, thus ensuring a constant connection between horse and rider.

Much of the imagery that has become associated with Cowboy Dressage reflects a certain nostalgia for the days when we depended on horses for more than entertainment, or “the good ol’ days” as the Cowboy Dressage website states. It has formed naturally from the reliance on Western tack and from the grass roots nature of the Cowboy Dressage organization. Even the competitions emphasize partnership and community, so much so that they are increasingly labeled “Cowboy Dressage Gathering and Show.”

Whereas Western Dressage has provided an outlet through an association that allows for the rules and regulations needed to perform in the larger breed shows, Cowboy Dressage has coalesced around people who pursue informal goals, doing the most they can with whatever horse (or mule, or pony) they have, perhaps in their backyard, perhaps with a trainer.

There is no official association or fees, but in response to the need for some form of recognized membership, the movers and shakers behind Cowboy Dressage have created an informal membership agreement, based on “the Handshake.” Part of the appeal of Cowboy Dressage is that it allows people to extend the feeling of partnership that they are fostering with their horses to others who are pursuing similar riding goals: kindness, the Soft Feel of complete communication, and a relaxed atmosphere in which to learn. The Handshake is emblematic of the Cowboy Dressage community and partnership.

THE COWBOY DRESSAGE HANDSHAKE

With our handshake and our word, we promise to:

 Continue to educate and teach as much as possible in all formats.

 Keep Cowboy Dressage simple and uncomplicated.

 Provide tests, rules, and information to everyone who wishes to show.

 Support and educate individuals outside the show ring who want to learn and improve as horsemen and horsewomen.

 Strive to maintain Cowboy Dressage as a grassroots, community-focused movement.

 Ensure Cowboy Dressage is accessible to everyone regardless of his or her income or status within the horse world.

 Make this a place where all people can hang their hat and be proud, whether they show, trail ride, barrel race, cut, rein, or just love horses.

 Most of all, we promise to look for the “try” in you, the Cowboy Dressage world members.2.7 – Eitan and Debbie Beth-Halachmy share the Cowboy Dressage Handshake.

 With your handshake and your word, you pledge to “try” to:

 Become the person others can trust with a handshake and your word.

 Exemplify the Cowboy Dressage way of life and find the courage to chase your dreams.

 Not allow defeat when faced with setbacks in your life and your horsemanship.

 Treat all horses and people with integrity and kindness.

 Look for “the try” in your horses and always reward them.

 Look for “the try” in people as you travel down your horsemanship path.

With your handshake and word, you become a member of the Cowboy Dressage World.