The horse isn't paying the $38 for me to ride it either. LOL!
But yeah, I'd guess my biggest pet peeve right now is riders that don't even ~attempt~ to control their horse. I think they believe they are on a theme park ride or sumthin'. :-/
Even my first time out, I tried to control my horse, albeit timidly. I was worried about the type of bit and how strong a hand was needed to get results.
Once Hair pointed out that the bits were the gentlest out there, I took a more aggressive stance with the reins.
The good/bad thing about these horses is that they have ridden the trail a gazillion times and are bored to tears. Which is great in one way since you don't worry about encoutering something the horse may find unfamiliar.
But the bad is that with boredom comes an increased propensity for mischief. Kinda like my girls. :-D
Mischief = accidents when riders on board.
A question if you all would indulge me please...
How are leg cues used?
When I want the horse to turn right, for example, I turn my torso in the direction I want and apply pressure with my calf on the right side of the horse with my toes pointed up towards the right.
Is that incorrect?
I ask because I don't want to be sending mixed messages to the horse by using body language one way and legs another.
I'd like to use my legs a bit more in guiding the horse instead of the reins if the turn is a gradual one to get around fallen logs, rocks, etc.