Riders can prevent dragging with an independent seat and the understanding that a light, elastic contact is best coupled with awareness of changes of the feeling in the hands. How to become more aware of dragging Each rider needs to decide how much elastic contact in the reins is desirable. Once this is decided, an agreement is made with the horse. The rider promises to maintain this connection with a steady, soft hand and, when the horse changes the connection, to immediately adjust to the agreed connection with a correct half halt. This agreement must be consistently respected so the horse does not get confused.
Many difficulties arise from a loss of balance through the body of either horse or rider.
A well-developed awareness and vigilant attention to any change in the ideal elastic rein contact is the key to a rider s success. Dragging can become dangerous when the rider begins to hold the horse in both reins and the horse has no outlet for the resulting confusion or fear. Dragging, when it turns into a holding match, can irritate or frighten a horse. When this happens, a horse feels trapped, and that feeling can cause rearing, running or bucking all dangerous behaviors. Again, prompt awareness of changes in the body and or reins and immediate, appropriate corrections are essential.