"Horse Morse Code"

by David W B Dodwell
 
After many years observing riders of all sorts and at all levels, it was apparent that the way many riders communicated with their horses resulted in confusions and problems, of which any gadget is a clear manifestation.

As I had often been in similar situations, I decided to try to produce a new system based on what I had learnt from reading two or three of the greatest masters of the past century.

The Radio Morse Code was an inspiration of simplicity, clarity and completeness and easy to understand. How wonderful if a new system of riding had the same values! Over a period of years I did arrive at such a system, so named it “The Horse Morse Code”. The only “bit” needed is an ordinary jointed snaffle with no noseband of any sort.

The most damaging and widespread confusion of all has gone tragically unnoticed (unbelievably) since before the war. Here it is:

1. To get your horse on the bit (rounder) –  use your left leg and right rein (and vice-versa).
2. To collect your horse — use your left leg and right rein (and vice-versa).

The same message for two quite different responses required from the horse and this begins at the very beginning of the horses’ education! The situation is no better at the most advanced levels of education when piaffe and passage are introduced.

The Horse Morse Code has a clear answer to all these problems while retaining the ideals of Classical Riding, especially lightness.

The Horse Morse Code is made up of only seventeen messages using leg(s) and hand(s) only.
Additional aids often cause confusion.

Message 1-9 - used for hacking, jumping, showing, hunting, dressage etc.
Message 10-14 - produce a G.P. dressage horse.
Message 15  - asks horse to stretch its head to the ground.
Message 16  - asks horse to raise its head.
Message 17 - (a) produces a steady still head (horse!) or (b) encourages still hands in the rider.

These messages make all gadgets redundant. The Horse Morse Code is approved by one of the world’s pre-eminent trainers Herr C Hess, Director of the German National Federation. It is highly relevant to the most advanced or novice riders.

£17.50 plus postage and packing of £2.00. Only available by post from the publishers:
Cherwell Books, Woodford Halse, Daventry, Northants. NN11 3TU.
 

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