Practical: Universal Aids: Balance – Understanding Your Horse’s Body with Josh Nichol

Connecting with the bit should help a horse find its own balance, not rely on the rider for it. In this exercise, moving the shoulders encourages the horse to rotate at the poll, which then unlocks the hindquarters and brings them into natural balance.

Watch as Josh works with Max in a bridle, guiding him to respond with softness and lightness. This approach teaches the horse to carry itself with ease and responsiveness in the bridle.