Why the stretching position is so important when riding In this video, I explain to you what effect stretching has on horses from a physiological and psychological point of view. I will show you 3 different rein positions with which you can easily ask your horse to stretch: ⭐️ Fluid Rein. A position from Parelli Natural Horsemanship. Fluid Rein is about building a gentle connection to the horse's mouth. The horse is allowed to stretch at any time and in this way understands that making contact via the reins is not a restriction. We grab the reins with our hand from above, directly on the crest of the mane and "comb" the reins. One rein is between the index and middle finger while the other rein is between the little finger and ring finger. Now guide your hand to the buckle as if you were combing the mane with your hand. Make sure there is light contact. ⭐️ Release using the inside rein. This rein is very helpful for horses that tense up in the mouth and neck and therefore don't stretch. With the inside rein vertically upwards, you encourage the horse to relax its lower jaw and thus release the tension in its mouth and neck. Maintain light contact with the outside rein so that the horse doesn't stand up. Lower your inside hand as soon as you feel your horse looking for depth. This rein restores trust in the hand. ⭐️ Game of Contact. Convidence. Also a rein position from Parelli Natural Horsemanship. This rein is suitable for young, inexperienced horses but also for those that have had bad experiences with being ridden by hand. As the name suggests, it's about trust. Trust in the stretch, trust in the rider's hand. Form a kind of eyelet with your thumb and index finger; a guide directly above the crest of the mane and enclose both reins. Then take the reins by the buckle with your other hand and pull the reins diagonally upwards through the finger loop. Wait in this position until your horse stretches. Repeat this exercise. By establishing a signal to stretch, you can ask your horse to relax at any time. In stressful situations but also after difficult lessons, it is helpful and beneficial to health to ask the horse to stretch in a relaxed position. Martina Geheeb has put together a detailed description of the stretching position from a physiological point of view. Comment on this video with #CORRECTIVESTRETCHING and receive this valuable information. Martina's contact details: / martina.geheeb Animal health practice Martina Geheeb Horse manager and animal health practitioner, equine osteopathy Driving practice and online consultation The next video in my series 10 tasks from classical dressage is about riding transitions correctly. More about me and my work on https://www.klaudiaduif.de/ You can also find me here: ✅ Instagram: / klaudia.duif ✅ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@klaudia.duif ✅ Facebook: / horsemanship.reitkunst ✅ WhatsApp channel: https://is.gd/S3ug2y ✅ Newsletter (regularly valuable information & news) https://is.gd/so8ALJ #classicaldressage #ridingtips #ridinglessons #stretchingposition #fineriding #fineaids #dressage #horse #equestrianism #equibalance ​⁠