What Nate said

Yeah to what Nate said at the clinic that the DOR attended. He talked about how the release needs to be slow, when you release to fast the bit bangs your horse's mouth. He said that unclear cues make horses confused and when we are confused we get cranky. Yep the DOR know about unclear cues and confusion...that is what happened when I sent her to the moon a year ago. He pointed out that hands should move up and in or down and out, elbows staying at your side.
He had her work on forehand and haunch turns. He broke the moves down into small sequential steps. By the end of the clinic all of the horses were much softer, even Sir Darby with his hard mouth.
The DOR has lots of homework, makes me a bit glad I am still laid up or I would be in for it for sure.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!