What does pinching grapes have to do with dressage? Let me explain. My coach Belinda Trussell wants me to half halt without using my hands. She told me to pinch a grape between my shoulder blades. That pinching of a little grape, a small movement but a powerful one, can produce a signal that is strong enough to bring Biasini back to me and bring up his shoulders. At the same time I must give with my hands. When I give it is saying to Biasini: “Carry your own head and neck” and immediately make sure his neck is soft and supple. Often he will want to tighten in his neck. That is when I must ask him for more activity in his hind end. I have to tap or push with my lower leg. If I do that he comes up and his neck softens. I like the phrase.”pinch that grape” It remimds me to sit up, keep checking every second. For those of you who are interested here is a video.
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