Softening

[Gemani]

My riding instructor sometimes asks me to 'soften' in order for the horse I ride to do certain things. Obvioulsy, I must do something because she always says I do 'soften'. :confused: Problem is I'm not really sure what I do! COuld somebody please tell me what I am doing? thanks!

[DavidH]

Softening is simply reducing pressure be it from leg, hand, seat or any combination.

[teabiscuit]

i try to administer the aids from a softer more relaxed back when i'm told this, because i get tense in the small of my back and this makes me set against the horse.
it makes me check that i'm not doing this setting thing as i'm riding.