Fall riding successful with Aikido

I want to do that, too.

Fall provides the greatest opportunities for beautiful trail riding. Who can resist the soft rustle of leaves and the fresh smell of tannin in the air? From the horse's perspective, the temperature is cool so they don't overheat and there are few flies or other nasty bugs. From my perspective, it is not too hot, not too cold, just right.
I am lucky to live in the country, and have neighbors who allow me to use the trails they maintain through their woods. The trails are for ATVs, but for private use, so they are wide and groomed with few obstacles in the way. I'm taller on my horse than the average ATV rider so I need to deal with low branches now and then, not a problem.
I previously wrote about how I used my Aikido training to lessen the impact of a fall from my horse. Aikido has other techniques that make working with horses more enjoyable and safe. A basic principle of Aikido is to be able to receive challenge, blend with it and redirect the energy in the way you choose.
My horse Eddie is somewhat barn sour. He is the leader of the herd and feels it is his obligation to stay with them. This leads to some interesting discussions between us when the ride starts.
I've learned that it is never a good idea to start a fight with a horse. They are bigger, stronger and more obstinate than a Viking warrior. So, when I want to leave the herd and Eddie does not, I use the "I want to do that too" technique of redirecting energy. Here's how it works:
I ask Eddie to go forward, leaving the herd. Eddie takes a few steps forward and turns to go left. Instead of yanking on the rein to correct his behavior, I accept the challenge and blend with it by saying, "I want to do that too." I pick up the left rein and go with Eddie. However, instead of stopping when we are facing the herd, I redirect his energy and continue the rein to make a 360 degree turn. We are now facing forward again.
Usually, the first time I catch Eddie off guard and he continues for a few steps forward before turning back toward the herd. Again, I want to do that too. I pick up the left rein and we do another 360 degree turn.
Now, Eddie gets the idea and he doesn't want to stop at 360 the next time, he goes for an additional 180 to face the herd, but guess what? I want to do that too. Another 360.
I vary the circles. Some are small, almost a reining spin, while others are large. Some are round, some are egg shaped. Some are done at a walk, some at a trot. Eventually, Eddie realizes he is only making more work for himself by not following my lead. He straightens out and we go on our ride. Once we have left the herd, Eddie is ready to go.
Conventional wisdom would say I'm letting my horse get away with something. Or I'm 'giving in' to him. Or you should never let your horse disobey, make him do it. I often find my style is not conventional. I could have 'made' him do it by yanking on the rein, kicking him, getting angry, setting up a fight. Maybe I would win the fight, maybe not. However, even if I won the fight, I'm now riding on a horse who feels he has lost. My horse and I are a team and I don't want my team members feeling like they lose when they follow me as their leader. I want my team to win. I want following my lead to be my horse's idea.
Also, we've had the opportunity to practice riding in circles, following my feel, turning on the hind quarters, turning on the forequarters, stopping, moving forward and backing up. These are all basic elements of riding and I've been able to practice them while putting a purpose into it. The result is a horse who willingly rides forward, stops easily and turns on cue.
I ride the horse who presents himself that day. Some days our routine may take one turn, some days it may take ten, and some days we don' t need it at all.
A few days ago, I hopped on Eddie, turned him away from the herd and we walked off without a hitch. We ventured into the neighbor's trails and had a lovely ride to trail's end where there is a beautiful field. I let Eddie stop and eat some grass as a reward. I sat with him, enjoying the sun on my face and the call of the crows overhead, grateful for the day and my wonderful horse. Eddie was grateful for the chance to eat on a new field of grass. When it was time to go back, I asked Eddie to go forward.
"No, I think I want to eat more grass," he said, and lowered his head. I said, "I want to do that too, but I want to do it over here."
I directed him to a patch of grass about a foot away. He complied and ate grass. I asked again and we went forward a few steps and Eddie decided to turn. I want to do that too. So we turned, we circled once and he remembered.
"Let's go home instead," he suggested, and we walked back down the trail together. No fight, no fuss.