With regard to the cowboy, and someone’s comment upthread about “feel” being harder to teach than following basic instruction…
I’ve found that the cowboy types are all about that (at least those I’ve worked with). BUT, it really takes an interest and willingness from the rider to slow down and break things down to the very smallest detail and many people wouldn’t want to do that because they are about moving up the levels following the traditional system. And that’s fine if you are happy with what you are doing.
The one cowboy I’m referring to, in talking about the rein aids, he taught usage of the reins in such a way as to not compress the vertebrae or ride in a blocking or backward manner.
I found that type of
