Re: RC: Crossing water question

[Trailrite@aol.com]

In a message dated 4/18/00 1:52:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
eyler@mindspring.com writes:

<< Why does he perceive a long, narrow (6"-10" wide) stream of water
 differently than either a creek or a puddle?
 
 Cindy >>

    I think, or should I say feel, that most horses react this way.  My 
question is why do most riders insist that their horse steps in these small 
streams?
    A trainers worst enemy is time.  If your in a rush then it seems things 
go bad.  If the footing is questionable then I usually ask the horse to calm 
down (even if this takes a long time).   Then I see if the horse would like a 
drink out of this stream.  Sometimes I don't ask the horse to cross the 
stream but to go either up or down the steam in the bottom area.  Even though 
the horse will not touch the water as least we are close to it.  I then 
either turn the horse around and continue to the other side of the stream.
    I also feel that sometimes (but not always) the horse sees these streams 
and starts to anticipate a conflict between rider and these crossings.  If 
every time you come to these crossings and make a "no big deal" out of it, 
then you should have nothing but progress in the attitude of your horse 
crossing them.
    I'm not sure why horses react to small water crossing, but my feeling is 
they are not sure how deep the water part is ... just a thought.

Tammy Robinson
Trail-Rite Ranch & Products
661/513-9269