Re: Training a uncoordinated 6year old on downhills

["Sarah McIntosh" <smcintos@rapidnet.net>]

I had the same problem with my 9 year old Arab, who had never done hills
(and I mean we have HILLS :-))
She was not safe to ride down the steep hills in the beginning, and the
saddle was slipping forward quite badly, so for the first while I would get
off and walk her very slowly down the hill, teaching her to stop quite
frequently, so she was under control of her legs, not just madly charging
down the hill.  I started using britching, which helped quite a bit.  AFter
a while, I started riding her down the steep parts, but making her halt
every 20 steps or so.  Let her relax for 30 sec. or so, give her a piece of
carrot to reward her for stopping.  Now she is getting quite light and stops
quite easily going down hills.  I had to teach her how to handle herself as
she was quite scared and chargy in the beginning on the downhills. Now she
has a lot more confidence and continues to improve.  Take it slowly and keep
practicing!

Regards,

Sarah & Saffy
Abbotsford, BC
Canada