Re: RC: Bitting Question - Trail vs Dressage Usage

[Sheila <tondi313@yahoo.com>]

> Ruth wrote:
> 
> Nonetheless, I am fearful he is becoming confused
> with the switching -
> signals, feel/pressure, etc. - of bits. How does one
> switch bits - back and
> forth - between trail and dressage work, without
> confusing one's horse? 

Ruth,

It's more about your seat, than the bit.  I have a hot
gelding and if he is unwilling to pay attention to my
requests and if he is raring to go, go, go, I take him
to a hill and work his legs off.  I don't hang on his
mouth, cause I don't want him to get a tough mouth.  I
also have been known to pass up going home and keep
him out there for several more hard hours.  This has
been the most sobering thing for him.  The next time I
take him out, he is an angel, cause he doesn't know
how long I am going to keep him out there.  
> 

Tracey wrote:
> Just be aware of how your horse responds to the
> "lever" action of a curb
> bit, as they can tend to "back off" of them.  You
> need a very light hand and
> a whole lot of leg.
> 
I agree with this wholeheartedly.  I want a forward
moving horse on a light contact.  If I can't get that
on the trail, I will work for months(or however long
it takes) on it in an arena until I get it.  Then we
try again, on the trail.
> 

An endurance horse isn't made by slapping on a set of
"brakes" and running their legs off on the trail. 
It's important to take the time to develop a
pleasurable mount and that is where CTR is useful for
both the new horse and new rider.  Put that together
with dressage (classical) lessons and riding with an
experienced group of people, where possible.

I feel lucky to have taken a Kal Kan candidate to a
top ten endurance gelding that is tough, a joy to ride
and he takes excellent care of himself out on the
trail (drinks every time, eats, pees, rests, doesn't
waste any energy).  That all comes with time.  He is
now 14 and ready to move into multis and 100's.  I, of
course, can't wait...

Happy riding!

She



=====
She

"Dance like noone's watching."

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