Re: RC: Show and Tell

[Jim Holland <lanconn@tds.net>]

CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com wrote:
> 
> In a message dated Mon, 6 Aug 2001  8:13:37 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Jim Holland <lanconn@tds.net> writes:
> 
> > His training also including lots of "camping out", and we "ran" with
> > other horses on the trail at speed to get used to being excited, then
> > calming down and getting used to being "left behind".  I insisted on
> > impecable manners, both on the ground and in the saddle. There were many
> > "altercations", but you can deal with a "learning moment" better here
> > than (almost impossible) during a ride.
> >
> > For example, if you're riding behind another horse and the other horse
> > trots off, what does your horse do?  Pick up the trot, too, right?  You
> > should NEVER allow this.  What if the horse in front of you bolts and
> > runs away?  Would you want your horse to bolt and run away, too? If you
> > didn't ASK for the trot, then he should continue to walk.  How about
> > when TWO or THREE horses trot off?  This drill is difficult for a horse
> > to learn...because it's against his nature.  But when the other horses
> > CANTER off and your horse continues to walk, you are there.....he will
> > WAIT for the cue. I don't think I need to expound on the value of this
> > during an Endurance Ride. Believe me, it you're consistent, and do it
> > properly, he may get excited and may pull on you asking to go, but he
> > will listen....his mind is too conditioned to do anything else. "Don't
> > do nothin' without checkin' with Da Boss first!"
> 
> Jim, I think this passage should be tattooed on everyone's forehead!!  FAR too many young endurance horses are WELL-conditioned and very fit but are NOT at all well-trained!  And therein lies the problem for many of them...
> 
> Heidi
> 
Heidi, As I'm sure you know, physical condition is also impacted by a
lack of mental conditioning. A horse than has learned to control his
emotions, listen, and is always looking for your guidance burns far less
energy than an upset, apprehensive horse.  A calm horse is more likely
to eat and drink and take care of himself. That's true with ME!  I worry
so much about having "done my homework" before a ride that my stomach is
upset and I can't sleep.  I'm sure the horses experience this to a much
greater degree.  The more self-assured and confident the horse is in you
as a leader, the less stessful it is to him.

Jim, Sun of Dimanche, and Mahada Magic (who has a way to go in this
area)