Re: RC: any help on "race brain" in an Arab. After 28 miles he still had it!

[DreamWeaver <nvrider@home.com>]

At 04:39 PM 08/22/2001 -0700, you wrote:
>Ethel Cain ecain@domans.com
>Any suggestions as to how to get my Arab's attention during his race brain
>mode.  Just wants to gallop the whole race even after 28 miles.  It is a
>fight.  What do people suggest to get his attention!  Also, has anyone had
>any experience with calming products on the market. Using a mild curb bit
>on him.  When he is not competing in the endurance rides he is great.  An
>exceptionally fast walker though.
>Thanks for any help!!

Hi Ethel:  We could use a bit more information.  How much experience does 
your horse have -- is he just starting to do his first few 50's? Since you 
mentioned 28 miles, I'm assuming you are riding 50 miles and not a 30 mile 
LD?  What kind of ride are you taking him on?  Is it flat, or mountainous 
terrain?  How old is he?

When you say he just wants to gallop, is he trying to run away with 
you?  Are you able to control his rate of speed even though you can't 
control which gear (gait) he is in?  Are you using a martingale of any sort 
on him?  Have you ridden him in group situations before?  Have you done any 
arena work with him?

I can give you some advice in the meantime, at least I can tell you what 
worked for me with my head-strong horse.  If he wouldn't listen I would 
simply get of and walk.  Make sure it's safe first.  Don't start with the 
group, wait till everybody leaves or start out leading down the 
trail.  I've done that and actually led my idiot on foot one time for two 
hours before getting on.  I lost count how many circles he ran around me, 
but I think he probably did about double the mileage that day. After that 
though, boy he learned that when I got off and went to lead him, that we 
weren't going to go any faster until he settled down.  I didn't want to 
gallop, and he didn't want to walk.  So we both settled for a trot.

Think patience.  When you are walking down the trail, tell yourself that if 
you were a doctor you'd be so rich because of all the patience you have!

One other thing that you might find helpful is to find a friend to ride 
with that has an experienced horse.  Then ride a ride or two with 
them.   Sometimes it helps the inexperienced horse to hang out with a more 
mature, laid back horse that isn't acting excited, and is happy trotting at 
a consistent speed.  The problem with this is sometimes the new horse 
starts to get too attached and then suffers separation anxiety.  You just 
have to judge how you think your horse will handle it mentally.

I can't comment on any type of calming product.  I don't think those things 
are allowed, but I guess it depends on what is in them.  Try more training 
first.

Happy Trails,

Karen
in NV