Re: RC: Re: trot, trot, trot

[Merryben@aol.com]

How about you experienced folks share the correct way and maybe more importantly the common mistakes you see when folks trot out and show BC?  

Not that I have a lot of experience with 4 BC's in 8,000 miles but I have a lot of experience crewing for people who win a lot of BC's, as in Rio and Khazen for a few.

Practice this after every ride so your horse can do it by himself if necessary.

Trot straight out FAST.   DON'T EVER LOOK BACK AT YOUR HORSE.  When you turn to look, he stops or at the very least hesitates.  Watch other people.

Stop.

Turn.

Stop.

Trot back.

Trot in a BIG circle.

Stop.

Turn.

Stop.

Trot in the other directions.

Stop.

The reason for all the stops is because if you have watched a person who doesn't stop you will notice that the poor horse is not ready to change directions and more often than not, stops trotting, stumbles, and worse, looks lame whether he is or not.  Small circles have the same problem.  The horse is constantly turning on a circle and the smaller the circle, the harder it is to trot.

Watch other people to learn right and wrong ways.  If you get a chance, watch Becky Hart, Heather Bergantz and Lari Shea.  They do it right.

Remember, even a great horse can look bad if not shown properly.  And have a clean, sparkling horse with clean feet and a nice halter.  The overall picture does not hurt and neatness counts......maryben