|
> I
have a mare that tosses her head once in a while it isn't that big of a deal but
when she does she flips the reins over her head and at a trot or lope it could
be dangerous. I think she does it to play or something
My Arab gelding
Gabby (aka Gavilan) does this too; it's a play habit. He does it when he's bored
or is with favorite buds that he wants to show off around.
Gab loves to
toss the right rein up and catch it between his ears, then look around to show
us riders how clever he is. He's a clown in a horse suit, and while he can be
hot he's easy to control, so I don't worry about it being dangerous. Sometimes I
ignore the rein-between-my-ears look he gives me over his shoulder, and **then**
he pretends he's going to run away with me -- his feet go faster but he doesn't
move any faster -- "I've got the rein -- 'm gonna bolt - better stop me
now! I mean it -- I'm gonna bolt!"... I wish I was putting words in his
mouth, but the goofball loves playing.
Martingales
are a hassle... He likes to test the rein length before he tosses, swings
it just a little, and it's a subtle but absolute give away that he's
thinking of launching it over his head..I also watch for the ear wiggle ("is she
paying attention?") and set-up posture (right shoulder forward cause he looks
back over his left shoulder once he's snatched the rein), and when I feel him
get ready to toss, I snake the right rein, the one he throws - back
and forth fast - and tell him to not think about it.
I'm as bad as he
is... he's being a goof and sometimes I play stupid and let him do it over and
over so that I can laugh at him. Can't help it, he cracks me up! I can ride
him either single or double rein (I ride him in a lead rope and halter fairly
often) so I don't let it bother me too much.
I also avoid it by
doing lead changes, gait changes and other indirect ways to distract him -
a circle on the haunches is good because it's a drag for him but always good to
practice, even if I'm at a trot or lope. If I circle him each time he
sets up to toss a rein, he becomes a good boy fast. If I get into a
fight about it or let him push my button, he's more
persistent..
Good
luck
Linda Cowles
Horse 'N
Hound
New,
Consigned & Used Tack
9155 North State St. #13,
Redwood Valley, CA 95470
EASY access with Hwy 101
frontage!
Shop:
707-485-0347
Fax: 707-485-0453
| 