----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2002 8:29
AM
Subject: Re: [RC] [RC] head
flipping
Hi Folks: I have used a cropper and a breast
collar to secure the saddle in relatively the same position. There has not
been any discussion on what the rider is doing on the
downhill's or the uphill sections of trail. I try to put my weight on the back
end going downhill and towards the head on the uphill sections and try to go
with the horse et al. I try not to be just a passenger.
Just my humble thoughts on the matter, along with
lots of uphill and downhill training, which does not have to be long or steep
in the beginning. After the initial training I found that it was possible to
do much of the uphill& downhill sections at a very brisk pace if
trail conditions allowed.
HTH
Steven
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2002 9:19
AM
Subject: Re: [RC] [RC] head
flipping
I agree that if the horse just does it in
certain situations (ie going downhill, etc) to look for a source of
discomfort.
My arab Gabriel has always head-flipped.
I've had him for 3 yrs and am still trying to figure out why he does
it. He can be out in the pasture and I see him do it. Some rides
he does, some rides he doesn't (often he doesn't when he's really relaxed or
when he's really focused like at an endurance ride). He seems to do it
the most when I'm leading him off the property to go for a ride (leaving his
buddies) or as I lead him in when we're done (I'm not going fast
enough). It seems to be an attitude thing alot of the time, when he's
letting me know he isn't completely happy with something.
He is a really good about trying to communicate
with me, so I try to always figure out what he's trying to say. But
the head-flipping is the hardest for me since it happens so frequently and
in many situations.
Kathy &
Gabriel
