----- 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
